Do you need a license to run a home care agency in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Home Care Agency license, Class B (personal care only), issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division). Any home care agency that provides personal care services, which the rule defines to include ADL help and companionship services, must be licensed by CDPHE. A Class B license covers agencies that provide only personal care; Class A is for agencies that provide any skilled service. Organizations that provide only housekeeping are excluded, and Medicaid (HCPF) personal care agencies are generally Class B.

What are the key facts?

How do you get licensed in Colorado?

1. Follow the application rules in 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2
2. Submit evidence of liability insurance or a surety bond (Class B minimum $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate)
3. List the contiguous counties you plan to serve
4. Submit owner, manager, and administrator fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation

What should you confirm with the state?

License fees are now set in 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2, and the current amounts aren't listed in the home care rule; confirm the current fee with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Annual training is defined by required topics, not a set number of hours.

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.