What Is a Non-Medical Home Care Agency Called in Georgia?
In Georgia, a non-medical home care agency is called a Private Home Care Provider (PHCP).
Private Home Care Providers deliver non-medical assistance to individuals who need help living safely in their homes. These services are commonly used by seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people recovering from illness or surgery.
Typical services may include:
• companionship and supervision
• personal care assistance
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• transportation and errands
• medication reminders
These services do not include skilled medical care such as nursing services or medical treatments.
Is a License Required to Start a Home Care Agency in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia is a regulated state for non-medical home care services.
Home care agencies must obtain a Private Home Care Provider (PHCP) license before operating.
Licenses are issued by the:
Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Operating a home care agency without a license in Georgia is prohibited.
However, an individual caregiver working independently (not sending other caregivers) may provide services without obtaining a PHCP agency license.
Once you hire or assign caregivers to clients on behalf of your business, a PHCP license is required.
Georgia Administrative Rules for Private Home Care Providers
Private Home Care Providers in Georgia operate under the following regulations:
Georgia Department of Community Health
Rules and Regulations for Private Home Care Providers
Georgia Administrative Code: Chapter 111-8-65
These regulations establish requirements for:
• agency licensing
• staff background checks
• operational policies
• patient rights and protections
• agency administration and recordkeeping
Understanding these regulations is essential when preparing your licensing application.
Licensing Timeline for Georgia Home Care Agencies
The Georgia licensing process typically takes several months.
Although some state materials reference a 60-day review period, most agencies report that the process can take approximately 4–6 months depending on application completeness and state review times.
Georgia issues a one-year provisional license first, followed by a regular license after a successful state inspection.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a home care license, you must first establish your legal business entity.
Common structures include:
• Sole Proprietorship
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Corporation
Many home care entrepreneurs choose an LLC because it provides personal liability protection and flexible taxation.
You can register your business through the:
Georgia Secretary of State
Step 2: Register Your Business in Georgia
Once you choose a business structure, you must register your company with the state.
This usually involves filing:
• Articles of Organization (LLC)
• Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
You can also verify whether your desired business name is available using the Georgia business search tool.
Step 3: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Most home care agencies must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
An EIN is required for:
• filing federal taxes
• opening a business bank account
• hiring employees
Apply for an EIN here:
Step 4: Apply for a Private Home Care Provider License
To legally operate a home care agency in Georgia, you must apply for a Private Home Care Provider (PHCP) license through the Georgia Department of Community Health.
Your application must include documentation showing that your agency complies with Georgia’s regulatory requirements.
Typical application requirements include:
• completed PHCP application forms
• application and licensing fees
• copy of local business license
• notarized personal identification affidavit
• description of services offered
• agency policies and procedures
• administrator information
• fingerprint background checks for owners
Before submitting your application, carefully review the initial licensure packet checklist, as this is the same checklist used by state reviewers during the application process.
Provisional License Process
After reviewing your application, the Georgia Department of Community Health may issue a provisional license.
Key details:
• valid for one year
• allows the agency to begin operations
• non-renewable
During this period, your agency must demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Step 5: Prepare for the Initial State Survey
Before receiving a full license, your agency must undergo an on-site survey conducted by the Department of Community Health.
To qualify for the survey, your agency must:
• begin operations
• serve at least two clients
During the survey, state inspectors review:
• client records
• employee files
• training documentation
• policies and procedures
• operational practices
If the agency demonstrates substantial compliance, it may receive a regular PHCP license.
Step 6: Develop Policies and Procedures
Home care agencies must maintain written policies and procedures describing how the agency operates.
Typical policy sections include:
• admission and discharge policies
• caregiver qualifications and supervision
• infection control procedures
• abuse reporting policies
• client complaint procedures
These documents help demonstrate regulatory compliance and ensure consistent service delivery.
Step 7: Hire and Train Caregivers
Private Home Care Providers must recruit qualified caregivers and maintain proper employment documentation.
Typical requirements include:
• caregivers must be at least 18 years old
• criminal background checks
• reference verification
• documented employee training
Although Georgia does not mandate a specific number of training hours for non-medical caregivers, agencies are expected to provide appropriate orientation and training programs.
