Last updated: October 2026
Before you open a non-medical home care agency that offers personal care with employees, you need to know one thing: is your state regulated or non-regulated? Your answer shapes your home care startup requirements: whether you need a state license, what your policy manual must cover, and whether you’ll face an inspection before opening day.
This guide compares both paths side by side and shows you which Wise Caregiving® startup bundle fits your business.
Is Your State Regulated or Non-Regulated?
- Non-regulated states let you offer non-medical and personal care services without a state home care license. You still need a registered business, insurance, and professional policies and records.
- Regulated states require a license before you can serve clients. Expect a state-specific policy and procedure manual, a licensing application, and often an inspection or survey.
Rules change and vary by state, so always confirm with your state’s health department. Start with our Home Care US Administrative Code Sources.
Home Care Startup Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Non-Regulated State | Regulated State |
|---|---|---|
| Business formation (LLC/Corp) | ✔ Required | ✔ Required |
| Federal EIN | ✔ Required | ✔ Required |
| Local business license | May be required | May be required |
| General liability insurance | ✔ Required | ✔ Required |
| Workers’ compensation | ✔ Required with employees | ✔ Required with employees |
| State home care license | Not required | ✔ Required before opening |
| Policy & procedure manual | Professional general manual | State-specific, survey-ready manual |
| Administrator designation | Recommended | ✔ Required |
| RN / clinical oversight | Usually not required | Required in some states |
| Caregiver training records | ✔ Required | ✔ Required |
| Client intake & care plans | ✔ Recommended | ✔ Required |
| State inspection / survey | Not required | Usually required |
| Ongoing compliance monitoring | Recommended | ✔ Required |
Which Home Care Startup Bundle Is Right for You?
Both bundles are built for non-medical home care agencies offering personal care services with employees. The difference is your policy and procedure manual.
Non-Regulated State – Home Care Business Start-Up Bundle
Includes a general, all-state policy and procedure manual that you edit yourself. Includes 250+ templates in total. Download it right after purchase and add your business details where indicated. Best if your state doesn’t license non-medical home care, or if you’re comfortable tailoring the manual on your own.
- Editable policy & procedure manual, state supplemental forms, business continuity and emergency preparedness plans
- Complete client intake, care plan, service agreement, quote and invoice forms
- Employee handbook, hiring and onboarding packet, training records and skills evaluations
- 85+ administrative forms, scheduling sheets, timesheets and quality improvement templates
Regulated State – Start-Up Bundle with Custom State Manual
Includes a policy and procedure manual that Danielle writes for your state and your agency. It’s not a generic or AI-generated template. It uses your company name, service area, services, staffing roles, organizational chart and insurance, and covers your state’s required topics along with admissions, supervision, training, safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, incident reporting and quality assurance.
- Custom manual delivered by email within 14 days
- One revision included after your state reviews your submission
- Everything in the 250+ template startup library, plus 30 quality assurance templates and an Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation bundle with ADA policy
- Limited spaces, so contact Danielle to confirm the next delivery date
Quick comparison
| Non-Regulated Bundle | Regulated Bundle | |
|---|---|---|
| Policy manual | General all-state manual you edit | Custom manual written for your state & agency |
| Delivery | Instant download | Manual emailed within 14 days |
| Revision after state feedback | — | ✔ One included |
| Best for | Non-regulated states | States requiring a license |
What’s Included in Both Bundles
- File formats: Microsoft Word (editable), Excel and Adobe PDF (printable and digitally fillable)
- Home care startup guide, editable business plan, financial forecasting sheets and 50 marketing ideas
- A client rate vs. caregiver wage formula (see Home Care Rates 2026)
- Instructions for editing, adding your logo and updating the table of contents
Before You Buy
- Business verification: you’ll be asked for proof of a registered business providing in-person home support in your community. If you can’t provide it, you’ll get a refund.
- Training programs aren’t included: training records and evaluations are included, but state-required training courses are not.
- Medicaid program information isn’t included.
Home Care Startup Requirements FAQ
What’s the difference between a regulated and non-regulated state?
A regulated state requires a home care license (and usually an inspection) before you serve clients. A non-regulated state doesn’t license non-medical home care, but you still need a registered business, insurance and professional documentation.
Can I use the non-regulated bundle in a regulated state?
It’s a strong starting point, but regulated states expect a manual that covers their specific required topics. The regulated bundle includes that custom manual. State customization of the general manual is also available as a separate service.
How is the custom state manual delivered?
After purchase you send your business details. Danielle prepares your manual and emails it within 14 days, with one revision after state feedback.
Do the bundles include state caregiver training?
No. They include training records and skills evaluations. Your local health department can recommend certified trainers.
Start Your Home Care Agency with the Right Foundation
Non-Regulated State Bundle Regulated State Bundle with Custom Manual
Or compare all Home Care Agency Templates Bundles.