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

Yes. Connecticut requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Homemaker-Companion Agency registration, issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Any organization that employs people to provide non-medical companion or homemaker services must register with the Department of Consumer Protection before doing business. Registered agencies may provide only non-medical companionship and help (cooking, laundry, cleaning, personal hygiene); they may not give medications or do nursing tasks. Home health care and home health aide agencies are excluded from this registration and must form a separate entity to offer homemaker-companion services.

What are the key facts?

How do you get licensed in Connecticut?

1. Choose sole proprietorship or legal entity; register entities with the Secretary of the State
2. Pick a name without terms such as 'nurse', 'health', or 'medical'
3. Obtain a surety bond or insurance of at least $10,000 that covers employee theft
4. Submit the application by paper or through eLicense with the $375 fee
5. Complete state and national criminal history records checks for the applicant

What should you confirm with the state?

Caregiver checks don't have to be fingerprint-based, but the agency owner must submit to state and national criminal history checks. If your agency will provide hands-on personal care beyond what the Department of Consumer Protection registration covers, confirm with the Department of Public Health whether you also need a home health aide agency license.

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.