Starting a Home Health Agency

Because of the aging baby boomers, there is increasing demand for home health not only within our country but globally as well. A lot of people are securing their golden years and are investing their money in health instead of travel, house, cars, and other leisure.

If you are a person of vision, then this business is ripe for the taking. This business guide will show you it's worth your time.

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Here are the basic steps to start your home health agency.

  • Step 1: Put together a business plan.
    First access your own knowledge about the needs of the healthcare industry and the trends that govern it. Next, you list down possible resources both human and financial that can help you start your venture as well as possible home health agency competitors that can tear you down. Hire people who can conduct strength and weakness, opportunities and threats analysis of your business choice.
  • Step 2: Get experience if you don’t have any.
    Running your own agency can spell disaster if you are a rookie or simply clueless about it. Plus of course, considering that it’s costly to run it in a trial-and-error fashion which not only hurts your pockets but as well as your clients which you might lose forever to other agency competitors. Get a job and get your hands dirty. Learn how to run an agency you don’t own and how to make it work.
  • Step 3: Learn your state’s rules and regulations.
    Inquire thru the Department of Health and Human Services. Every state has different requirements. It is best that you deliberately ask for directions from the source of information. Since the health industry is constantly growing and expanding, rules and regulations change all the time to accommodate the rapid pace of this industry so it is best to learn straight from the horse’s mouth.
  • Step 4: Get all the licenses and permits required to operate your agency.
    Get advice from a business lawyer or from your city clerk’s office. Adhere to the proper home health business licenses, policies, and regulations required, and also apply for a respectable business name for your agency. Many trade associations and suppliers will also require that you have a DUNS number before they will do business with you.
  • Step 5: Find a location for your office.
    Start with a simple office where you can have a staff of ten personnel initially. Your office space should at least include a waiting lounge for inquiring home health clients and also a separate room for board discussion meetings. Seek a real estate person who can provide you with these amenities and pay for them.
  • Step 6: Hire staff and make sure they have the proper licenses.
    Make sure that all your employees are properly trained and equipped with updated licenses. Delegate a few key people who can not only interview potential employees for your agency’s manpower but who could do an experience and knowledge checkup on them concerning home health basics to make sure your business has quality assurance.

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799 Comments

  • barbara moorer said on July 2, 2008
    I want to know what kind of license I need and the requirements to start my home health agency.
  • Kelonda Gaither said on July 20, 2008
    I want more information on the license, personnel, and how to get patience for the agency.
  • Unknown said on January 7, 2009
    I have opened and started a few home health agencies. I usually start them for people that don't know how to structure their business, but they have experience in managing healthcare companies. I should tell you that it is costly, and very time demanding, and a lot of work goes into building a Home Health Agency. If you are not client-oriented and in it to provide the best possible care, this is not the business for you because it will show once you have to print up those reports on your clients' outcome based fact sheets but if you are interested, you should write me back I can help you.
  • winnie mukuha said on January 11, 2009
    I'm interested in establishing a home health agency later this year. I don't know what it would cost me, how I'd get the clients and other basic requirements. How could you help me do so?
    Thanks.
    Winnie.
  • LeAnn Wariner said on January 15, 2009
    I am also interested in starting my home health care agency. I have worked in this field and am very client-oriented. I just need assistance getting started, want to do this right without problems...does anyone know how to help me?
  • Mona D said on January 15, 2009
    I am interested in starting a home health agency. I want to know how much it will cost me Approximately.
  • Pattie said on February 10, 2009
    We are a group of nurses and CNAI & II's in NC, who want to start our home health company. Tired of working for others and seeing people not getting the care a home situation can provide. We have some investment money, a home office to start, and experience with nursing. Can you advise where to start?
  • Cathy said on February 23, 2009
    I live in the state of New York. I have 17 years experience in the home health care industry (administrative) I want to open my own home health care agency. Could please tell me the steps I need to take to make this happen? I already have the finance to open within the next 2 months. Please help me.
  • Deborah Smith said on March 18, 2009
    Hello I wanting to start my health care agency just need to be pointed in the correct direction have worked in the medical field as a Cna, Pca, Medical Sec. and I have started taking home-health management classes. I am tried getting laid off and clients not getting the care they need. Help please if you can.
