Georgia · Private home care · 2026
To start a home care agency in Georgia you need a private home care provider license from the Department of Community Health, even for companion-only care. DCH requires a registered nurse on every application, and once approved you have three months on a provisional license to admit three clients and request your survey.
Quick answer
To start a home care agency in Georgia, you need a private home care provider (PHCP) license from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). Unlike Texas, this includes companion and sitter services. It costs $300 to apply plus $250 a year for each service category, and the license has no expiry date.
DCH requires a registered nurse on every initial application. With the application you swear, in a notarized affidavit, that the policies the rules require already exist. Once approved, you get a provisional license for three months, in which you must admit at least three clients and email DCH to request your initial survey, or the license is voided.
Yes, including for companion or sitter services only. Georgia licenses three categories: companion or sitter tasks, personal care tasks and nursing. The only exemption that fits most founders is a caregiver working alone, with no employees, contractors or referral business.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-65-.03(q), .07(1)(a)A $300 application processing fee, plus $250 a year for each service category, up to $750. The first year's license fee is paid with the application, so a companion-only agency pays $550 to apply. CareRulebook lists every fee with its rule citation below.
111-8-25-.03(8)Yes, to apply. DCH’s current checklist says an RN is required for the initial application whatever services you offer. The RN can also be the owner or the administrator.
DCH Application Checklist, p. 2The requirements are spread through Chapter 111-8-65 and the background check rules. CareRulebook maps 48 rule requirements to the policies that cover them, in the table on this page. You swear they exist in a notarized affidavit when you apply.
DCH Affidavit of ComplianceInteractive check
Will anyone other than you deliver the care?
Employees, contractors, or caregivers you refer clients to when you have a financial interest in their services.
What will your caregivers do?
Pick the highest level of care you plan to offer. You can hold more than one category.
You need a PHCP license with the companion or sitter category.
Unlike Texas, Georgia licenses companion-only agencies. Expect $300 plus $250 to apply. DCH still requires an RN on the application, but the rules let the administrator supervise companion work, with supervisory visits at least every 122 days.
111-8-65-.03(q), .10(2)(c)You need a PHCP license with the personal care category.
Add $250 a year for each extra category, such as companion or sitter tasks. Aides qualify through one of four routes, including a 40-hour course directed by an RN, and a supervisor visits each client at least every 92 days.
111-8-65-.09(5)(c), .10(2)(b)You need the nursing category, supervised by a Georgia RN.
Nursing services must be given by an RN or LPN and supervised by a Georgia RN. A private home care license does not let you operate as a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency; that is a separate license.
111-8-65-.10(2)(a); O.C.G.A. §31-7-307(b)You may not need a license while you work alone.
The rules do not apply to services given directly by one individual, without employees, contractors or referral arrangements. Once you hire a caregiver or arrange care through others, you need a license.
111-8-65-.07(1)(a)Tick steps off as you go. Your progress is saved in this browser only.
Companion or sitter tasks, personal care tasks, nursing, or a mix. Each category adds to the annual fee and brings its own staff training and supervision rules.
111-8-65-.10(1)The governing body appoints an administrator with full authority. DCH also requires a registered nurse for every initial application. One person can hold both roles.
DCH Application Checklist, p. 2DCH asks for proof of registration with the Georgia Secretary of State, if it applies to your business type, and a current city or county business license with the agency’s name and address.
DCH Application Checklist, items 4-5Every administrator and every owner of 10% or more needs a satisfactory determination letter dated within 12 months of the application.
DCH Application Checklist, item 7You file a notarized Affidavit of Compliance saying the required policies already exist. DCH checks them at inspection, not at application.
DCH Affidavit of ComplianceThe application includes evidence that the administrator completed the orientation training set out in the rules, signed and dated.
DCH Application Checklist, item 10Upload every document on the checklist. Missing documents mean denial. DCH reviews applications in order, with an initial review time of 30 business days. Fees are not refundable.
DCH Application Checklist, p. 1Once approved you get a provisional license for three months. In that time you must become operational and admit at least three clients.
DCH Application Checklist, p. 2Before the three months end, email the Private Home Care Unit. Miss it and the license is automatically voided and you must apply again.
DCH Application Checklist, p. 2After a successful survey DCH issues the permanent permit. It has no expiry date, but the annual fee is due October 1 to December 31, with a $150 late fee from January 1.
