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 Georgia?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Georgia resources
Yes. Georgia requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Private Home Care Provider license, issued by the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation. No private home care provider (companion/sitter, personal care, or nursing services in the home) may operate without a license or provisional license from DCH. Each office location must be licensed separately. A new owner must submit a records check application with the license application.
What are the key facts?
| License required | Yes |
|---|---|
| License | Private Home Care Provider license |
| Regulator | Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation |
| Rule | O.C.G.A. 31-7-300 et seq.; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-65 |
What should you confirm with the state?
The license fee and renewal term aren't listed in the rules; confirm them with the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Health. Fingerprint-based checks for private home care providers are required under Chapter 111-8-12.
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 Georgia
Agency licensing by state: other states
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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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