  • Latasha said on March 24, 2009
    I live in Dayton, Ohio. I'm an Independent Provider through out the state of ohio. I have a state pin number, i also have access to clients, but i will like to start a Home Health Agency. I have the vision but i need that first door to open, please help me to get started.
  • kimberly bryant said on March 30, 2009
    I'm trying to start a home health agency partnering with someone. I would like some help in getting this off the ground. I am currently the office manager with a home health agency but, not making any money. want to start something own to make money. I been doing this type of work for the last 8 years. I just received a degree in Administration office management. Can you help me please. Thanks
  • TOYA said on April 22, 2009
    I LIVE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO START A HOME HEALTH AGENCY, GETTING LICENSE AND HELP WITH POLICY AND PROCEDURES, ALSO HOW TO GET CLIENTS, PLEASE HELP.
  • chuck abellon said on April 27, 2009
    I live in Southern California, I need assistance in how to start my own Home health Agency. Please provide me a step by step process to start my own HHA.
  • Richard Kopecky said on April 29, 2009
    I live in New Jersey and am interested in starting a Home Health Agency serving the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area. Could you please provide me with a step by step guide on the licenses, amount and type of insurance required, and how to attract clients. I have worked as a Health Assistant for approximately eight years with my own family and as a professional. There are two other Health Assistants interested in starting this agency with me. Please send any and all information regarding this. Thank you.
  • Tony M said on May 5, 2009
    My wife and I are going through the process of opening an in home or home health care agency. Does anyone have information concerning companies who assist people with the process of starting this business?

    Ready made business plan outlines. Policies and procedures manuals. Home care software implementation (for budgeting, billing, etc). Training manuals.
  • Peter Atembe said on May 5, 2009
    I wish to start a Home Health Agency and would like to know the documents required and which office is in-charge of granting authorization. Thanks
  • sam said on May 8, 2009
    I live in dayton, ohio. I would like to start my own home health agency if possible please let me know were to start.
  • Mical Hagos said on May 11, 2009
    I live in Dallas, Texas and would like to start my own home health agency. If possible please let me know where to start in terms of licensure, client base, and employees.
  • tae said on May 12, 2009
    I live in north carolina and I am interested in starting a home health agency. I cant seem to find all the information i need on licenses, requirements, laws type of insurance needed to start the business. Also I would like a step by step plan on starting the business what things do i need to make the business successful. Thanks
  • Antonette said on May 24, 2009
    I would like to start a Home Care Business in Mississippi. I need some guidance. Thanks!!
  • Carolyn Freeman said on May 25, 2009
    I am a NP in IL and I would like to start a homehealth agency as an independent practitioner for heart failure patients. Where should I start?
  • Luz Reyes said on May 25, 2009
    I'm in Waxahachie, Texas and would like to start a Home Health Agency. Please can you send me step by step plan on starting the business, and what documentation do I need to make the business successful. Sincerely, Luz
  • kay said on May 28, 2009
    I am looking to open a home health care agency in California and wanted to know what steps did i need to take obtain the required licenses and did i need an address right away for where i will be conducting the business.
  • erika moore said on June 1, 2009
    i am excited that so many people are interested in starting their own health centers. I am also interested in starting my own home health care in georgia. Can you help me with what all i need to do in getting it started?
  • mary andrews said on June 7, 2009
    I am a registered nurse , I am currently working as a visiting nurse. I am interested in opening my own home health agency, I need help. I am in new jersey, thanks
  • Megan Wall said on June 8, 2009
    WOW! This is sooo exciting! I have been thinking about starting a Home Health Agency, and I thought I was the only one with this idea! ha ha. I live in Conway Arkansas and find it very interesting that a city with a population of approx. 55,000 only has 2-3 home health agencies. I would like to get another one started. Starting from scratch, I have no idea where to start! Please help!
  • Lettina Cave said on June 8, 2009
    I am interested in starting my own home health care agency in Georgia. I will be running the business from home at first. I already have my business license and insurance. I even have patients ready to be seen. I'm stuck with trying to get a medicare provider number. Can you help me?