DCH Annual License Fee PaymentsGeorgia charges per service category, not per staff member. The fee rule sets a $300 application processing fee and an annual license fee of $250 for each service you offer, up to $750 for all three. The first license fee is the same as the annual fee and is paid with the application, so a companion-only agency pays $550 to apply and an agency offering all three categories pays $1,050. Application fees are not refundable.
Georgia PHCP key facts
Checked against official sources on September 30, 2026.
DCH says licenses "have issue dates and no expiration date". What recurs is the annual fee, collected from October 1 to December 31 without penalty. A $150 late fee is added on January 1. The first license fee covers the rest of the calendar year in which you pay it.
Yes, to apply. DCH’s current application checklist is direct: "Regardless of the service level provided, an RN is required for the initial application." The checklist asks for a copy of a current Georgia RN license, and says the RN can also be the administrator or the owner.
This is a DCH application requirement, not a line in the rules. Chapter 111-8-65 requires a Georgia RN to supervise nursing services, and an RN or LPN to supervise personal care for medically frail clients. For companion and sitter work, the rule lets "the administrator, or any other staff member assigned responsibility for supervision of the delivery of care" supervise. DCH’s 2022 application packet asked only for an administrator and one other employee, so older guides may not mention the RN.
The rules allow a provisional license for "a reasonable, but limited, time". DCH’s checklist sets that time: three months. In that window you must become operational, admit at least three clients and, before the three months end, email the Private Home Care Unit to request your initial survey.
If you do not, DCH says the license is automatically voided and "a new application and full review process will be required". Extensions need prior written approval with documented justification, sent before the deadline. After a successful survey, DCH issues the permanent permit.
After that, DCH says re-licensure surveys come roughly every 18 to 24 months. If you have had no client for three months when a survey is scheduled, you get 30 days to admit one, or the permit is treated as void. When a survey cites violations, you have 10 days to send a written plan of correction.
DCH does not ask you to upload policies with the application. Instead, the owner signs a notarized Affidavit of Compliance saying the agency "has developed policies and procedures mandated under the rules", and DCH checks them at unannounced inspections. The same form warns: "Deficient policies and procedures may subject the facility to sanctions".
We read every section of Chapter 111-8-65 and the background check rules and mapped 48 requirements to the policies that cover them. 6 of them expressly require written policies and procedures; the rest are records, notices and processes a surveyor will look for. Filter the table by topic or manual section.
48 rows
| Rule | What it requires | Policy in your manual |
|---|---|---|
| 111-8-65-.04 | Governing body sets policy A governing body that adopts every policy and procedure and is responsible for compliance. "Each private home care provider shall have a governing body empowered and responsible to determine all policies and procedures and to ensure compliance with these rules." | 1.1 Governing body, administrator and license |
| 111-8-65-.09(3) | Administrator appointment Appoint an administrator with full authority. DCH checks the signed job description at application. "The governing body shall appoint an administrator who shall have full authority and responsibility for the operation of the private home care provider." | 1.1 Governing body, administrator and license1.2 Organizational structure and lines of authority |
| 111-8-65-.05(2)(b) | License display Display the license at the licensed location. "The license shall be prominently and appropriately displayed at the private home care providers licensed location." | 1.1 Governing body, administrator and license |
| 111-8-65-.05(2)(c) | Changes of location Give DCH 15 days’ notice before moving. Changes of name, location or ownership return the license. "The department shall be provided 15 days notice in advance of any providers change in location." | 1.1 Governing body, administrator and license |
| 111-8-65-.08(3) | Inspection cooperation All staff cooperate with inspections and hand over documents without delay. "All provider staff shall cooperate with any inspection conducted by the department and shall provide, without unreasonable delay, any documents to which the department is entitled hereunder." | 1.3 Surveyor entry and survey cooperation |
| 111-8-65-.08(4) | Plan of correctionafter an inspection cites a violation A written plan of correction within 10 days of an inspection report that cites violations. "The provider must submit a written plan of correction (improvement) in response to the inspection report" | 1.3 Surveyor entry and survey cooperation9.1 Quality improvement program |
| 111-8-65-.09(7) | Contracted servicesif the agency uses contractors Put every arrangement with contractors in writing, detailing the services. "such arrangements shall be set forth in writing detailing the services to be provided." | 1.4 Independent contractors and arranged services |
| 111-8-65-.09(1) | Scope of services Written policies defining the services you offer and the clients you serve. "A provider shall establish and implement written policies and procedures that define the scope of private home care services it offers and the types of clients it serves." | 2.1 Scope of services and clients served |
