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

Yes. Ohio requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Nonmedical home health services license, issued by the Ohio Department of Health. Since 2022, an agency that provides nonmedical home health services (hands-on help with bathing, dressing, ambulation, toileting, meal preparation and feeding, and personal care services) through employees must hold a nonmedical or skilled home health services license from the Ohio Department of Health. A skilled license also covers nonmedical services. Agencies certified by the Ohio Department of Aging for community-based long-term care get a waiver of most application items.

What are the key facts?

How do you get licensed in Ohio?

1. Submit fingerprint impressions of the primary owner
2. Provide Secretary of State filings, a notarized identity affidavit, and the agency's criminal records check policy
3. Describe services, hours of operation, primary place of business, and service area
4. Post a $20,000 surety bond if the agency was not already providing direct care when the law took effect
5. Pay the $250 application fee

What should you confirm with the state?

Companion-only services aren't named in the state's definition of nonmedical home health services; confirm with the Ohio Department of Health whether a companion-only agency needs a license. Agencies certified by the Ohio Department of Aging for Medicaid have separate training rules.

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.