  • Lourdes said on June 9, 2009
    I am interested in starting my own Home Health Agency. Everyone tells me I need 100,000.00 and others tell me that I need 50,000.00. This will be to be medicare certified also. Who can clarify the cost?
  • nori said on June 10, 2009
    I am interested in starting a Home Health Agency. I am in Texas and I am looking to open it by the beginning of 2010. I need help to get it started. Thanks Nori
  • JENNIFER JACKSON said on June 11, 2009
    I've been working in the healthcare field for 17 years, 13 as a CNA and 6 years as a nurse. I'm eager to branch off and start a career that I can directly involved with the personal care that patients receive. I've spoken to a close friend over the years to collaborate with me, but to no prevail. Can anyone give me the basic foundation how to start a home health agency. Inspired to pursue a long awaited dream in Darien, GA
  • Ivory said on June 12, 2009
    I have worked in healthcare for some years now and I am interested in starting a home health agency in Arkansas. I would like to find a trusted partner to undertake this venture with, preferably a Registered Nurse or or Physical Therapist. Write to me at kdt440@yahoo.com if you are interested. Thanks.
  • Peggy said on June 12, 2009
    I am in Texas. could you please help me find out what kind of License and laws that I have to follow and where to get them from. I am very interested in opening an Home Health Agency. Can someone please give me a contact number. Thanks
  • LorettaTurner said on June 13, 2009
    Can you send me the procedure for starting a home health care business in chicago or indiana. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Ms Turner
  • ROBIN said on June 14, 2009
    I HAVE STARTED A HOME HEALTH AGENCY, I LIVE IN WOODBURY, NJ. IT IS NOT AS HARD AS EVERYBODY IS THINKING BECAUSE IN YOUR OWN STATE THAT YOU LIVE IN YOU CAN DO THE MARKETING FOR YOUR BUSINESS, I HAVE FOUND OUT THE LICENSE FOR MY BUSINESS WAS $5, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT AND I WAITED FIVE YEARS TO START MY BUSINESS OUT OF FEAR, BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY BUT THERE ARE GRANTS.GOV , SBA.GOV FOR SMALL BUSINESS
  • LASHAWN JAMES said on June 17, 2009
    Please, someone contact me about proper procedures in opening HH agency from my home, I want to start out small and see how it goes then expand. I've been in the health industry for more than 17 yrs.
  • Michelle said on June 17, 2009
    My partner and I are starting a home health agency and we need help immediately. We need to know the steps and where we can receive funding.
  • Maxwood said on June 21, 2009
    Are there Grants available in home health care agency Startup? Where do I find the step by step procedure to start this business in Michigan? Thanks!
  • Gwen said on June 25, 2009
    I have always wanted my own business and now the bug is coming back and I am wanting to do it. I just need to go the next step I am a health care professional and I have experience with all aspect accept the licensing. My only real fear is failure I don't want to put all my time and energy into it and it doesn't pan out or I burn out so I understand what everyone is going through so if I ever get the guts to do it I will write back and tell you my experience good luck to everyone.
  • Dion Alves said on June 26, 2009
    I am interested in starting up an Home Health Agency in the surrounding area. please to fill me in on the steps I have over 2yrs of experience, and have about four pt waiting to come on board. Forms, Lic's, all other tools. 954.479.7492, D.Alves
  • susanne williams said on July 13, 2009
    I need help with the policy and procedures package I am about 75% done with the package with starting a private home care agency in Atlanta, GA
  • Jason W. said on July 14, 2009
    I am also interested in starting my own home health care agency. Our company will be based on being very client oriented, I know its not the easiest and need assistance doing so because I want this done right without problems... does anyone know how to help me?
  • juana rochelle belk-broaden said on July 21, 2009
    I live in Charlotte, North Carolina and I have been wanting to start my own home health agency or adult daycare for a long time. I am now in college getting my BA degree in HR Management and have been a CNA for 19 years now. I have also worked in adult daycares, home health agencies, nursing homes, and a specialty hospital and I have the much needed experience, but I need some guidance to help me through the process of starting my own business. Please help me if possible.
  • angie500 beginner adviser said on July 26, 2009
    Start with your Secretary of State website.