| 111-8-65-.09(2) | Only offer what you can deliver Do not offer services you cannot reasonably expect to deliver under the rules. "No provider shall offer to provide a client any private home care services that it cannot reasonably expect to deliver in accordance with these rules." | 2.1 Scope of services and clients served |
| 111-8-65-.09(2)(a) | Service agreements Written policies for service agreements. Every service is based on a written agreement with ten required elements. "A provider shall establish and implement policies and procedures for service agreements. All services provided to a client shall be based on a written service agreement" | 2.4 Client service agreement and disclosure |
| 111-8-65-.09(2)(b) | Late agreements If the agreement cannot be completed on time for good cause, document why in the client file. "If the provider is unable to complete the service agreement for good cause, the provider will document such reason(s) in the client's file." | 2.4 Client service agreement and disclosure |
| 111-8-65-.09(2)(c) | Cancellation Clients may cancel at any time and pay only for services already given. "A client has the right to cancel any service agreement at any time and shall only be charged for services actually rendered" | 2.4 Client service agreement and disclosure |
| 111-8-65-.12(1) | Client rights and complaints Written policies on client rights and responsibilities and on handling complaints. "A provider shall establish and implement written policies and procedures regarding the rights and responsibilities of clients, and the handling and resolution of complaints." | 2.2 Client rights, conduct and responsibilities2.3 Complaints, grievances and investigations |
| 111-8-65-.12(2) | Written notice of rights A written notice of 11 rights and responsibilities, given when the service agreement is completed. "Such policies and procedures shall include a written notice of rights and responsibilities which shall be provided to each client or responsible party" | 2.2 Client rights, conduct and responsibilities |
| 111-8-65-.12(3) | Complaint procedure Clients and others can complain orally or in writing and have complaints resolved in a timely way. "Such policies shall also include procedures for clients and others to present complaints, either orally or in writing" | 2.3 Complaints, grievances and investigations |
| 111-8-65-.12(4) | Provider phone number Give every client the agency’s phone number for questions and complaints. "A provider shall supply all clients and responsible parties, if applicable, with the specific telephone number of the provider" | 2.3 Complaints, grievances and investigations2.2 Client rights, conduct and responsibilities |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(d) | Complaint files Keep files documenting every complaint. "The provider shall maintain files of all documentation of complaints submitted pursuant to rule .12(2)." | 2.3 Complaints, grievances and investigations |
| 111-8-65-.10(1)(b) | Following the service planif personal care is offered Aides follow the service plan and report changes in the client’s condition and any problems. "In addition to following the service plan, a PCA must report on the personal care needs of the client, on changes in the client's condition, and on any observed problems that affect the client." | 2.5 Client care practices |
| 111-8-65-.09(2)(a)9 | Access to client fundsif staff handle client funds Written authorization before staff access a client’s money for home management. "Authorization from client or responsible party, if applicable, for access to client's personal funds when home management services are to be provided" | 2.6 Client funds, vehicles and transportation2.4 Client service agreement and disclosure |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(c)9 | Bondingif staff have unlimited access to client funds Bond any employee with unlimited access to a client’s funds. "any employee that is authorized unlimited access to a client's personal funds for home management shall be bonded through the provider" | 2.6 Client funds, vehicles and transportation3.2 Personnel records |
| 111-8-65-.03 | Transporting clientsif staff drive clients Get a signed waiver or check motor insurance when staff drive clients in a vehicle that is not the client’s. "the provider shall either obtain a signed waiver by the client of any claims for damages arising out of the operation of the vehicle or make reasonable efforts to insure that there is current motor vehicle insurance" | 2.6 Client funds, vehicles and transportation |
| 111-8-65-.09(5) | Staffing and shortages Enough qualified staff for every service agreement. Tell clients and offer a referral if you cannot deliver. "the provider shall advise the client and refer the client to another provider if the client so desires." | 3.1 Staffing policies5.3 Backup services |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(c) | Personnel records A separate record for each employee with nine required items. "A provider shall maintain separate written records for each employee and the records shall include the following" | 3.2 Personnel records |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(c)4 | TB and health screening The rule as printed requires TB screening on hire and every year. The 2026 amendment replaces this with a health screening program and pre-employment TB screening. "Documentation of a satisfactory TB screening test upon employment and annually thereafter" | 3.4 Employee health and TB screening3.2 Personnel records |
