Connecticut does not recognize or authorize the classic “nurse registry” or independent-contractor referral model used in states such as Florida. Instead, the state regulates home-based services through licensed home health agencies, homemaker–home health aide agencies (HHAA), and registered homemaker-companion agencies, overseen by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
This 1-hour course is designed to help owners, administrators, and individuals exploring the industry understand how to operate a caregiver-referral–style service within Connecticut’s legal framework. Learners will examine how Connecticut classifies and oversees home care, the differences between companion and homemaker-home health aide agencies, and the boundaries placed on non-medical service delivery. Key operational expectations—including worker classification, training, supervision, documentation, and consumer-protection requirements—are explained in practical terms.
To provide context, the course compares Connecticut’s model with more familiar arrangements such as licensed nurse registries in Florida and home care structures in other states (e.g., North Carolina). These comparisons help clarify why Connecticut requires an employment-based agency model, how the ABC Test restricts independent-contractor use, and why branding, advertising, and scope of services must be handled differently in this state.
Through scenarios and reflection questions, participants will explore best practices for contracts, advertising, caregiver screening and health clearance, documentation standards, and risk-management strategies. Special attention is given to recent regulatory and media scrutiny regarding agencies that exceed the limits of homemaker-companion registration by delivering higher-acuity or medical-adjacent services. By the end of the course, learners will understand how to operate safely, legally, and effectively within Connecticut’s structured home care system.
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
(former Independently Employed CNA)
A certificate and an official state record are issued upon successful completion.
Developed By: Scott Strachan RN BSN
Course Details
• Target Audience: Current and prospective owners, administrators, managers, and consultants of Connecticut home care businesses, including homemaker-companion agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies.
• Contact Hours: 1.0
• Teaching Method: Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.
Learner Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the core features of Connecticut’s homemaker-companion and homemaker-home health aide agency models and how they differ from Florida nurse registries and other state structures.
Explain how Connecticut’s ABC test and regulatory expectations impact the use of independent contractors versus employees in caregiver referral-style businesses.
Identify at least five best practices for operating a Connecticut companion or homemaker-home health aide agency, including scope-of-service limits, caregiver screening and communicable disease controls, training, documentation, and marketing language that accurately reflects the business model.
Disclosure
The author and planners of this educational activity report no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests. No commercial support was received for the development of this course.
Disclaimer
This course is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Owners and administrators are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel, accountants, and regulatory experts regarding their specific business operations and compliance obligations in Connecticut and any other state in which they operate.