Durable medical equipment and supply dealers that bill the Medicare program are required to meet federal minimum standards. Each dealer is liable for its personnel and the services provided to patients. Registries Registries serve as employment agencies for home care nurses and aides by matching these providers with clients and collecting finder's fees. These organizations may or may not be licensed or regulated by government. Although not legally required to, some registries offer procedures for patients to file complaints.
Clients select and supervise the work of a registry-referred provider.
They also pay the provider directly and must comply with all applicable state and federal labor, health, and safety laws and regulations, including payroll tax and social security withholding requirements. Independent Providers Independent providers are nurses, therapists, aides, homemakers and chore workers, and companions who are privately employed by individuals who need such services. Aides, homemakers, chore workers, and companions are not required to be licensed or to meet government standards except in cases where they receive state funding. In this arrangement, the responsibility for recruiting, hiring, and supervising the provider rests with the client. Finding back-up care in the event that the provider fails to report to work or fulfill job requirements is the client's responsibility.