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

Yes. Louisiana requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider license, Personal Care Attendant (PCA) module, issued by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Health Standards Section. Providers of personal care attendant services must hold an HCBS provider license from LDH. The licensing rules are separate from Medicaid participation standards. The application packet must be approved before the provider serves anyone, and the license is valid for one year.

What are the key facts?

How do you get licensed in Louisiana?

1. Get the application packet from LDH
2. Submit it with the licensing fee, owner and administrator State Police background checks, proof of financial viability, a $50,000 line of credit, and insurance
3. Complete the mandatory LDH provider training class or online training
4. Admit one client and contact the HSS field office for the initial licensing survey

What should you confirm with the state?

The license fee is set by statute; confirm the current amount with the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section. Also confirm with LDH whether staff must be checked against the Direct Service Worker Registry.

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.