Health Care | Nursing Home
Nursing Homes offer non-acute inpatient custodial and skilled care to individuals suffering from a disease, chronic condition, disability, advanced age, or terminal illness.
Nursing Homes are licensed by the Maryland Department of Health's Office of Health Care Quality and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Servcies' Office of Licensure & Regulatory Services. Medicare/Medicaid standards are maintained for nursing homes through unannounced on-site surveys, follow-up visits and complaint investigations.
Montgomery County Licenses must be renewed annually.
As of July 1, 2021 Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services no longer inspects Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities on behalf of the State of Maryland. Questions of concerns related to quality of care at a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility should be directed to the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality.
For assistance with services, email [email protected]
What is a Nursing Home?
A nursing home is a comprehensive care facility or extended care facility which offers non-acute inpatient care to residents who have a disease, chronic illness, condition, disability of advanced age, or terminal disease requiring maximal nursing care without continuous hospital services; and who require medical services and nursing services rendered by or under the supervision of a licensed nurse together with convalescent, restorative, or rehabilitative services.
Who must apply for a Nursing Home license?
Any person, corporation, governmental unit or agency intending to operate a Nursing Home must obtain a valid license from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure and Regulatory Services and the Maryland Department of Health - Office of Health Care Quality.
When must one obtain a license for a Nursing Home?
A license must be obtained from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure & Regulatory Services, before operating a nursing home. In addition, a license must be obtained prior to operating a Nursing Home from the Department of Health - Office of Health Care Quality- Long Term Care Unit.
How does a person, corporation or entity apply for and obtain approval to operate a Nursing Home?
County requirements: Download the Nursing Home application or apply online.
State requirements: Persons wanting to open a nursing home must contact the Office of Health Care Quality or call 410-402-8144 or 877-402-8219.
A Montgomery County license will not be issued until all State and County requirements are met.
Montgomery County Requirements (in addition to State requirements):
When all of your documentation has been received in its entirety and approved, a nurse surveyor from the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) will contact you to set up a paper review of your information. A site inspection will follow.
A Montgomery County license is issued for one year and must be renewed annually. Fire and environmental inspections are also required annually.
Nursing Home Process Guide
1. Apply Online
| Nursing Home Documentation | Format |
|---|---|
| Nursing Home License Application | Online, |
| Fire Permit for Montgomery County |
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services |
| Fire Permit for City of Gaithersburg |
City of Gaithersburg Permitting and Inspections |
| Fire Permit for City of Rockville |
City of Rockville Fire Protection Permits and Procedures |
2. Review
- Nursing Home Documentation: Remember to upload your current fire permit from the appropriate jurisdiction with your complete application.
- Review: be sure to double check all of your paperwork to ensure faster processing time.
- Submit online: DHHS is moving towards online documentation to decrease the impact on the environment. PDF applications should be mailed to Licensure & Regulatory Services office (2425 Reedie Drive, 9th floor, Wheaton, MD 20902) or faxed to 240-777-3088.
3. Approval
If approved you will hear back us within 10 - 14 business days.
- 240-777-3986
Helpful Nursing Home Resources
The links below will help in assisting in the completion of documentation required by Montgomery County DHHS and the State of Maryland to effectively run a Nursing Home.
Obtaining a Maryland State Health Care Facility License