    You will also have to have a EIN number, call your Local IRS office. If you want to open a medical funded home health care agency you will need to Call your local Council On Aging. These agency will help you get certified with the state. Medicaid Wavier Services
  • angie500 beginner adviser said on July 26, 2009
    In Ohio You must have a business name, telephone, and physical facility. You must have one million dollar commercial liability INS. To get Certification for Medical. My advice is start out with private paying clients .
  • angie500 beginner adviser said on July 26, 2009
    If would like more inf please post questions
  • James expert adviser said on July 26, 2009
    @angie500, Thanks a lot on answering few of the questions and taking off my burdens.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • Lori said on August 3, 2009
    I am interested in opening a home health care agency in south texas. How do I go about doing it and how much money will I need to start off.
  • Jv said on August 5, 2009
    I would like to start a home health agency later this year. I don't know what it would cost me, how I'd be getting the clients, who to talk with in getting patients to choose your agency and other basic requirements. Please help me do so. Thanks.
  • Shireen said on August 6, 2009
    I would like to start a home health agency later this year. I don't know what it would cost me, how I'd be getting the clients, who to talk with in getting patients to choose your agency and other basic requirements. Please help me do so. Thank
  • Allison said on August 10, 2009
    I live in Cleveland, Ohio and am interested in starting a Home Health Agency serving the Greater Cleveland area and suburbs. Could you please provide me with a step by step guide on the licenses, amount and type of insurance required, and how to attract clients. There are two other Health Assistants interested in starting this agency with me an admint, marketing professional and Rn nurse. Please send any and all information regarding this. Thank you. ashumilinski@gmail.com
  • qazi said on August 14, 2009
    i Live in new york. interested to start a home health agency serving tristate area. please guide me step by step on licenses, amount and type of insurances involved in this business. kindly send me your advices and guidance asap.
  • Agatha said on August 18, 2009
    I live in IL. Working on opening a home health agency. I would like to know about starting up from home. Able to obtain a license and certify in medicare and medicaid while operating business from home?
  • Idaho Falls said on August 18, 2009
    I am really interested in opening my own home health business. I am client oriented and have a degree in nursing. Can someone help me get started??
  • Dianna Edwards said on August 26, 2009
    Hello I am interested in starting my own home health agency; could someone please provide me with a website for information or numbers to get information in regards to this.
  • Cathy said on August 27, 2009
    I live in GA and I want to start a home health care agency. I need resources and info on getting started.
  • Becky said on August 28, 2009
    Angie 500 please email me if you see my comment. i want to start a home health in TN. there is no home health in the small town that i live. please help me tell how to start. i am all ready, have my name, just tell me what to do. thanks my email is bearablehugs2009@yahoo.com or anyone that knows how to get started feel free to get me started. good luck to all
  • daisy said on August 30, 2009
    who is person on this site stating to contact him/her for advice on starting a home health agency. would like to know more from someone willing to share info. thanks
  • James expert adviser said on August 31, 2009
    @daisy, Add your concerns as a comment here. I will reply you by commenting or through email if it is very particular to your problem only.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • charlotte davis said on September 2, 2009
    i am a casemanger in oklahoma city and i am interested in starting my own home health business. i have been a cna/hha for over 11 years. i have limited funding and i need some help getting started
  • qazi said on September 4, 2009
    hi friends. i am ready to make partnership in opening a health home agency. ready to relocate any part or town across usa. Oh I am foreign graduated med. doctor, working as med. technologist last 10 yrs also have tremendous exp working almost all med positions. if anyone interested to make partnership i am ready to discuss. i am trying to get licensing in new york but i am not hopeful about here so in any part if any other person has option to be partner i can relocate. my e-mail address is; tripledot123@yahoo.com please reply me asap.
  • Sharon said on September 4, 2009
    where do I get all the forms I need for my homehealth agency office and do I have to have a written contract for my clients/patients when they start services with my company.
  • tim said on September 15, 2009
    i would like to open a home health care agency. i live in north carolina and have found there are a lot of hoops to jump through, almost impossible. is south carolina easier as far as medicare reimbursement
  • Adonica said on September 25, 2009
    I want to open a home health care agency, where do I find the proper forms and where do i get my client base? With Health care reform being something people are so unsure of these days will there be any changes in how I would be reimbursed by medicare? How do I go about medicare reimbursement? How can I get started from a home office? Is there any financial help that wont require a lot of red tape to help in getting my business off the ground?
