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 South Carolina?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All South Carolina resources
Yes. South Carolina requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the In-Home Care Provider license, issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (formerly DHEC). A business that, for pay, provides in-home care to help a person with activities of daily living (not skilled care) must be licensed before operating or advertising. Home health agencies, hospices, house-cleaning-only services, and individuals hired directly by the client or family are exempt.
What are the key facts?
| License required | Yes |
|---|---|
| License | In-Home Care Provider license |
| Regulator | South Carolina Department of Public Health (formerly DHEC) |
| Fee | $1,000 initial, $800 annual renewal |
| Renewal | Every year |
| Rule | S.C. Code Regs. 61-122; S.C. Code § 44-70-10 et seq. |
| Surety bond | Not required |
How do you get licensed in South Carolina?
- Submit a complete application signed by the owner(s) or two corporate officers
- Show liability insurance or a surety bond of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate
- Show indemnity coverage and workers' compensation insurance
- Provide criminal record checks and drug test results for the prospective licensee
- Set up a random drug testing program
- Pay the $1,000 initial license fee
What should you confirm with the state?
Oversight moved from DHEC to the South Carolina Department of Public Health in 2024, and some forms may still name DHEC. Caregiver fingerprinting isn't explicitly required by statute; confirm background check procedures with the Department of Public Health.
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 South Carolina
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.
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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