Health care is changing. In the past, patients would go to the hospital for their care and return home once discharged. However, now there are options for patients to receive care in their homes. Home health agencies provide nursing, therapy, and social work services to patients in their homes.

What Are The Benefits of Using a Home Health Agency?

There are many benefits of receiving care from a home health agency, including:

• Convenience. Using the services provided by a home health agency is more convenient for patients. They do not have to travel to receive care and can be seen in the comfort of their own homes.
• Coordinated care. Home health agencies can coordinate care so patients receive the services they need from various disciplines. This coordinated care can lead to better overall outcomes for patients.
• Respite care. Finally, home health agencies can provide support to caregivers who are caring for loved ones at home.

When choosing a home health agency, however, you need to make sure they have HHA certification.

What Is HHA Certification?

In order to ensure that home health agencies provide high-quality patient care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have developed guidelines for a certification process. Each state, however, has its own set of qualification standards for HHA certification. Agencies must meet these standards in order to be certified.

What Standards Does HHA Certification Typically Include?

While each state sets its own standards, they are guided by the recommendation of the CMS. Standards for HHA certification include:

• Provider qualifications
• Patient rights and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
• Patient assessment
• Care planning
• Infection control

Additionally, agencies must complete periodic inspections and recertification to maintain their certification.

Why Is HHA Certification Important?

HHA certification is important because it guarantees that patients will receive high-quality care from trained professionals. When choosing a home health agency, patients and their families can be assured that the agency has met all of the necessary requirements set forth by CMS and their state. This certification process also government oversight and monitoring of home health agencies so that immediate action can be taken if any problems arise.

If you are looking for high-quality care for you or a loved one, consider using the services of a home health agency certified by your state. With convenient, coordinated care and respite support, you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands. To learn more about HHA certification and its requirements in your state, speak with an experienced home health agency today.