| 111-8-65-.09(5)(a) | Competency evaluation A written evaluation showing a supervisor observed each employee perform their job tasks competently. "The written evaluation must reflect that the employee's performance of required job tasks was observed personally by a supervisor either by demonstration or observation" | 4.1 Orientation, job training and competency5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.09(5)(b) | Nursing staffif nursing services are offered Anyone giving nursing services holds a Georgia license. "Any persons employed by the provider to provide nursing services shall be licensed in Georgia" | 3.1 Staffing policies |
| 111-8-65-.09(5)(c) | Aide qualification and trainingif personal care is offered Aides qualify through one of four routes, including a 40-hour agency course directed by an RN. "A training program described in rule .09(5)(c)1. (iv) must be conducted under the direction of a licensed registered professional nurse" | 4.1 Orientation, job training and competency |
| 111-8-65-.09(5)(d) | Companion trainingif companion or sitter tasks are offered Companions complete training or show competency in seven areas. "Successfully complete training or demonstrate understanding and practical competency in the following areas" | 4.1 Orientation, job training and competency |
| 111-8-65-.09(6)(a) | Orientation Orientation before client work, covering your policies, duties, reporting and emergencies, and exposure reporting. "Prior to working with clients, all employees hired or used on or after the effective date of these rules and who provide services to clients shall be oriented in accordance with these rules" | 4.1 Orientation, job training and competency |
| 111-8-65-.09(6)(b) | Annual training At least 8 hours of training a year after the first year. "a minimum of eight clock hours of training or instruction shall be provided annually for each employee after the first year of employment." | 4.1 Orientation, job training and competency |
| 111-8-12-.04(1) | Registry checks Check the registries for owners, administrators and employees before the fingerprint check. "Prior to a criminal background check required by these rules, the facility shall perform a registry check of the owner, administrator, onsite manager, director, and employees." | 3.3 Criminal history checks and registry searches |
| 111-8-12-.06(4) | Background check evidence Keep each employee’s determination, registry check and license check in the personnel file. "evidence of each employee's satisfactory determination, registry check, and licensure check, if applicable." | 3.3 Criminal history checks and registry searches3.2 Personnel records |
| 111-8-12-.06(5) | Employment application notice Print the required background check notice on job applications. "FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT." | 3.3 Criminal history checks and registry searches |
| 111-8-65-.10(2) | Annual written evaluation Supervisors evaluate each staff member in writing every year. "Each staff member providing services to a client shall be evaluated in writing by his or her supervisor, at least annually" | 5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.10(2) | TB and hepatitis exposure Keep exposed or diagnosed staff away from clients until they are known not to be contagious. "No supervisor shall knowingly permit an employee who has been exposed to tuberculosis or hepatitis or diagnosed with the same to provide services to clients until it is determined that the employee is not contagious." | 3.4 Employee health and TB screening7.1 Infection control |
| 111-8-65-.10(2)(a) | RN supervision of nursingif nursing services are offered A Georgia RN supervises nursing services and the staff who give them. "it shall employ fully licensed Georgia registered professional nurse to supervise the provision of such services" | 5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.10(2)(b) | Nurse supervision for frail clientsif personal care is offered to medically frail clients An RN or LPN supervises personal care for medically frail clients, and an RN writes their first service plan. "A licensed registered professional or practical nurse shall supervise the provision of personal care tasks for clients determined to be medically frail or medically compromised." | 5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.10(2)(b)2 | Supervisory visits (personal care)if personal care is offered A supervisory home visit at least every 92 days, with a check of condition, vital signs and satisfaction. "The appropriate supervisor shall make a supervisory home visit to each client's residence at least every 92 days" | 5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.10(2)(c)2 | Supervisory visits (companion)if companion or sitter tasks are offered A supervisory home visit at least every 122 days, or after a serious complaint. "at least every 122 days starting from date of initial service in the residence or when the provider receives a complaint concerning services" | 5.2 Supervision of personnel |
| 111-8-65-.10(2)(d) | On-call nurse accessif personal care is offered to medically frail clients Someone on call who can reach a nurse supervisor when aides serve medically frail clients. "the provider shall have a representative on call and accessible who shall be able to contact a nurse supervisor by telephone or other means" | 5.2 Supervision of personnel5.3 Backup services |
| 111-8-65-.10(3) | Daily service documentation Written policies for documenting the services actually performed each day. "A provider shall establish and implement written policies and procedures for documenting the services actually performed for its clients each day." | 5.4 Daily service documentation |
