From application to approval, we handle your CHFS licensing — then hand you the platform to run your agency from day one. Most consultancies disappear when your license arrives. We keep going.
Want to open a non-medical home care agency in Kentucky? You need a Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency (PSA) from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Plan on 60–90 days for provisional approval plus an on-site survey. State filing fees total $500 and are paid directly to CHFS.
Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency
Certificate of Need
Not Required
Non-medical home care agencies do not require a CON in Kentucky.
Medicaid Program
Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver
Plus the Participant Directed Services (PDS) and Private-Pay First Strategy for qualifying providers.
Home Care License Type in Kentucky
Kentucky regulates home-based care under several license categories. Most new founders start with a PSA Certification for non-medical care, then add skilled services later if they choose.
NON-MEDICAL
Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency (PSA)
Kentucky requires a Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency for agencies providing non-medical personal care, companionship, and homemaker services.
Personal care and daily living assistance
Companionship and homemaker services
Medication reminders (not administration)
Transportation and errand assistance
Respite care for family caregivers
State fee:
$500 PSA Certification Fee ($350 renewal)
Timeline:
60-90 Days for provisional approval
Regulator:
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
How to Get Licensed in Kentucky
Kentucky licensing follows a structured 7-step process through CHFS. Our specialists handle all 7 steps in the Launch and Signature packages; in the Licensing Kit, you handle the submission yourself with our expert guidance.
60–90 days from start to provisional approval
1
FOUNDATION
2
INSURANCE
3
POLICIES
4
SURVEY
5
APPLICATION
6
OPERATIONS
1
Register Your Business
FOUNDATION
Register your LLC or corporation with the Kentucky Secretary of State. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. Register for state tax accounts with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
2
Secure Insurance
INSURANCE
Obtain general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and workers' compensation. Budget $500-$3,000 annually for insurance coverage.
3
Develop Policies and Procedures
POLICIES
Create a comprehensive policy manual covering client rights, HIPAA compliance, emergency care protocols, personnel management, client grievances, service agreements, and abuse/neglect reporting procedures.
4
Complete Background Checks and Screenings
SURVEY
Complete state criminal record checks, Nurse Aide and Home Health Aide Abuse Registry checks, Caregiver Misconduct Registry checks, substance abuse testing, and TB risk assessments for all owners, administrators, and initial staff.
5
Submit PSA Application to OIG
APPLICATION
Submit the Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency application by mail or in person to the OIG, Division of Health Care. Include the $500 fee, background check authorizations, insurance documentation, and all supporting materials. Ensure the application is complete and legible — incomplete or illegible applications are returned without processing.
6
Pass CHFS Survey/Inspection
SURVEY
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services conducts an on-site survey or inspection to verify compliance with 906 KAR 1:180. Address any deficiencies identified.
7
Receive Certification and Begin Operations
OPERATIONS
Upon passing the survey, receive your Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency. Designate a qualified administrator and ensure all staff complete required training before serving clients.
Why Kentucky Founders Choose HomeCareAtlas
The biggest difference between us and traditional consultancies isn't the license — it's what happens after the license arrives.
Traditional Consultant
HomeCareAtlas
Pricing
Gated, sales-call only
Published online, no surprises
Policies & Procedures
Generic templates
Built around your state and your service model
Application Filing
You assemble the packet
Done-for-you in Launch and Signature
Survey Day
You're on your own
On-call phone support during your state visit
After License Arrives
Relationship ends
Platform, dashboard, and directory listing go live
Caregiver Onboarding
Not included
Digital onboarding ready for hire #1
Compliance Tracking
You build a spreadsheet
Live compliance dashboard included
Directory Presence
None
Listed on Carezano the day you open
Three Ways to Get Your Kentucky Agency Licensed
Pick the level of support that matches how hands-on you want to be. Kentucky state fees ($500 to CHFS) are passed through at cost.
Atlas Licensing Kit
Get licensed without mistakes
$1,495+ state fees
For self-directed founders who want expert guidance and will file the application themselves.
