Pennsylvania verified state authority guide
Pennsylvania Home Care License Requirements: HCA, HCR & Medicaid Guide
Pennsylvania regulates non-skilled home care through the Department of Health Home Care Agency and Home Care Registry framework. Medicaid and Community HealthChoices add separate program, payer, documentation and EVV requirements.
Does a non-medical home care agency need a license in Pennsylvania?
28 Pa. Code Chapter 611 generally requires an entity operating or holding itself out as a Home Care Agency or Home Care Registry to obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Health license. Each physical location must be separately licensed.
Service scope → HCA/HCR classification → licensure → payer/program overlay → policy → procedure → responsible role → record/proof → review/correction.
Home Care Agency or Home Care Registry?
Chapter 611 defines a Home Care Agency as an organization that supplies, arranges or schedules employees to provide home care services for compensation. A Home Care Registry supplies, arranges or refers independent contractors. Covered home care services include personal care, IADLs, companionship, respite and specialized care.
What changed in Pennsylvania's application process in 2026?
Current 2026 update: Pennsylvania implemented an online application process for Home Care Agencies and Home Care Registries. Mailed or emailed submissions are no longer accepted effective March 31, 2026.
What must direct-care-worker files prove?
Chapter 611 connects worker files to hiring or rostering, references, criminal-history documentation, ChildLine verification when applicable, competency and health screening. Section 611.55 requires competency before assignment or referral and documentation of ongoing competency review at least annually. Core subjects include confidentiality, IADLs, infection control, emergencies, documentation, abuse or neglect reporting and difficult behaviors; personal-care workers have additional competency subjects.
What must the consumer file show?
Section 611.57 requires consumer protections and an information packet before services begin, including services, worker identity, hours, fees, licensure contact information, complaint and Ombudsman information, competency information and required worker-status disclosures. The agency or registry must retain evidence of compliance.
How do Medicaid and Community HealthChoices change the system?
Community HealthChoices serves qualifying older adults, people with physical disabilities and people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, with LTSS including Personal Assistance Services and respite. HCA/HCR licensure and Medicaid/CHC participation are different layers. CHC can add enrollment, authorization, service-plan, managed-care, documentation, billing and EVV requirements.
Does Pennsylvania require EVV for personal care services?
Pennsylvania DHS identifies covered Personal Care Services subject to Electronic Visit Verification and states that PCS claims submitted without a matching EVV visit will be denied. EVV is a service and payer/program layer, not a universal requirement for every private-pay home care operation.
A Philadelphia agency is contracted with PA Health & Wellness and starting clients. What should be checked?
Start with HCA/HCR status and exact services. Then map CHC/MCO requirements onto intake, consumer disclosures, service planning, caregiver competency, scheduling, visit records, EVV where applicable, missed visits, incidents, complaints, authorizations, billing support, quality review and closeout.
Build the Pennsylvania pathway before building the paperwork
Determine HCA/HCR first, then attach the exact Medicaid, CHC, MCO and EVV requirements that apply.