What happens if attaining skilled licensure in a state is delayed for a BrightStar Care franchise?
Brightstar_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You need not have experience in the healthcare industry before acquiring your Agency franchise. You initially must obtain whatever licensure is required to perform Companion and Personal inhome care services in your state. Once you achieve $15,000/week in weekly revenue (although we make no representation how long this will take or whether it will occur as this relates to a unique combination of territory, competition, salesperson performance, national accounts opportunities, and operational execution by you) or have been open for one year (whichever occurs first), you must apply for Joint Commission Accreditation and, within 6 months following application for Accreditation, obtain Accreditation as well as licensure that enables you to perform the full BrightStar Care business model. If attaining skilled licensure in your state is delayed due to unpreventable administrative licensing issues at the state licensing authority, then an additional period of time not to exceed 6 months post-skilled license issuance will be allowed to obtain Joint Commission Accreditation. You must maintain your licenses and Joint Commission Accreditation in good standing while adhering to all rules, standards and regulations of your licenses and accreditation throughout the Franchise Agreement's term, including paying all licensure and accreditation dues and fees on time. The majority of our current franchisees have no prior healthcare industry experience. You should investigate the availability in your state of all required licenses before acquiring our franchise.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to BrightStar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee typically must apply for Joint Commission Accreditation within one year of opening or upon reaching $15,000 in weekly revenue, and then obtain Accreditation within 6 months of applying, along with the necessary licensure to perform the full BrightStar Care business model. This requirement ensures that franchisees meet certain quality and service standards to align with the BrightStar Care brand.
However, if there are delays in obtaining the required skilled licensure due to administrative issues at the state licensing authority, BrightStar Care allows an additional period of time, not exceeding 6 months after the skilled license is issued, to obtain Joint Commission Accreditation. This flexibility acknowledges that franchisees may face circumstances beyond their control when dealing with state regulatory processes.
It is important for prospective BrightStar Care franchisees to investigate the licensing requirements in their specific state before acquiring the franchise. The FDD emphasizes that franchisees are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including healthcare and employment-related permits and licenses. This due diligence is crucial, as franchisees cannot operate without the necessary licenses, and delays in obtaining them could impact their ability to offer the full range of BrightStar Care services.