Who is responsible for purchasing software necessary to meet state-specific requirements for a Brightstar Care franchise?

According to Brightstar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for purchasing software necessary to meet state-specific requirements. Specifically, the franchisee must purchase any software required to comply with state program requirements or business segments unique to their location or state. This means that if a state has specific software mandates for operating a home care agency, the Brightstar Care franchisee bears the cost of acquiring that software.

This requirement places a financial burden on the franchisee, as these software solutions can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on the state's requirements and the complexity of the software needed. It is important for prospective franchisees to research the specific software requirements in their state and factor those costs into their initial investment and ongoing operating expenses.

Furthermore, Brightstar Care retains the right to modify the required software and systems. Franchisees are obligated to install, update, or replace any equipment or software related to the ABS (BrightStar Technology's Agency Business System) as directed by Brightstar Technology. This includes any modifications or improvements to the system. Franchisees are also responsible for all costs and expenses not covered by the Monthly ABS and Email Service Fee. This means that franchisees need to be prepared for potential future software upgrades or changes that could incur additional costs.

In summary, while Brightstar Care provides a core technology system, franchisees must independently cover the costs of any additional software mandated by their state. They must also stay current with updates and modifications to the core system, bearing any associated expenses. This aspect should be carefully considered when evaluating the overall financial investment required to operate a Brightstar Care franchise.