Last verified: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm every figure with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs before you file.
New Jersey regulates home care agencies as Health Care Service Firms (HCSF), registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs rather than licensed by the health department. Companion-only firms must register too, and every firm must be accredited within its first year. This guide covers the full path.
Quick facts: New Jersey home care licensing
| Registration | Health Care Service Firm (HCSF) |
| Issued by | NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Regulated Business section |
| Governing law | N.J.S.A. 34:8-43 et seq.; N.J.A.C. 13:45B-13 |
| Registration fee | $500 per primary location per year |
| Surety bond | $10,000 (can be waived with a net-worth showing) |
| Accreditation | Required within 12 months (CHAP, ACHC, The Joint Commission or similar) |
| Term | Annual; registrations now expire September 30 |
Do you need a license for home care in New Jersey?
Yes, including companion-only businesses. A 2019 law expressly brought companion services (“non-medical, basic supervision and socialization”) and referral or online-platform models under the HCSF rules. Licensed home health agencies and hospices are excluded.
Hands-on personal care must be done by a Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA) under RN supervision.
Step-by-step: how to open a home care agency in New Jersey
- Form your business entity.
- Get the $10,000 surety bond.
- File the HCSF application with Consumer Affairs, disclosing owners, officers, locations, principals’ criminal history and any other licenses.
- Receive your registration, typically 30 to 60 days after filing.
- Hire CHHAs for hands-on care and set up RN supervision.
- Get accredited within 12 months by a recognized accrediting body.
- Renew every year with proof of accreditation and your annual financial statement.
A 2026 law (P.L. 2026, c.45) moved the registration expiration to September 30 and paused some enhanced financial reporting rules. Check the Division’s site for current renewal forms.
How much does it cost?
- HCSF registration: $500 per primary location per year ($25 late fee).
- $10,000 surety bond (premium depends on credit).
- Accreditation fees, which are often the largest licensing cost in New Jersey.
Budget separately for insurance, payroll for your first caregivers before clients pay, software, and marketing. Licensing is rarely the biggest line. See what it really costs to start a home care agency.
Caregiver requirements in New Jersey
- Hands-on care: Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA) certification through the NJ Board of Nursing.
- CHHA training: 76 hours (60 classroom, 16 clinical), a skills demonstration, a written exam and a background check; renewed every 2 years.
- CHHAs work under registered nurse supervision.
How long does it take?
Registration usually takes 30 to 60 days, so many firms can start operating in 2 to 4 months, with accreditation due by month 12. Medicaid enrollment adds several months.
Medicaid in New Jersey
Medicaid personal care and homemaker services run through New Jersey’s MLTSS program (NJ FamilyCare managed care). You need HCSF registration and accreditation, enrollment with the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, and credentialing with the managed care plans.
Comparing states? See the home care license requirements for every state.
Want the full playbook?
I built and run a licensed home care agency in California. The licensing steps differ state to state, but getting clients, hiring good caregivers and managing cash flow work the same way in New Jersey. The Home Care Agency Blueprint covers that side in 49 lessons. You can see the syllabus, start with the $29.99 Startup Workbook, or book a free call to map out your New Jersey launch.
FAQ
Can I run a companion-only business without registering?
No. Since 2019, companion services are covered by the HCSF law.
When do I need accreditation?
Within 12 months of your first registration. It is checked at your first renewal after that point.
Who can provide hands-on personal care?
A Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA), supervised by a registered nurse.
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