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 Massachusetts?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Massachusetts resources
Yes. Massachusetts requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Home Care Agency license, issued by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2026 (approved August 6, 2026) creates the first state license for home care agencies. Agencies that provide in-home help with bathing, dressing, eating, and housekeeping will need an EOHHS license to operate or use the term 'home care'; hospice, home health, the PCA program, and some adult foster care are excluded. EOHHS must issue temporary licensing rules within 180 days of the act's effective date and full rules within one year, then set a compliance date.
What are the key facts?
| License required | Yes |
|---|---|
| License | Home Care Agency license |
| Regulator | Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) |
| Renewal | Every 3 years |
| Rule | Mass. Acts 2026, Ch. 180 (M.G.L. c. 6A, sections 16HH-16II) |
What should you confirm with the state?
Massachusetts' new home care agency license law takes effect November 4, 2026, and licensing rules are expected in 2027. License fees haven't been set yet. Check with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the current rules and application timeline.
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 Massachusetts
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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