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 Wisconsin?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Wisconsin resources
No. Wisconsin does not require a state license for non-medical home care agencies. Wisconsin does not license private-pay non-medical home care (companion, homemaker, personal care). Agencies that want Medicaid reimbursement for personal care must be certified under DHS 105.17 by passing a Division of Quality Assurance survey and then enrolling through ForwardHealth. Skilled home health agencies are licensed separately under Wis. Stat. § 50.49 and DHS 133.
What are the key facts?
| License required | No |
|---|---|
| License | Personal Care Agency (PCA) Medicaid certification |
| Regulator | Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance (Medicaid certification only) |
| Rule | Wis. Admin. Code DHS 105.17 (Medicaid certification) |
How do you get licensed in Wisconsin?
- Apply through the DHS DQA Provider Portal with supporting documents and policies
- Complete entity background checks for all owners and operators
- Pass a DQA on-site survey (at least 5 clients served, 2 receiving services at survey)
- Apply for Medicaid certification through ForwardHealth after DQA's recommendation
What should you confirm with the state?
Wisconsin certifies personal care agencies that serve Medicaid clients; there is no license for private-pay non-medical agencies. Confirm with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services whether the caregiver background check law applies to an uncertified private-pay agency, and confirm current certification fees.
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 Wisconsin
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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