Every state regulates non-medical home care differently. The license has a different name in each state, a different agency issues it, and the paperwork differs too. That’s a big reason people feel lost when they start. Below is a general overview for four states: California, Texas, Illinois and Nevada.
Important: This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, so we confirm the current rules with the state agency before preparing your documents. Your state makes every licensing decision. Filing an application does not guarantee a license.
California
Who licenses it: The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division, Home Care Services Branch.
License name: Home Care Organization (HCO) license, under California’s Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act.
What to know, in general
- CDSS licenses Home Care Organizations. It also maintains the Home Care Aide Registry, a public registry of background-checked home care aides.
- The application is submitted as a complete packet with forms and supporting documents. CDSS lists items such as personnel policies, job descriptions, a training plan, a program description, insurance information and an employee dishonesty bond.
- After applying, applicants receive instructions for fingerprinting and an online orientation.
- CDSS says its Home Care Services Branch also handles complaints and conducts unannounced visits.
How we can help: We help you understand the packet and organize it, and we prepare policy and program documents based on current CDSS requirements.
Texas
Who licenses it: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
License name: Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) license. Non-medical personal care generally falls under the Personal Assistance Services (PAS) service category.
What to know, in general
- Applicants choose the service categories they plan to offer. HHSC describes PAS as routine ongoing care that helps a person with activities of daily living in their residence or independent-living setting, including respite.
- Applications are filed through HHSC’s online TULIP system.
- HHSC’s list of required documents includes completing the pre-licensure computer-based training (CBT), an organizational chart, and administrator information, among other items.
- PAS agencies must meet the minimum standards in the Texas Administrative Code (26 TAC Chapter 558).
How we can help: We help you work through the categories and the required documents, and we prepare policies based on current HHSC standards.
Illinois
Who licenses it: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
License name: Home Services Agency license, under the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act (210 ILCS 55) and IDPH’s rules (77 Ill. Adm. Code 245).
What to know, in general
- IDPH describes home services as non-medical. They include help with activities of daily living, housekeeping, personal laundry and companionship. A Home Services Agency license does not allow skilled or medical services.
- The application asks for supporting documents such as your client contract, scope of services and fee schedule, along with other items.
- Illinois also has a Health Care Worker Background Check Act that applies to hiring.
- IDPH’s application states that filing an application is not a guarantee that a license will be issued.
How we can help: This is the state our founder knows firsthand. He owned and ran a non-medical home care agency in Illinois for seven years. We help you prepare and organize your documents based on IDPH’s current rules.
Nevada
Who licenses it: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance.
License name: Agency to Provide Personal Care Services in the Home (often called a Personal Care Agency).
What to know, in general
- Nevada has a separate license type called an Employment Agency to Provide Non-Medical Services. The state recommends reviewing both definitions before applying so you apply for the correct license, because applying for the wrong one can delay processing and application fees are nonrefundable.
- Applications are submitted through the state’s online health facility licensing system.
- The state’s checklist includes items such as a Nevada state business license and local (city or county) business license or zoning approval. It also lists a mandatory applicant licensure training for personal care agencies.
How we can help: We help you confirm which license type fits your business model, organize your checklist items and prepare your policy documents.
Starting in a Different State?
Ask us. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can help with your state.
Official Resources
These are the official state agency pages this overview is based on. Always check them for the latest requirements.
- California: CDSS – Home Care Services · CDSS – Home Care Organization Application Process
- Texas: HHSC – How to Become a Licensed HCSSA Provider
- Illinois: IDPH – Home Services Agencies
- Nevada: DPBH/HCQC – Agency to Provide Personal Care Services in the Home · HCQC – Personal Care Services Licensing
Disclaimer: Home Care Setup is a private consulting company, not a government agency or law firm. This page is a general overview and may not reflect the latest changes. Requirements change; we confirm current rules with the state agency. Always check with the official licensing agency for your state.