How to Start a Hospice Agency in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a hospice agency in California can be a rewarding venture, but it is also one of the most heavily regulated and complex healthcare services to establish. From obtaining the proper licenses to becoming a Medicare-certified provider, each step requires detailed attention to federal and state requirements. That’s why hiring an experienced consulting company from the very beginning is absolutely essential to your success.
At HealthBridge Consulting, we specialize in building hospice agencies from the ground up. We guide you through the entire process A-to-Z, helping you stay compliant with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) licensing, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) enrollment, accreditation preparation, operations setup, billing procedures, software integration, and staff training.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to start your hospice agency in California:
Step 1: Obtain Your License from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
This is your first and most crucial step. You must submit a complete licensing application to CDPH, which includes policies, operational documents, and administrative forms. CDPH will conduct a survey of your agency before issuing a license. We help you prepare every document needed, guide you through CDPH requirements, and prepare you for the survey.
Step 2: Enroll in the Medicare Program
After receiving your state license, you can begin the CMS Medicare enrollment process. This involves submitting a detailed application, financial documentation, organizational charts, and more. Our experts assist with compiling and submitting the application, ensuring accuracy and compliance to avoid costly delays.
Step 3: Choose an Accreditation Organization
CMS requires your agency to be accredited by a national accrediting body such as CHAP, ACHC, or The Joint Commission. This organization will survey your hospice before CMS issues a provider number. We help you select the right accrediting body, prepare your documentation, and train your staff to pass the accreditation survey successfully.
Step 4: Undergo Accreditation Survey
Once you're ready, your chosen accreditation organization will perform an on-site survey. You must be fully operational and compliant with both state and federal standards. We will conduct mock surveys, correct documentation gaps, and prepare your staff for surveyor questions.
Step 5: Receive Your Medicare Provider Number
After successful accreditation, CMS will finalize your enrollment and issue your Medicare provider number. This number allows you to begin billing for hospice services.
We ensure you're ready to start serving patients and billing Medicare from day one.
Why You Need a Trusted Consultant
Each of these steps is complex and requires technical knowledge in healthcare compliance, policy creation, billing, and operations. HealthBridge Consulting provides:
CDPH licensing assistance
Medicare enrollment and guidance
Accreditation support
Customized policies and procedures
Staff training and education
Software selection and billing setup
Ongoing compliance and operational consulting
We don’t just guide you — we build your hospice agency with you. Our experience, attention to regulatory detail, and commitment to your success make HealthBridge Consulting the right partner for this journey.
Ready to Start?
Let’s build your hospice agency — the right way, from the start. Contact HealthBridge Consulting today and take the first step toward becoming a Medicare-certified hospice provider in California.
This guide is provided by HealthBridge Consulting, a full-service healthcare consulting firm specializing in hospice startup, compliance, and Medicare enrollment.
