Two different kinds of permission
A professional license lets an individual clinician practice their profession. A business, facility or program license lets an organization operate a particular kind of healthcare service at a particular location. Many healthcare businesses need both, and having one never substitutes for the other.
What business licensing can involve
- A state license for the specific program or facility type
- Separate approvals for each location, and sometimes each program
- Local requirements such as zoning, occupancy, fire and building approvals
- Inspections before or after a license is issued
- New filings for changes of ownership, address, name or services
Plan the order of steps
Requirements vary widely by state and program, and some steps depend on others: a site may need approval before a license application, and a license may be needed before payer enrollment. Map the sequence for your state before setting an opening date.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or instructions for a specific payer, state or accreditor. Requirements change; always confirm against the current official source.