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 York?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All New York resources
Yes. New York requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA), issued by the New York State Department of Health. New York Public Health Law requires an organization to be licensed or certified by the Department of Health to provide or arrange home care services, which include personal care and home health aide services. Non-Medicare agencies apply for a LHCSA license through a Certificate of Need application approved by the Public Health and Health Planning Council. If 5 or more LHCSAs already actively serve a county, the rule presumes there is no public need, and the applicant must rebut that with data.
What are the key facts?
| License required | Yes |
|---|---|
| License | Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) |
| Regulator | New York State Department of Health |
| Fee | $2,000 application fee |
| Rule | N.Y. Public Health Law Article 36 (3605); 10 NYCRR Part 765 (765-1.16 public need) and Part 766 |
How do you get licensed in New York?
- Review Dear Administrator Letter 22-14 and the LHCSA need report for your county
- Submit the LHCSA Certificate of Need application through the NYSE-CON system
- Mail the $2,000 application fee within 30 days of submission
- Submit policy and procedure manuals after PHHPC and Department approval
What should you confirm with the state?
There is no fixed license term; licensed home care services agencies file an annual statistical report and registration with the New York State Department of Health. Confirm with the Department whether companion- or housekeeping-only services need a license, and confirm the current home health aide training hours.
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 York
Agency licensing by state: other states
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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.
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