TX

Texas Non-Medical Home Care Licensing Guide

Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) License

26 TAC Chapter 558 · TX Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Official Agency WebsiteApplication Portal
Application Fee
$2,500 (initial)
Processing Time
90–120 days
Required Policies
12 documents
Renewal Period
2 years
Overview

Texas requires all home and community support services agencies (HCSSAs) to be licensed by the Health and Human Services Commission under 26 TAC Chapter 558. The license covers non-medical personal assistance services (PAS) and must be renewed every two years. Texas has one of the most detailed licensing frameworks in the country, requiring comprehensive written policies and procedures.

Application Requirements
  • ✓Completed HCSSA application (Form 3720)
  • ✓Proof of legal business entity (Texas SOS registration, EIN)
  • ✓12 required policy and procedure documents
  • ✓Criminal history check authorization for owners and administrators
  • ✓Proof of financial ability to operate (bank statements or letter of credit)
  • ✓Designated administrator with required qualifications
  • ✓Liability insurance certificate
  • ✓Physical office location in Texas
  • ✓$2,500 non-refundable initial application fee
Required Policy Documents
  • •Policy 1 – Consumer Rights
  • •Policy 2 – Personnel Policies & Hiring
  • •Policy 3 – Training & Competency
  • •Policy 4 – Supervision & Coordination
  • •Policy 5 – Emergency Preparedness
  • •Policy 6 – Incident Reporting
  • •Policy 7 – Complaint & Grievance
  • •Policy 8 – Service Delivery & Plan of Care
  • •Policy 9 – Criminal History Checks
  • •Policy 10 – Infection Control
  • •Policy 11 – Quality Assurance & Improvement
  • •Policy 12 – Consumer Disclosure Statement
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
1

Register Your Business in Texas

Form your legal entity with the Texas Secretary of State and obtain your EIN. You must have a physical office address in Texas.

2

Designate a Qualified Administrator

Appoint an administrator who meets HHSC qualifications (typically requires healthcare management experience or education).

3

Prepare Policy Documents

Draft all 12 required policy and procedure documents in compliance with 26 TAC Chapter 558. Our AI tool generates these automatically.

4

Complete Background Checks

Submit criminal history check authorizations for all owners, directors, and the administrator through the HHSC portal.

5

Obtain Liability Insurance

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

6

Submit Application & Fee

Submit Form 3720 with all supporting documents and the $2,500 fee through the HHSC online portal.

7

Await HHSC Review & Survey

HHSC reviews your application and conducts an initial survey visit. Processing typically takes 90–120 days.

Key Regulatory Sections
SectionDescription
§558.201Licensing requirements and application process
§558.211Administrator qualifications and responsibilities
§558.221Consumer rights and responsibilities
§558.231Personnel policies and criminal history checks
§558.241Service delivery and plan of care requirements
§558.251Emergency preparedness and disaster planning
§558.261Quality assurance and improvement program
Pro Tips
  • 1.Texas has a higher application fee ($2,500) than most states — budget accordingly before starting the process.
  • 2.The administrator must be available full-time and cannot simultaneously serve as administrator for another HCSSA.
  • 3.Financial documentation is strictly reviewed — ensure you have at least 3 months of operating capital documented.
  • 4.Texas requires a physical office (not a P.O. Box or home address) — lease agreements may be required.
  • 5.The initial survey visit is unannounced — have all policies, records, and staff available at all times.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • ✗Underestimating the $2,500 application fee — this is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
  • ✗Appointing an administrator who does not meet HHSC's specific education and experience requirements.
  • ✗Submitting insufficient financial documentation — bank statements must show adequate operating capital.
  • ✗Using a home address or P.O. Box as the business address — Texas requires a physical commercial office.
  • ✗Failing to obtain liability insurance before submitting — the certificate must be included with the application.

Ready to Start Your Texas Application?

Our AI-powered tool generates all 12 required policy documents automatically, customized to your agency's details and fully compliant with 26 TAC Chapter 558.

Disclaimer: This tool assists with application preparation. License approval is determined solely by TX Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC).