How to Start a Home Care Agency in Georgia (2026 Guide)
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Georgia Licensing at a Glance
- License type: Private Home Care Provider license
- Licensing agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) – Healthcare Facility Regulation
- Application fee: Varies; see Georgia DCH application and fee schedule.
- Estimated timeline: Typically 60–120 days (application + inspection).
- Estimated startup cost: $35,000 – $70,000 (estimate your own with the startup cost calculator)
- Senior population: 1,206,430 (18.5%)
Insurance Requirements
- General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate (industry standard; verify if state specifies different).
- Surety bond: Not state-specified for private-pay in most states; if handling client funds/property, consider a dishonesty/fidelity bond (commonly $10,000+) to reduce risk.
- Workers' comp: Required when you have employees (verify state rules; exemptions/thresholds vary).
Unique Georgia Requirements
- Two-phase licensing: Provisional first, then Regular after serving 2+ clients and on-site survey
- Cannot get full license without first serving clients under provisional
- Electronic fingerprinting through GCIC required for all owners
- Disqualifying crimes per O.C.G.A. § 49-2-14.1
- Companion Sitter: demonstrate competency, 8 hrs annual CE
- Personal Care Aide: 40 hrs training (20 before, 20 within 6 months), 8 hrs annual CE
- Home Health Aide: 75 hrs (59 classroom, 16 clinical), 12 hrs annual CE
- License non-transferable; renewal not received within 30 days = voluntarily closed
Insider Tips
- Atlanta metro massive and growing—focus on specific counties like Cobb, Gwinnett, Fulton
- Georgia processes licenses faster than neighbors Florida and North Carolina
- JCAHO/CHAP accreditation exempts you from periodic inspections
- SOURCE (Medicaid waiver) provides steady revenue—apply after full licensing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not understanding two-phase licensing—you MUST serve clients under Provisional first
- Trying to serve all of metro Atlanta at once—pick 2-3 counties to start
- Missing renewal deadline—renewal not received within 30 days means voluntarily closed
- Not keeping ongoing disclosure post-licensure as required
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to start a home care agency in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a Private Home Care Provider license issued by Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) – Healthcare Facility Regulation.
How much does a home care license cost in Georgia?
Application fee: Varies; see Georgia DCH application and fee schedule.
How long does it take to get licensed in Georgia?
Estimated timeline: Typically 60–120 days (application + inspection).
How much does it cost to start a home care agency in Georgia?
Typical startup costs range from $35,000 to $70,000.
Not sure you're ready? Take the free home care agency readiness quiz.