Recent amendments to the health care service firm law will require companies providing companion services in New Jersey to become registered as a health care service firm.  Currently, entities that place or arrange for the placement of personnel to provide health care or provide personal care services in the personal residence of a person with a disability or a senior citizen aged 60 or older must become registered as a health care service firm.  As a result of the amendments to the law, companion service providers will also need to become registered.  The term “companion services” is defined in the law as non-medical, basic supervision and socialization services which do not include assistance with activities of daily living and which are provided in the individual’s home.  Companion services may include the performance of household chores.  In addition, all registered health care service firms will be required to obtain accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the Commissioner of Human Services as an accrediting body for homemaker agencies participating in the Medicaid program.  Health care service firms will also be required to submit an audit report with an unqualified opinion and a management letter.  The amendments to the law will take effect 18 months after their August 1, 2014 enactment.