  • michelle said on October 2, 2009
    I am a independent provider and i have applied for the company name and i have set up the company filings so now i need to know where do i go to get the funding for starting the business. i'm in the state of ohio.
  • lisa said on October 3, 2009
    I'M LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL ME ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA HOME CARE WHAT DID IT TAKE TO GET STARTED IF THERE IS ANYONE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO START HOME HEALTH CARE BUSINESS OR JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO I CAN HELP YOU NORTH CAROLINA
  • Nellie Joseph said on October 3, 2009
    I am interested in starting a home health care agency and i don't know how to go about this. I will be glad if you can show me what to do. I would like to do this in New york.
  • Joe Brown, R.N said on October 3, 2009
    I Started 2x home health agencies in the last year. One in California and one in Washington. The state licensing rules and laws were different in each state. I did lots of research and eventually ended up using a company called Homecare Agency Solutions. They helped with getting all the necessary policies and forms and helped with the licensing process in both states. They say they operate in all states. I bought an "Agency In A Box" customized to the different state rules and it had everything that I needed. Their website was very helpful too. It is homehealthstartup.com
  • shontaya said on October 8, 2009
    I am a BSN/RN in the state of Ohio trying to start my own home health care agency. just like everyone else I am unsure how to get started. if anyone can help me that would be great. thanks to anyone who takes the time to help me.
  • qazi said on October 9, 2009
    hello friends, I am still waiting for anyone who is interested to be a partner in starting a home health agency . write me to address.. tripledot123@yahoo.com
  • George Lopez said on October 10, 2009
    I am a former Army medic EMT-P and my wife is a BSN/RN in the state of New Mexico trying to start our own home health care agency. We are unsure how to get started, if anyone can guide us to the right direction we would greatly appreciated. Thank you
  • Roger M. said on October 10, 2009
    Needing information about how to start a home health agency in OHIO. any help is sincerely appreciated- write me asap at ramassist@msn.com
  • Chad said on October 13, 2009
    We are looking to establish a home health agency in the North Texas area. We have access to Dr. referrals and existing clients. We need more information on the rules/licensing for the state of Texas. We do not want to be private care. Please email me if you have any information. x.plosion@yahoo.com. Thank you, Chad
  • Rachael Dupont said on October 16, 2009
    I used www.homecaretemplates.com to help me get started. It saved me hundreds of hours and gave my business a professional image from day one. I highly recommend it!
  • victore said on October 18, 2009
    please, i need some information on the first step i will take and where to get all the forms required to open up home health. pls if you have any ideas or information my email t_victore@yahoo.com.... i want to open it in dallas, tx
  • Amjad said on October 22, 2009
    Looking for a partner to open a HHA in and around Chicago IL. Hussain_amjad@msn.com
  • Perri said on October 22, 2009
    I need information on starting my own home health business in Ga. I need to know the requirements? Perri30168@gmail.com
  • Joseph Ravago said on October 22, 2009
    I have setting up home health agencies for five years, both for Medicare Certification and Accreditation in various states. If any one is interested in a consultation, please contact me at jravago@guidingpointconsulting.com
  • Derrick said on October 24, 2009
    Can someone who opened and started up a Home Health Agency list the pros and cons with this business?
  • Ulysses Scott IV said on October 29, 2009
    Trying to figure out do you need a nurse to start a home care business in Illinois or can you start it as an C N A.
  • LWalker said on November 5, 2009
    I want to start my own HHA in CA. I have several places to pull both clients and referrals from. My husband was dx'd with ALS 9 years ago and I know what many are looking for and can't find. I want to be the one to provide the services that they are looking for. My past work experience has been in the IT field with the focus being in the medical field. I would like to start from my home office. I just don't know what to do first? Can someone help me start down the path? Thanks!
