California Non-Medical Home Care Licensing Guide

Home Care Organization (HCO) License

CA Health & Safety Code §§1796.10–1796.63 · CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) – Home Care Services Branch

Official Agency Website Application Portal

Application Fee

$5,603 (2-year license)

Processing Time

90–180 days

Required Policies

12 documents

Renewal Period

2 years

Overview

California requires all home care organizations (HCOs) to be licensed by the Department of Social Services (CDSS) under the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act (Health & Safety Code §§1796.10–1796.63). The license covers non-medical personal care and homemaker services provided by registered Home Care Aides. All aides must be individually registered with the CDSS Home Care Aide Registry and must pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check before providing services.

Application Requirements

✓Completed CDSS HCO license application
✓Proof of California business entity (EIN, Secretary of State registration)
✓12 required policy documents
✓Live Scan fingerprint clearance for all owners, officers, and administrators
✓Designated administrator with required qualifications
✓Proof of general liability insurance
✓All Home Care Aides registered with CDSS HCA Registry before providing services
✓$5,603 non-refundable application fee (2-year license)

Required Policy Documents

•Policy 1 – Organizational Description & Governing Body
•Policy 2 – Personnel Policies & Hiring Standards
•Policy 3 – Criminal Background Check & Live Scan Policy
•Policy 4 – Home Care Aide Registry Compliance Policy
•Policy 5 – Training & Competency Program
•Policy 6 – TB Screening & Health Assessment Policy
•Policy 7 – Consumer Rights & Disclosure Policy
•Policy 8 – Service Agreement & Plan of Care Policy
•Policy 9 – Incident, Abuse & Neglect Reporting Policy
•Policy 10 – Infection Control & Universal Precautions Policy
•Policy 11 – Emergency Preparedness Plan
•Policy 12 – Liability Insurance & Bond Documentation

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Register Your Business in California

Form your legal entity with the California Secretary of State and obtain your EIN from the IRS.

Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

All owners, officers, and administrators must complete DOJ/FBI Live Scan fingerprint background checks before submitting the application.

Prepare Policy Documents

Draft all 12 required policy documents in compliance with CA Health & Safety Code §§1796.10–1796.63. Our AI tool generates these automatically.

Register Home Care Aides

All Home Care Aides must be individually registered with the CDSS Home Care Aide Registry and pass Live Scan background checks before providing services.

Obtain Liability Insurance

Secure general liability insurance and obtain a certificate of insurance naming CDSS as an additional insured.

Submit Application & Fee

Submit the completed CDSS HCO application with all policy documents and the $5,603 fee to the Home Care Services Branch.

Await CDSS Review & Inspection

CDSS reviews your application and conducts an initial inspection. Processing typically takes 90–180 days.

Receive License & Begin Operations

Once approved, you receive your 2-year HCO license and can begin providing home care services in California.

Key Regulatory Sections

Section	Description
§1796.22	Home Care Aide Registry – registration requirement for all aides
§1796.23	Live Scan fingerprint background check requirements
§1796.40	HCO license application and organizational requirements
§1796.44	Personnel, training, TB screening, and competency requirements
§1796.45	Incident and abuse reporting obligations
§1796.47	Consumer rights, disclosure, and service agreement requirements

Pro Tips

1.The $5,603 application fee is non-refundable — ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting.
2.All Home Care Aides must be registered with the CDSS HCA Registry BEFORE providing any services — this is strictly enforced.
3.Live Scan results can take 2–6 weeks — start fingerprinting early in the process.
4.California requires TB screening for all aides before assignment and annually thereafter.
5.CDSS conducts both announced and unannounced inspections — maintain all records and policies in accessible condition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Allowing Home Care Aides to provide services before their CDSS registry registration is confirmed — this is a serious violation.
✗Submitting the application without complete Live Scan clearance for all owners and officers — CDSS will reject incomplete applications.
✗Underestimating the processing timeline — California's HCO licensing can take 3–6 months.
✗Not obtaining TB screening documentation for aides before assignment — this is a top citation during CDSS inspections.
✗Missing the liability insurance requirement — California requires proof of insurance before the license is issued.

Ready to Start Your California Application?

Our AI-powered tool generates all 12 required policy documents automatically, customized to your agency's details and fully compliant with CA Health & Safety Code §§1796.10–1796.63.

Disclaimer: This tool assists with application preparation. License approval is determined solely by CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) – Home Care Services Branch.