| 111-8-65-.10(4) | Quality improvement A documented quality improvement program, including complaints, care problems and corrective action. "The provider must have and maintain documentation reflecting that there is an effective quality improvement program that continuously monitors the performance of the program itself and client outcomes" | 9.1 Quality improvement program |
| 111-8-65-.11(1) | Service planning Written policies for service planning. Each plan is made with the client and covers limitations, services, frequency, goals and discharge. "A provider shall establish and implement written policies and procedures for service planning. A written plan of service shall be established in collaboration with the client" | 5.1 Individualized service plan |
| 111-8-65-.11(2) | Service plan timing Plans done within 7 working days. Nursing plans reviewed every 62 days; others at each supervisory visit. "Service plans shall be completed by the service supervisor within seven working days after services are initially provided in the residence." | 5.1 Individualized service plan |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(a) | Client records A separate file for each client with nine required items. "A provider shall maintain a separate file containing all written records pertaining to the services provided for each client that it serves" | 10.1 Client records: use, removal and release |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(b) | Records security, release and retention Written policies on who keeps records, who can see them and how long they are kept (at least five years). "Written policies and procedures shall be established and implemented for the maintenance and security of client records specifying who shall supervise the maintenance of records, who shall have custody of records, to whom records may be released and for what purposes and how long the records will be retained." | 10.1 Client records: use, removal and release10.2 Records retention |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(b)2 | Confidentiality Staff disclose client information only to appropriate agency staff or as allowed. "Employees of the provider shall not disclose or knowingly permit the disclosure of any information in a client record except to appropriate provider staff" | 10.1 Client records: use, removal and release |
| 111-8-65-.09(4)(d) | Incident reports Keep incident reports for at least five years. "A provider shall also maintain on file for a minimum of five years all incident reports or reports of unusual occurrences" | 10.2 Records retention9.1 Quality improvement program |
Conditional rows apply only if your agency offers that service or does that activity. Quotes are verbatim from Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-65 or 111-8-12; follow each citation to the rule text.
What Georgia’s home care rules do not require. We found no rule in Chapter 111-8-65 requiring a written emergency plan, an abuse reporting policy, a medication policy or drug testing. Infection control appears as a training topic rather than a policy. A good manual still covers abuse reporting, infection control and emergencies, and the CareRulebook Georgia manual will label those policies as good practice, not as Georgia rules.
CareRulebook
Answer a few questions about your agency and the services you will offer, and CareRulebook builds a policy and procedure manual with your agency name and the Georgia rule behind every policy.
$199founding price for the first 50 Georgia agencies, then $249
Every employee who works with clients is oriented first, in your policies on scope of services and client rights, their duties, how to report problems and emergencies, and their duty to report exposure to tuberculosis and hepatitis. After the first year, each employee gets at least 8 hours of training a year and a written evaluation by a supervisor, based on observation or demonstration.
Georgia sets short deadlines once care starts:
Client records are kept at least five years from the last service, and incident reports for at least five years.
Georgia’s background check rules (Chapter 111-8-12) apply to private home care providers. Check the registries first, for owners, administrators and employees, then run the fingerprint check through DCH’s Georgia Criminal History Check System (GCHEXS). Keep the determination, registry check and any license check in each personnel file, and print the required notice on your employment application: "FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT."
Chapter 111-8-12 allows up to 30 days of client contact under direct supervision while a check is pending, never for administrators. The 2026 amendment to Chapter 111-8-65 says staff must get a satisfactory fingerprint result "Prior to serving as a direct access employee". Until DCH confirms how it applies the two together, the cautious policy is no client contact before a satisfactory result.
Adopted July 9, 2026 · effective date not yet confirmed
The Board of Community Health gave final adoption on July 9, 2026 to changes in rules .03, .05 and .09. Background check rules move into Chapter 111-8-12, staff need a satisfactory fingerprint result before direct access, and the annual TB test is replaced by a health screening program with TB screening before work starts. DCH has not published an effective date that we could confirm.
111-8-65-.09(5)(a)1
Fingerprints before client contact
Staff must have a satisfactory fingerprint determination before serving as a direct access employee.
111-8-65-.09(4)(c)4
Health and TB screening
A health screening program replaces the annual TB test. TB screening happens before work starts, following CDC guidance.
111-8-65-.09(3)(a)
Administrator checks
Administrators need a satisfactory fingerprint determination under Chapter 111-8-12, replacing the misconduct statement.