Step 8: Obtain Business Insurance
Insurance helps protect your agency and your clients.
Common policies include:
• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
Proof of insurance may be required during licensing and inspections.
Step 9: Establish Your Office and Begin Marketing
Once licensed, you can begin operating your home care agency and marketing services within your community.
Common marketing strategies include:
• creating a professional website
• networking with healthcare providers
• building relationships with senior communities
• advertising online and locally
Strong local networking often becomes the primary source of referrals for home care agencies.
Resources for Starting a Home Care Agency in Georgia
Starting a home care business requires proper planning, documentation, and compliance with state regulations.
Wise Caregiving provides professional templates and operational resources designed to help entrepreneurs launch and manage home care agencies.
These tools include:
• policy and procedure manuals
• client intake forms
• employee hiring documentation
• caregiver training records
• administrative templates commonly used by home care agencies
OBTAIN ALL THE REQUIRED START-UP FORMS AND DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR GEORGIA HOME CARE AGENCY IN THE SHOP BELOW
Official Initial Licensure Packet
Download the Georgia Private Home Care Provider (PHCP) Initial Licensure Packet
This packet is provided by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and contains the documents required to apply for a Private Home Care Provider (PHCP) license in Georgia.
Administrative RULES & CODES : YOU MUST STAY COMPLIANT & YOU DO THAT BY FOLLOWING THESE RULES! YOUR POLICY AND PROCEDURES ARE BASED ON THESE ADMINISTRATIVE CODES.
Preparing for the Georgia Private Home Care Provider On-Site Survey
After receiving a provisional PHCP license, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) will conduct an on-site survey to verify that your agency is operating in compliance with state regulations.
Before the survey can be scheduled, your agency must:
• begin operating
• provide services to at least two clients
This demonstrates that the agency is functioning and maintaining proper documentation.
What the State Inspectors Will Review
During the survey, DCH inspectors evaluate several areas of your agency’s operations to ensure compliance with Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 111-8-65.
Surveyors typically review:
Agency Administration
• agency license and registration documents
• administrator qualifications
• hours of operation
• agency organizational structure
Policies and Procedures
Inspectors will review your policy manual to confirm it aligns with Georgia regulations.
Typical sections include:
• admission and discharge policies
• client rights and grievance procedures
• abuse reporting procedures
• infection control procedures
• employee supervision policies
Client Records
Surveyors will review active client files to verify that proper documentation is maintained.
Client records typically include:
• service agreements or care plans
• client assessments
• visit notes or service documentation
• emergency contact information
Employee Files
Employee files must demonstrate that caregivers meet hiring and training requirements.
Typical employee documentation includes:
• employment application
• background check results
• reference verification
• training documentation
• job description
Operational Compliance
Surveyors will also review how the agency operates on a day-to-day basis, including:
• supervision of caregivers
• communication with clients
• complaint handling procedures
• documentation practices
Possible Outcomes of the Survey
After completing the survey, the Department of Community Health will determine whether the agency is in substantial compliance with state regulations.
Possible outcomes include:
Substantial Compliance
The agency may receive a regular Private Home Care Provider license.
Deficiencies Identified
The agency must submit a plan of correction describing how the issues will be resolved.
Tips for a Successful Survey
Home care agencies can prepare for their survey by:
• organizing client and employee files in advance
• reviewing PHCP rules and regulations
• ensuring policies and procedures are up to date
• verifying that staff training documentation is complete
Preparing early can help ensure a smooth transition from a provisional license to a full PHCP license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Home Care Agency in Georgia
Do you need a license to start a home care agency in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires agencies to obtain a Private Home Care Provider (PHCP) license through the Department of Community Health.
How long does it take to obtain a PHCP license in Georgia?
The process typically takes several months and includes receiving a provisional license followed by an on-site survey.
Can an individual caregiver work without a license in Georgia?
Yes. Individual caregivers may provide services independently, but agencies that send caregivers to clients must obtain a PHCP license.
OBTAIN ALL YOUR START-UP DOCUMENTS TO OPERATE IN GA HERE
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