Offices in residences/non-related sites
In some cases, practitioner offices are located in residences or other non-related business sites. Priority Health works to ensure that these sites
meet specific standards in order to comply with existing access and confidentiality standards.
Non-traditional office sites must meet several additional standards, due to their unique physical properties. In addition, the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) requires that these non-traditional sites are in compliance with the same regulations that apply to other practice sites.
The ultimate goal is to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for health care.
Standards for offices in residences and non-traditional sites
Offices in residences and other non-related business sites must comply to the following standards.
- A designated office site must be used as a "single purpose" space during established business hours to maintain patient confidentiality.
- A designated office site must be in compliance with local zoning requirements for businesses, and this will be verified as a part of the credentialing process.
- A designated office site must have a dedicated entrance and waiting area and cannot share common space with others (business or residential).
There must be a physical separation from other areas not used for business purposes.
- Providers with an office site in a residence, church, or another facility, which serves another function, must demonstrate that they carry
general liability insurance in addition to professional liability insurance.
Monitoring and compliance
Priority Health will initiate a required pre-credentialing visit for all sites located in a residence or within a facility serving another function (for example, a church).
