What Is a Nurse Registry and How Is It Different from a Home Health Agency?
If you or a loved one needs nursing care at home, you may have come across two terms: nurse registry and home health agency. They sound similar, but they operate very differently — and understanding the distinction can help you make a more informed decision about your care.
At Gulfside Living Healthcare Services, we are a nurse registry currently completing the Florida licensing process. Here is what that means and why it matters.
What Is a Nurse Registry?
A nurse registry is a licensed referral agency that connects clients and facilities with independent contractor nurses — including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Home Health Aides (HHAs), and Companions.
The key word is independent contractor. The registry does not employ the nurses it refers. Instead, it acts as a matchmaker — verifying credentials, maintaining compliance, and referring qualified nurses to those in need of care. The nurse works directly with the client and their physician.
In Florida, nurse registries are licensed and regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) under Chapter 400, Part IV, Florida Statutes.
What Is a Home Health Agency?
A home health agency directly employs its nurses and caregivers as W-2 employees. The agency directs and supervises care, sets the schedule, and is responsible for the clinical oversight of all services provided in the home. Medicare-certified home health agencies can bill Medicare for skilled nursing visits, therapy, and other services under a physician-ordered plan of care.
Key Differences at a Glance
Employment status: Nurse registries refer independent contractors. Home health agencies employ their nurses directly.
Direction of care: With a registry, the nurse and physician direct care. With an agency, the agency supervises and directs care.
Flexibility: Registries often provide more flexibility in scheduling and nurse selection. Clients may request a specific nurse and build an ongoing relationship with that individual.
Billing: Registries typically do not bill Medicare for skilled nursing visits. Services are generally private pay or billed through other arrangements. Home health agencies may bill Medicare if certified.
Licensing: Both must be licensed by AHCA in Florida, but under different categories and regulations.
Why Choose a Nurse Registry?
A nurse registry may be the right choice if you are looking for continuity of care — the ability to work with the same nurse consistently. Or if you need flexibility — scheduling on your terms without agency-imposed limitations. If you need specialized skills, a registry can connect you with nurses who have specific expertise such as infusion therapy, PICC line care, wound care, or post-surgical support. And if a direct relationship matters to you, a registry provides a vetted professional who knows your case personally.
About Gulfside Living Healthcare Services
Gulfside Living Healthcare Services is a nurse registry serving Southwest Florida — including Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties. We specialize in connecting clients and referring physicians with qualified nurses for home infusion therapy, PICC and port care, biologic infusions, post-surgical nursing, and general home care support.
We are currently completing the Florida nurse registry licensing process and will be fully operational upon licensure. If you have questions or would like to be notified when we launch, contact us at (941) 248-3816 or visit gulfsidelivinghealthcare.com.
