Does Ohio require a home care surety bond?

Yes. Ohio requires a surety bond of $20,000. A new nonmedical license applicant that was not providing direct care when ORC 3740 took effect must post a $20,000 surety bond from a company licensed in Ohio. Skilled home health license applicants post $50,000.

For the license itself, see Ohio home care agency licensing.

What is the difference between a surety bond and a fidelity bond?

A surety bond guarantees to the state or a payer that your agency will follow the rules or repay what it owes. A fidelity or employee dishonesty bond protects clients if a caregiver steals from them. Clients and referral sources often ask for the second even where the state requires neither.

What should you confirm with the state?

Companion-only services aren't named in the state's definition of nonmedical home health services; confirm with the Ohio Department of Health whether a companion-only agency needs a license. Agencies certified by the Ohio Department of Aging for Medicaid have separate training rules.