Before you hire an Ohio home care agency, ask for its Ohio Department of Health license type and number, confirm it runs the background checks Ohio law requires, look up its NPI in the federal registry, ask who supervises caregivers, and ask how missed shifts are covered. A good agency answers all five plainly.
1. License
Ohio requires home health agencies to hold a Skilled or Nonmedical Home Health Services license from the Ohio Department of Health. Ask for the license type and number. Licensing questions can go to the department at DQAClearinghouse@odh.ohio.gov.
2. Background checks
Ohio Revised Code 3740.11 says no home health agency may employ someone in a direct-care position if required database reviews or a criminal records check disqualify them. Ask how and when the agency runs these checks.
3. NPI
Agencies that bill health plans have a National Provider Identifier. You can look one up in the CMS NPI Registry to confirm the name and that the record is active.
4. Supervision
Ask who supervises the caregiver, how often they check in, and who you call if something is wrong.
5. Scheduling and backup
Ask how shifts are scheduled, what happens if a caregiver is sick, and how much notice either side gives to change hours. Get costs in writing before care starts.
Common questions
Where do I check an Ohio agency's license?
Ask the agency for its license type and number, and direct questions to the Ohio Department of Health at DQAClearinghouse@odh.ohio.gov.
- Ohio Department of Health, Home Health Agency Licensure
- Ohio Revised Code 3740.11, Criminal records check
- CMS NPI Registry search
General information for Ohio families, not legal or medical advice and not a promise of coverage. Rules change; check the sources.