• Personal care such as assistance with dressing, feeding and personal hygiene to facilitate self-care;
• Homemaking such as assistance with household tasks, housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and transportation;
• Respite care such as assistance and support provided to the family; and
• Other non-medical services.

The Department of Health (DOH) licenses Home Care Agencies (HCAs) to assure care is provided within health and safety standards established by statute and rule.  DOH enforces the standards by periodically conducting surveys of these agencies. 

Some HCAs provide services to individuals eligible for Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) assistance. These agencies may be surveyed by DSHS or an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) using standards equivalent to DOH for evaluating the care and services provided.

State Statute and Rules

In Home Services Complete Law Book
Statute:  RCW 70.127
Rules:    WAC 246-335  
              

Application for State License:

For persons interested in the application process for state licensure of these agencies, here are steps to follow.

1. Request an application for establishing a Home Care Agency. How to Contact Us

2. Submit the completed application and fee along with the  following information to Office of Health Care Survey.

   a) A description of the organizational structure listing the names of the agency, officers, administrator, clinical directors, partners, managing employees, or owners of ten percent or more of the agency's assets.

   b) The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all office locations.

   c) A description of the service area in which the agency plans to operate and a description of how the agency will provide management and supervision of services throughout the service area.

   d) A description of the services to be offered directly and under contracts.

   e) A copy of Washington State Patrol (WSP) criminal history background checks and disclosure statements in compliance with RCW 43.43.830-842.

   f) Copy of the current business license.

   g) Evidence of professional liability, public liability, and property damage insurance.

3. After review and acceptance of the application materials, DOH conducts a survey before issuing the license.