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Are you applying, or already licensed?

Already licensed? Policy 1.1 then ends with a checklist of what the 2021 rewrite and the 2023 amendments added, and the areas OHA cites most, each with the policy that answers it. Changing to Basic? Choose Basic below. OHA approves a change of classification before you provide the new services, and asks for all your policies and procedures, revised for the new class, with the request (OAR 333-536-0010(5)(a)(B)).

Which classification will you hold?

Limited caregivers may remind clients to take their medication but never touch it or its containers. Basic adds medication assistance, after four hours of medication training and a return demonstration. Neither class needs a nurse on staff. The state fee for a new license is $2,000 for Limited and $2,250 for Basic (ORS 443.315(4)). Intermediate and Comprehensive (medication administration, filling pill organizers, nursing services) need an employed registered nurse and are not covered by this manual.

Will you have a branch office?

A branch is within 60 miles of the parent office, managed by it, and added to the license before any services are provided from it (OAR 333-536-0050(3)). Scheduling, training and records stay at the parent office. OHA charges no fee for a branch.

Will you serve clients from an office more than 60 miles away?

An office more than 60 miles from the parent is a subunit: same owners, its own staff, separately licensed with its own fee (OAR 333-536-0050(4)). It may use the parent's policy templates but must meet every rule itself.

Will caregivers give medication reminders?

A reminder is an audio, visual or spoken prompt, only for a client who can self-direct, recorded on OHA's Medication Self-Direct Evaluation Tool at the start and at least every 90 days (OAR 333-536-0005(24), 0045(3)-(5)). Three of OHA's ten most cited survey tags in the first half of 2026 were about medication reminding and the self-direct evaluation.

Will family members fill pill organizers that caregivers then help with?

Caregivers in a Basic agency never fill pill organizers: OHA treats that as medication administration. A client representative or family member may fill them after signing an agreement to keep a medication list, keep the original labeled containers in the home and use closed, labeled containers made for the purpose (OAR 333-536-0075(2)).

Will some clients get only housekeeping and supportive services?

For clients who get only housekeeping and supportive services, the service plan, caregiver training, medication, client record and quality rules do not apply to those clients (OAR 333-536-0045(9)).

Will caregivers drive clients?

Each person whose duties include driving clients needs a valid driver's license and current auto insurance on file (OAR 333-536-0053(9)).

Will caregivers trim or file clients' nails?

Foot and nail care is a personal care task. A caregiver who provides nail technology as ORS 690.005 defines it may be subject to the cosmetology certification rules (OAR 333-536-0045(2)).

Will you take a deposit?

Your disclosure statement gives your deposit and refund policy either way (OAR 333-536-0055(3)(i)).

How does the administrator qualify?

Either route needs a high school diploma and at least two years of experience (OAR 333-536-0052(1)). OHA asks for the administrator's resume with proof of the experience and the diploma with the application.

Will the administrator name a designee?

The administrator or designee must be accessible and available during all hours in which services are provided (OAR 333-536-0052(5)). A designee must meet every administrator qualification.

Will the administrator use a delegate for some tasks?

A delegate, such as a client care coordinator, may do the tasks the rules allow a delegate to do (for example initial evaluations, service plans and monitoring visits) without meeting the administrator qualifications (OAR 333-536-0052(4)).

Who gives caregivers their eight hours of initial training?

Training comes from a qualified trainer, qualified individual or qualified entity, and the administrator or designee evaluates each caregiver's competency by direct observation plus a written or oral test before the caregiver works independently (OAR 333-536-0070(6)).

Who gives medication training?

A qualified trainer cannot give medication training (OHA qualified trainer memo). The return demonstration is always evaluated by a qualified individual.

Who gives caregivers their six hours of education each year?

The rule allows a qualified trainer, qualified individual or qualified entity (OAR 333-536-0070(14)), but OHA's training guide lists only a qualified entity or qualified individual for continued education. Until OHA says otherwise, the first option meets both.

How does your background check vendor qualify?

OAR 333-536-0093(8). Keep the vendor's proof with your records.

How will you keep client and personnel records?

Every entry is dated and signed, or electronically authenticated with safeguards against unauthorized access (OAR 333-536-0085(4)). OHA asks for read-only access to any electronic records system at relicensure surveys.

Include recommended practices?

Some policies end with steps that go beyond Oregon's rules, such as a yearly policy review or a monthly look at the complaint log. Once adopted they are your policies and OHA can expect you to follow them, so leave them out if you won't.