Thinking About Starting a Healthcare Business?

A Regulatory Readiness Checklist for Home Care Startups in PA, NJ, and DE

How to Use This Guide

This checklist is designed to help healthcare entrepreneurs assess readiness before submitting an

application for licensure. Answer each item honestly. If you select Not Sure more than three times, your application is at risk of delay or denial.

Section 1: Are You Applying for the Right License?

☐ I have confirmed whether my business is an agency, registry, staffing company, or training institute.

☐ I understand the difference between medical and non-medical services.

☐ I know which state agency regulates my business in my state.

☐ My business model matches the license I intend to apply for.

Common Pitfall: Applying for the wrong license type is one of the fastest ways to lose months—and

money.

Section 2: What Must Exist Before You Apply

☐ My business entity is properly formed and registered.

☐ I have a qualified Administrator/Director meeting state requirements.

☐ I have written policies and procedures aligned with state regulations.

☐ I understand staffing ratios and credentialing expectations.

☐ I have required background checks and clearance processes.

Section 3: State-Level Reality Check

Pennsylvania (PA DOH – Title 28)

☐ I understand Title 28 requirements for home care agencies.

☐ I have policies addressing patient rights, complaints, and incidents.

☐ I understand inspection and survey expectations.

Delaware (DHSS / DHCQ – 16 Del. Admin. Code 4402)

☐ I meet the Administrator qualifications.

☐ I have infection control and quality assurance policies.

☐ I understand DHCQ survey readiness standards.

New Jersey (NJ DOH)

☐ I understand CHHA/CNA alignment requirements.

☐ I meet supervisory and training expectations.

☐ I have documentation ready for licensure review.

Section 4: Top 10 Reasons Applications Get Delayed or Denied

1. Incomplete or incorrect application

2. Wrong license type

3. Missing or non-compliant policies

4. Administrator does not meet qualifications

5. Inadequate staffing plan

6. Poor documentation structure

7. No quality assurance framework

8. Failure to understand survey expectations

9. Inconsistent business information

10. Applying before readiness

Section 5: Self-Assessment Summary

Yes: _____

No: _____

Not Sure: _____

If Not Sure > 3, pause your application.

Section 6: When You Need Professional Help

You should seek professional compliance support if: 

• You are applying in PA, DE, or NJ for the first time. 
• You are unsure about policies or administrator qualifications 
•  You cannot confidently pass a mock survey

Next Steps

HHG Healthcare Consulting LLC provides: - Group Compliance Strategy Sessions - Licensing & Regulatory

Readiness Packages - Ongoing Compliance Retainers

Click the button below to join the next Group Compliance Strategy Session or to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.