Licensing Requirements and Accreditation Affecting Long-Term Care
Licensing Requirements and Accreditation Affecting Long-Term Care
Michael E. Puckett
University of Phoenix
HCS/443
August 5, 2006
Licensing Requirements and Accreditation Affecting Long-Term Care The world of health care is changing from the needs of individuals due to changes in expectations of the health care organizations. One steady component of long-term care is the need for regulation in the industry that serves the public. Regulation is provided in several ways that includes licensing bodies, accreditation-granting entities, and state monitoring systems. The education and licensing of facilities, and those who work in long-term care have governance needs in order to protect the public served. In order to protect and serve the public, licensing, credentialing, monitoring, and receiving accreditation is not only desirable, but also needed for facilities, employees, and organizations.
Education and Licensure
Nursing Home Administrator Education and subsequent licensure of a Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) begins with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Home Administration or Health Care Administration. After graduation the he or she must complete 1000 hours of apprenticeship as an Administrator-in-training under the guidance of a currently licensed NHA (Florida Department of Health, n.d.). The next step is actual licensure after testing is completed and passed. In the state of Florida, testing for licensure is completed on a monthly basis after the required fees are paid (Agency for Health Care Administration, 2004a). The new administrator now has the responsibility upon employment to continue to work with ethical, and sound judgment to ensure the safety of individuals under his or her care. When a governing body, such as the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), questions safety or sanitation of a facility potential loss of license of the facility or the NHA could result (Agency for Health Care Administration, 2004b). The NHA could lose
Michael E. Puckett
University of Phoenix
HCS/443
August 5, 2006
Licensing Requirements and Accreditation Affecting Long-Term Care The world of health care is changing from the needs of individuals due to changes in expectations of the health care organizations. One steady component of long-term care is the need for regulation in the industry that serves the public. Regulation is provided in several ways that includes licensing bodies, accreditation-granting entities, and state monitoring systems. The education and licensing of facilities, and those who work in long-term care have governance needs in order to protect the public served. In order to protect and serve the public, licensing, credentialing, monitoring, and receiving accreditation is not only desirable, but also needed for facilities, employees, and organizations.
Education and Licensure
Nursing Home Administrator Education and subsequent licensure of a Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) begins with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Home Administration or Health Care Administration. After graduation the he or she must complete 1000 hours of apprenticeship as an Administrator-in-training under the guidance of a currently licensed NHA (Florida Department of Health, n.d.). The next step is actual licensure after testing is completed and passed. In the state of Florida, testing for licensure is completed on a monthly basis after the required fees are paid (Agency for Health Care Administration, 2004a). The new administrator now has the responsibility upon employment to continue to work with ethical, and sound judgment to ensure the safety of individuals under his or her care. When a governing body, such as the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), questions safety or sanitation of a facility potential loss of license of the facility or the NHA could result (Agency for Health Care Administration, 2004b). The NHA could lose