  • qazi said on November 8, 2009
    hi, this is again me in new york, waiting for any help or guidance to start a home health business in ny or any state where regulations are not hard to fulfill. i wanted to be in the business earliest so will also appreciate if anyone wanna make a partnership. write me at my address; tripledot123@yahoo.com
  • Debbie Cromwell said on November 11, 2009
    I am interested in starting a sitting service. I need to know what I need to do to get this business started. I do plan to start from my home to help cut down on start-up cost. You can contact me at gliton.debbie2007@yahoo.com
  • shannon said on November 16, 2009
    i live in GA and have my city license and ein for home health care agency but i'm not sure if i want to continue as a home health agency or become a non-medical home care agency/personal care. Either way, will i still have to have a state license and what type of insurance. By the way, can anyone tell me which one doesn't require a rn to oversee staff. That would be very costly starting out especially without enough clients to support it.
  • sam hudson said on December 1, 2009
    My wife is trying to start a home health care agency. She got her Policies & Procedures Manual but she don't know what to do...can you help me out thinks hudsonjersey@live.com
  • Dongi said on December 3, 2009
    i live in pittsburgh, pa and have the clients willing to help me if i venture into my own home care business i am a nurse and do home care. is there financial help with grants to get started? writing policies and procedures how does one go about this? contracts? forms regulations anyone that can guide me to get started...thank you
  • mimi said on December 6, 2009
    I am planning to open up a home health care agency in nc. If you have an experience opening this type of agency please e-mail me
  • gloria said on December 7, 2009
    I just started a home health agency in arizona but awaiting state license, so will like to start with non- medical patient care, pls i need help in getting patients referrals. thanks, reply to yemmop@hotmail.com
  • angela said on December 12, 2009
    lorain ohio is where i and a friend are thinking of opening a homehealth business. we have 55 yrs experience between the both of us we need to know what is needed as in lic insurance etc. please help we have finance taken care of
  • Rick said on December 14, 2009
    I have all the material you need to start your home health agency. including policies and procedure, marketing, hiring employees etc. If interested please email me at rick.kapil@yahoo.com
  • Verona said on December 15, 2009
    I would like to start my own health agency/concierge services and need help on how to start. I do plan to start my office from home. I basically know the first few steps but i need more insight. I can be reached at veronah65@yahoo.com
  • Mini Daw said on December 15, 2009
    I am interested to open Home Health Agency. I live in Ottawa in CANADA. Can you help me please?
  • Betty Machu said on December 16, 2009
    I live in McAllen Tx. I 'm a RN with more than 15 years of experience working for others in home health. I want to open my own home health, please help need to know how to get certification for Texas and Medicare.
  • Barb said on December 16, 2009
    I am RN and would like to start my home health business in Princeton, NJ. I would like to know how to get patients referral. Please, help
  • Chris said on December 18, 2009
    I live in Columbus, IN and am in the middle of starting my own Personal Care Agency. The process to this point has not been very difficult. Of course you need to work with the state Department of Health who is very busy so things may take a while. I was drawn into the business by a Retirement Village that I service with one of my other companies, eMed-ID an medical information device company. The two companies will fit nicely together because they service the same clients. Once I am up and running I will re-post to let everyone how it is going. Thank you.
  • tish hayward said on December 26, 2009
    I live in Ga and I am in the process of opening a home health service and I need all the help I can get. I need help in policy and procedures.
  • carlo n. vargas said on December 26, 2009
    want to start home health agency here in DFW dallas forth worth area, want to know the steps in opening my own home health agency.
  • Yolanda Shaw said on December 27, 2009
    I live in Apopka, FL, and I am an RN interested in starting a Home Health Agency. What do I need to get started, how do I get employees and patients. Would appreciate any help.
  • victor said on December 28, 2009
    We started a home care business in Virginia. Just the license. Can anyone direct me to the forms and regulations in this State of Virginia. And is the business still growing in all the states?
  • Sharika Massey said on December 30, 2009
    I live in Charlotte NC and I want to start a home health care business out of my home. I need to know where to start and especially the specifics on how to get medicaid certified? I have medicaid recipient clients and staff lined up already. Pls help... THNKS!
  • elizabeth williams said on December 31, 2009
    I live in Lakeland FL. I would like to know what is the process for getting information on starting a Home Health care business I am currently enrolled in Humans Service classes. Can you help?

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