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 New Mexico?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All New Mexico resources
No. New Mexico does not require a state license for non-medical home care agencies. New Mexico licenses home health agencies under 8.370.22 NMAC, but the rule's definition of a home health agency excludes any business providing non-medically directed services in a client's home. A non-medical agency therefore needs no state license. An agency that chooses to be licensed as a home health agency may offer personal care attendant and homemaker services under that license.
What are the key facts?
| License required | No |
|---|---|
| Regulator | New Mexico Health Care Authority |
| Rule | 8.370.22.7(K) NMAC |
What should you confirm with the state?
The training hours shown apply only to licensed home health agencies, not to unlicensed non-medical agencies. Background screening applies to non-medical agencies only if they are licensed, Medicaid-certified, or state-funded. Confirm Medicaid program certification requirements with the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
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 New Mexico
Agency licensing by state: other states
Related guides
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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