Compliance
Do You Need a License to Run a Non-Medical Home Care Agency?
In most states, yes. How the license depends on the services you offer, what six states actually require, what applications ask for, and how to check your state.
Do you need a license to run a home care agency in Arizona?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Arizona resources
No. Arizona does not require a state license for non-medical home care agencies. Arizona law defines a licensed home health agency as one primarily engaged in skilled nursing and other therapeutic services. Non-medical help such as homemaker services falls under 'supportive services' in the same statute, and no separate license for non-medical home care agencies was found. Agencies whose direct care workers serve ALTCS (Medicaid long-term care) members at home must follow AHCCCS direct care worker rules.
What are the key facts?
| License required | No |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Arizona Department of Health Services (home health licenses); AHCCCS (Medicaid/ALTCS provider rules) |
| Rule | A.R.S. 36-151 (definitions) |
What should you confirm with the state?
The training and background rules shown are AHCCCS (Medicaid ALTCS) requirements; private-pay non-medical agencies have no state license. A fingerprint clearance card is required only in some settings, such as DDD subcontractors, so confirm whether it applies to your agency with AHCCCS.
What should you budget for?
The license fee is a small part of startup cost. Insurance, payroll for your first caregivers before clients pay, and office staff usually cost far more. Use the bill rate calculator to check your pricing covers it, and the intake form and care plan templates for the paperwork inspectors ask to see.
Sources
More for Arizona
Agency licensing by state: other states
Related guides
General
How to Start a Non-Medical Home Care Agency: Step by Step
Ten steps to open a non-medical home care agency, from services and state licensing to insurance, hiring, payers, systems and first clients, with real fees.
Compliance
How Long Does It Take to Get a Home Care License?
Plan on 2 to 6 months in most licensing states. Statutory review clocks are 60 to 90 days, but they start only when your application is complete.
General
Home Care Agency Startup Costs: A Line-by-Line Budget
What it costs to open a non-medical home care agency: real state license fees, insurance minimums, office, hiring, software and the working capital most owners underestimate.
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