The private nonprofit home health agency: an exploratory essay

Despite a history that coincides with the medicare-funded home health program the private nonprofit (PNP) home health agency does not appear to have been the focus of any extensive or objective examination. Herein that task is undertaken. First, the PNP is positioned within the context of the other four nonprofit provider forms comprising home health's "third sector." These are the voluntary nonprofit, the combination agency, the institution-based nonprofit, and the sectarian nonprofit. Second, the principal attributes characterizing the PNP ethos are described. Third, the criticism received by PNP's over the lat decade is briefly reviewed. Fourth, the major past and present trends in the growth and distribution of PNP's are charted. Fifth, the three pathways to PNP formation are looked at. These are incorporation, conversion, and transition of nonprofit auspice. Sixth, the major rationales for PNP development are considered. Lastly it is observed that the PNP may serve as an object lesson to other nonprofit providers endeavoring to reach an accord with a seemingly anti-nonprofit health care environment.