What should a prospective Brightstar Care franchisee investigate before acquiring the franchise?

According to the 2025 Brightstar Care FDD, a prospective franchisee should investigate the availability of all required licenses in their state before acquiring the franchise. Brightstar Care emphasizes that franchisees cannot operate without the necessary licenses. These licenses may include a home health agency license, a nurse staffing and/or employment agency license, and Joint Commission Accreditation.

Brightstar Care also mentions that some states have imposed a moratorium on issuing certain healthcare licenses or permits, such as home health agency licenses and nurse staffing licenses. If a new license is not obtainable, the FDD suggests the possibility of acquiring a previously-issued license from an existing provider who no longer needs it. However, Brightstar Care cannot predict the costs associated with acquiring such a license.

Furthermore, the FDD indicates that franchisees are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements related to their Brightstar Care agency. While Brightstar Care provides resources as a reference, the ultimate responsibility lies with the franchisee. This includes creating state-specific versions of required policies and procedures that meet or exceed Brightstar Care brand standards and Joint Commission requirements.

In summary, before investing in a Brightstar Care franchise, prospective franchisees must conduct thorough due diligence regarding licensing requirements and the regulatory landscape in their specific state to ensure they can legally operate the business.