Licensing
Kentucky licensing roadmap
Annotated application guide
Custom P&P manual (state-ready)
Prep tools
Office setup checklist
Bond & insurance sourcing
Admin interview prep
Survey prep guide
Expert support
2 × 60-min strategy calls
Application red-line review
60 days email support
Platform
3 months free Atlas SaaS
Free Carezano directory listing
Upgrade to Launch for
Done-for-you filing
Medicaid enrollment
Website & launch kit
Live survey prep
Most Popular
Atlas Launch
Licensed & ready for first client
$3,995+ state fees
For founders ready to be fully licensed, operational, and taking their first client on day one.
Everything in Licensing Kit, plus:
Application prepared & filed
P&P custom-built for your model
Background check coordination
Surety bond assistance
Site review prep
Live admin interview prep
Survey & enrollment
Live survey prep session
Survey-day on-call support
Medicaid enrollment guidance
Waiver enrollment guidance
50% off plan-of-correction support
Launch setup
Atlas Edge
Branded website landing page
Google Business Profile setup
Caregiver recruitment kit
HR / employee handbook
Intake + care plan templates
Scheduling templates
Support & platform
90 days Slack/email support
6 months free Atlas SaaS
Priority Carezano placement
Licensing approval guarantee
Upgrade to Signature for
Business formation (LLC, EIN)
Full brand + multi-page site
Go-to-market system
Founder-level attention
Atlas Signature
White-glove launch & full setup
$7,995+ state fees
For founders who want direct access, white-glove execution, and long-term support with minimal lift.
Everything in Launch, plus:
LLC formation + EIN
Registered agent (1st year)
Operating agreement
Full brand + web
Logo + branding kit
Business cards + marketing materials
Multi-page website
Domain + professional email
Go-to-market system
First-month marketing plan
Curated referral source list for your area
Discharge planner scripts
Private pay contracts
LTC insurance setup
Premium support
Signature Only
Weekly calls (first 60 days)
Direct phone/text access
Founder-level attention
Extended support
6 months compliance support
12 months free Atlas SaaS
Premium directory placement
First-year renewal included
1 free plan of correction
What are state fees?Hide state fee details
Kentucky charges a state application fee, paid directly to the state licensing body. We don't mark it up.
Every tier includes free time on Home Care Atlas — the operating system for your new agency. This is the part other Kentucky consultancies don't offer.
Kentucky Licensing Workspace
Track your application, documents, and deadlines in one dashboard. Your Atlas specialist works in the same view you do.
Custom Kentucky P&P Manual
Written around your state's rules, your service model, and your agency — not a generic national template. Survey-ready before you file.
Business Formation
LLC, EIN, NPI, surety bond, and insurance — all tracked and handled in Launch and Signature packages.
Compliance Dashboard
From caregiver #1 onward, every certification, background check, and required document is tracked with automatic expiration alerts.
Caregiver Onboarding
I-9, W-4, direct deposit, and required background-check verifications — all collected digitally.
Carezano Directory Listing
Listed on our public directory the day you open. Local families find you, referral partners find you, you're visible from day one.
Common Questions Before You Book
What do I need to start a home care agency in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires a Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency (PSA) from the OIG, Division of Health Care (Cabinet for Health and Family Services). The application fee is $500 with $350 annual renewals. You also need business formation, insurance, background checks, and to pass a CHFS survey.
How much does a Kentucky home care certification cost?
The PSA application fee is $500 initial with $350 annual renewals. Total startup costs typically range from $35,000 to $65,000 including insurance, staffing, and working capital. Kentucky has lower startup costs than neighboring states.
How long does Kentucky certification take?
The estimated timeline is 60-90 days from application to certification. This includes application review, background check processing, and the CHFS on-site survey. Incomplete or illegible applications are returned without processing, which can add delays.
What is the difference between certification and licensure in Kentucky?
