Home Care License in Georgia

Yes, but not automatically. First you must be licensed as a Private Home Care Provider. After that, you may apply to become a Medicaid provider under eligible waiver or community programs. This is a separate enrollment step and may take additional time, paperwork, and sometimes extra audits or credential checks.

This is a common path for agencies that first secure a private home care license Georgia entrepreneurs search for, then expand into Medicaid-based services.

Georgia recognizes three main service categories under the PHCP license:

• Companion/Sitter services (supervision, socialization, light help)
  
• Personal Care services (bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility support)
  
• Nursing services (if you choose to include nursing under your license)
  

You choose which categories you want approved, and your policies and staffing must match the services you plan to provide. Many new home healthcare agencies in Georgia start with companion and personal care, then add nursing as they grow.

Caregivers must complete orientation and ongoing training that covers topics like client rights, safety, infection control, emergency procedures, and tasks allowed under their role. When you provide personal care or nursing services, Georgia expects additional skills training, competency checks, and documented supervision from qualified professionals.

The initial survey is an on-site review where a state surveyor confirms that your agency is ready to operate. They may:

• Review policies, procedures, and forms
  
• Check personnel files and background checks
  
• Inspect how records are stored and protected
  
• Ask questions about your staffing, supervision, and on-call systems
  

If everything meets Georgia’s standards, your license can move forward. If not, you’ll receive a report of deficiencies and instructions on what to correct.

A denial or deficiency report doesn’t always mean the end of your project. In many cases, you can:

• Submit a plan of correction, explaining how you’ll fix each issue
  
• Provide missing documents or clarify unclear information
  
• Request guidance and, when allowed, a follow-up survey
  

The key is to respond quickly, thoroughly, and in the format the state expects.

Yes. Many agencies start with one or two categories (for example, companion and personal care) and later apply to add nursing services or expand their service area. When you add services, Georgia may require updated policies, staffing changes, and sometimes a focused review or survey before approving the expansion.

Georgia expects your marketing to be accurate, honest, and not misleading. That means you should:

• Only advertise services and license types you actually hold
  
• Avoid implying medical or skilled services if you are non-medical only
  
• Use your licensed business name consistently across your website, brochures, and contracts
  

Misleading advertising can trigger complaints or regulatory action.

Strong, accurate marketing will also help you stand out among other home care services Georgia families may be comparing online.

Yes, but selling a licensed agency usually involves a change of ownership (CHOW) process. The state may require notice, updated ownership documents, and in some cases a new or amended license. Buyers and sellers should plan for regulatory timelines, not just the private sale agreement.

While scheduling, billing, and some supervision can use virtual tools, Georgia still expects agencies to maintain solid local presence, availability, and oversight. You must be able to respond to client issues, perform in-person supervision when required, and make records available for review.

“Virtual only” with no real operational presence generally does not meet regulatory expectations for a licensed care provider — especially if you want a long-lasting home care license in Georgia and a reputation that families can trust.