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 Texas?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Texas resources
Yes. Texas requires a state license to run a non-medical home care agency: the Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) license with Personal Assistance Services category, issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A person may not provide, or advertise, home health, hospice, habilitation, or personal assistance services for pay without a Home and Community Support Services Agency license for each place of business. Non-medical personal care is licensed under the Personal Assistance Services category.
What are the key facts?
| License required | Yes |
|---|---|
| License | Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) license with Personal Assistance Services category |
| Regulator | Texas Health and Human Services Commission |
| Fee | $2,625 initial; renewal $2,625 for a three-year license or $1,750 for a two-year license |
| Renewal | Every 2 or 3 years (the rule sets fees for both terms) |
| Rule | Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 142; 26 TAC Chapter 558 |
What should you confirm with the state?
Applications go through HHSC's TULIP portal. State law refers to Department of Public Safety criminal history records and doesn't mention fingerprints. Confirm application steps and orientation and staff training requirements with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
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.
More for Texas
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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