111-8-65-.05(1)(b)
Owner checks
Owners applying for a license follow Chapter 111-8-12.
DCH told the Board that "no substantive changes were being made to the requirements" for background checks. The rule text we can still read online has the old wording. We will update this page when DCH confirms the effective date.
DCH, Chapter 111-8-65 final adoption textYesUnlike Texas, Georgia licenses companion and sitter tasks as one of three service categories. The only exemption that fits most founders is a caregiver working alone, with no employees, contractors or referral business.
"its own employees who provide nursing services, personal care tasks or companion or sitter tasks"
YesTo apply. DCH’s current application checklist requires an RN for every initial application, whatever services you offer. The RN can also be the owner or administrator. The rules themselves let the administrator supervise companion work, so this is a DCH application requirement rather than rule text.
"Regardless of the service level provided, an RN is required for the initial application."
NoOnly for three months. In that time you must admit at least three clients and email DCH to request your initial survey, or the license is automatically voided and you start again.
"The Private Home Care Provisional license will be active for three (3) months by which you must become operational and have admitted at least 3 clients."
NoWith the application you file a notarized Affidavit of Compliance swearing the required policies already exist. DCH does not ask you to upload them; it checks them at inspection, and deficient policies can bring sanctions.
"hereby attest that in furtherance of its application ... for licensure, said entity has developed policies and procedures mandated under the rules and regulations indicated below."
NoThere is no renewal application. The license has no expiry date. What recurs is the annual fee, due between October 1 and December 31, with a $150 late fee from January 1.
"The licenses issued by the department have issue dates and no expiration date. The licenses are valid until surrendered or revoked."
NoNot any more. Older DCH material set fees by staff count. The current fee rule charges $250 a year per service category, up to $750, plus a $300 application processing fee.
"Private Home Care Providers ** Annually For each service offered: Companion Sitter, Personal Care and/or Nursing Maximum of $750 $250 (per service) Annually"
NoNot unlicensed aides. The rules define a provider as acting through its own employees or through contractors who are licensed health care professionals. DCH’s 2022 packet says only RNs and LPNs can be contractors.
"contractual arrangements with independent contractors who are health care professionals licensed pursuant to the applicable chapter of Title 43"
It dependsThe rule as currently printed says yes: on hire and every year. The 2026 amendment, finally adopted on July 9, 2026, replaces that with a health screening program and TB screening before work starts, following CDC guidance. Confirm the effective date with DCH before dropping annual tests.
"Prior to starting work, all employees must be screened for TB in accordance with CDC guidance for baseline screening and testing for health care personnel."
NoIt depends on the service. Personal care clients need a supervisory home visit at least every 92 days. Companion and sitter clients need one at least every 122 days, or sooner after a serious complaint. Nursing service plans are reviewed every 62 days.
"The appropriate supervisor shall make a supervisory home visit to each client's residence at least every 92 days"
DCH’s checklist gives an initial review time of 30 business days from submission, with applications reviewed in the order received. After approval you have three months on a provisional license before your initial survey.
No. No private home care provider may operate without a license or provisional license from DCH (111-8-65-.05(1)). You admit clients once the provisional license is issued.
Neither Chapter 111-8-65 nor DCH’s application checklist addresses a home address. DCH does ask for a current local business license with the agency’s name and address, so check whether your city or county will license a home-based business.
The rules set no education or license requirement for the administrator. They must be appointed by the governing body with full authority, complete orientation and pass the background check. DCH separately requires an RN on the application, and the RN can be the administrator.
DCH says the provisional license is automatically voided if you do not request your initial survey within three months, and you must file a new application. Extensions need prior written approval, requested before the deadline.
No renewal application is needed. DCH says licenses have no expiration date and remain valid until surrendered or revoked. You pay the annual fee between October 1 and December 31 each year.
DCH’s checklist says re-licensure surveys happen roughly every 18 to 24 months. If a survey cites violations, you have 10 days to submit a written plan of correction.
Only licensed health care professionals. The rules define contractors as professionals licensed under Title 43, and DCH’s 2022 packet says only RNs and LPNs can be contractors. Unlicensed aides need to be employees.
DCH does not publish one. We map 48 requirements from Chapter 111-8-65 and the background check rules, of which six expressly require written policies and procedures.
Client records for at least five years from the last service, and incident reports for at least five years. The rules set no retention period for personnel records.
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