Personal Services Agencies (non-medical) are "certified" in Kentucky, not "licensed." This is an important legal distinction. Home Health Agencies (skilled nursing) are "licensed" and typically require a Certificate of Need. PSAs do not need a CON.
What background checks are required in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires state criminal record checks, Nurse Aide and Home Health Aide Abuse Registry checks, and Caregiver Misconduct Registry checks. Substance abuse testing and TB risk assessments are also required. Kentucky has a voluntary National Background Check Program for FBI checks.
Is dementia training required in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky requires minimum 6 hours of initial dementia care training and 3 hours annual from a cabinet-approved curriculum for staff serving clients with dementia or memory care needs.
Is Kentucky a good market for home care agencies?
Yes. Kentucky has 820,000 adults 65+ (18% of population), lower startup costs than neighboring states, no CON requirement, and significant unmet demand especially in Appalachian eastern Kentucky. Louisville and Lexington are the primary markets with strong hospital referral infrastructure.
Can employees serve as a client's guardian or POA in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky regulations prohibit agency employees from serving as a client's guardian, conservator, or power of attorney holder.
Kentucky Home Care Licensing: What You Need to Know
Kentucky requires a Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency for agencies providing non-medical personal care, companionship, and homemaker services. Important: PSAs in Kentucky are "certified" not "licensed" — this terminology matters when dealing with the state. The governing regulations are 906 KAR 1:180 and KRS 216.710-216.716. Applications are submitted by mail or in person to the OIG. Kentucky does not require a Certificate of Need (CON) for home care agencies, which simplifies market entry. Note: Kentucky has three distinct provider types — PSA (non-medical, certified), Home Health Agency (skilled medical, licensed, typically needs CON), and Personal Care Home (residential).
The Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency (PSA)
Non-medical home care agencies must obtain a Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency from the OIG under 906 KAR 1:180. This is a "certification" not a "license" — the distinction matters in Kentucky. Kentucky requires state criminal record checks, Nurse Aide and Home Health Aide Abuse Registry checks, and Caregiver Misconduct Registry checks for all staff. Substance abuse testing and initial/annual TB risk assessments are also required. Minimum 6 hours of initial dementia care training and 3 hours annual from a cabinet-approved curriculum. Staff must also be trained on reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation before providing any services. Kentucky also requires required administrator certification (typical cost N/A).
Certificate of Need (CON) in Kentucky
No Certificate of Need (CON). Kentucky does not require a CON for Personal Services Agencies, simplifying market entry. CON is required for Home Health Agencies (skilled nursing).
Medicaid Participation — Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver
Kentucky's primary Medicaid waiver program for seniors and adults with disabilities. Covers personal care, homemaker services, and related supports to help people stay at home rather than in facilities.
Common Reasons Kentucky Applications Are Rejected or Delayed
Generic P&P manuals that don't reflect state-specific regulations
Incomplete administrator documentation
Insurance or surety bond policies that don't meet state minimums
Missing or inadequate quality assurance program documentation
Physical office that doesn't meet site-review standards
Caregiver background checks that miss required state databases
Every one of these is preventable with proper preparation. It's the biggest reason founders choose done-for-you packages over DIY — the cost of a rejection in lost time is almost always higher than the cost of doing it right the first time.
Book a Free Kentucky Strategy Call
30 minutes with a home care specialist. We'll map out Kentucky licensing for your specific situation, your timeline, and your best path forward — even if you don't hire us.
Which Kentucky license type fits your business model (Certification to Operate a Personal Services Agency)
Your realistic timeline and budget
Whether Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver enrollment makes sense for your plan
Common Kentucky-specific mistakes to avoid
If you'd like, which Atlas package is right for you
No pressure. No obligation. Kentucky-specific guidance either way.
Your Future Kentucky Clients Are Already Looking for Care.
Every week you spend piecing this together alone is a week you're not serving your first Kentucky client. Let's get your agency licensed, launched, and visible — with people on your side who know CHFS.
