How Do I Register a Health Care Service Firm in New Jersey?

To register your health care service firm in New Jersey, follow these five steps:

Step 1: Verify eligibility

A health care service firm (HCSF) is a business that refers or employs caregivers to provide in-home services to clients 60 years or older or have a disability. You must register your firm if your healthcare providers perform any of the following services:

• Companion: Non-medical supervision 
• Health care: Medical care and physical therapy (requires a licensed medical professional)
• Personal care: Assistance with daily tasks

Under New Jersey Statutes 26:2H-37, 79, licensed home health care agencies and hospices are exempt. 

Step 2: Purchase a surety bond

Most firms need a $10,000 surety bond to protect client funds if they file for bankruptcy or fail to provide prepaid health services. Purchase your New Jersey health care service firm bond instantly online for $100 now. 

If your HCSF has a net worth of $100,000+, you can submit a certified financial report rather than filing a surety bond. 

Step 3: Purchase insurance

You also need to purchase a general liability insurance policy with a minimum limit of $1 million. 

Step 4: Apply with the DOCA 

Complete the HCSF application online via the DOCA registration portal. You must file separately for each location and pay a $500 fee per application.

Include your business’ financial information, surety bond and certificate of insurance. Also provide proof of licensure for any health care practitioner supervisors, registered nurses or licensed physicians you employ. 

Step 5: Receive accreditation 

If your HCSF receives funding from state programs, such as Medicaid, you must be accredited. Within a year of registration, complete an accreditation program through an organization recognized by the Commissioner of Human Services.

How to Renew Your Health Care Service Firm Registration

New Jersey health care service firm registrations expire annually. Operating without renewing your registration incurs a fee of $500 per day. 

Submit the renewal application through the same DOCA online portal, including the following supporting documents:

• $500 fee
• Financial statement for the current fiscal year
• Proof of up-to-date surety bond and insurance policies
• Audit* 

*All firms receiving $250,000+ in Medicaid funding must submit an audit every third year completed by a state-licensed CPA. Firms generating over $10 million in gross income must also submit an annual audit. 

How to Register Your Health Care Service Firm as a Medicaid Provider

If your HCSF accepts Medicaid, you must register as a provider. Request an application packet on the New Jersey Medicaid Management Information System portal under “Home Health Agency.” Include your firm’s registration and the $730 application fee. 

Mail the packet, supporting documents and fee payment to the address below:

Division of Revenue

Lockbox 656

200 Woolverton Ave. Bldg. 20

Trenton, NJ 08646

Attention: Processing Bureau

Once approved by the DOR, you’ll receive a Medicaid provider number.