FAQs for the Bureau of Health Facilities Administration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to apply for licensure to provide in-home care and services to my mother and father?
2. If I sell my licensed health facility can the new owner take assignment of my license?
3. As an independent practitioner in private practice who wishes to be certified for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, is a NH health facilities license required?
4. What is the difference between a Community Residence and a Residential Care Facility?
5. Can I apply for state licensure and Medicare/Medicaid certification at the same time?
6. I have successfully acquired a health facility license. When can I appropriately bill Medicare or Medicaid for client services?

Questions & Answers:
1. Do I have to apply for licensure to provide in-home care and services to my mother and father?	Back to top
State licensure is not required for: Facilities maintained or operated for the sole benefit of persons related to the owner or manager by blood or marriage within the third degree of consanguinity.

2. If I sell my licensed health facility can the new owner take assignment of my license?	Back to top
Licenses shall be issued only for the premises and persons named in the application and are not transferable or assignable.

3. As an independent practitioner in private practice who wishes to be certified for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, is a NH health facilities license required?	Back to top
Generally no, a NH practitioner's license will suffice. However, if "walk-in" health services are provided to the public, licensure as an Outpatient Clinic may be required. It is best to contact BHFA and outline the services that you plan to provide.

4. What is the difference between a Community Residence and a Residential Care Facility?	Back to top
Residential care facilities do not require health facility licensure if they are operated for the continuing care of 3 or fewer persons and certified by the Commissioner of DHHS. Entities providing personal care support and services beyond room and board to 2 or more individuals are required to be licensed as Residential Care Facilities.

5. Can I apply for state licensure and Medicare/Medicaid certification at the same time?	Back to top
Yes, however, the application forms and processes are separate and distinct. The state licensure application and guidelines will be provided and processed by the Health Facilities Administration's Licensure Program. Application for participation in the federal Medicare/Medicaid programs must be made directly to your fiscal intermediary with the submission of the CMS-855 application form. If your provider type requires licensure in NH, your certification authorization cannot proceed your date of licensure and your certification survey date.

6. I have successfully acquired a health facility license. When can I appropriately bill Medicare or Medicaid for client services?	Back to top
The certification date is the date when you can begin billing for services. The certification date is the authorized date provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the State Medicaid Agency (SMA). CMS or SMA issue certification authorizations following a successful on-site certification survey by BHFA. BHFA is the state survey agency authorized to make certification recommendations. The final exit date (EID) of a survey is usually the earliest a provider may bill for Medicare/Medicaid services.