New Hampshire · DHHS Licensing

Start a Home Care Agency in New Hampshire

From application to approval, we handle your DHHS licensing — then hand you the platform to run your agency from day one. Most consultancies disappear when your license arrives. We keep going.

30 minutes. New Hampshire-specific guidance, even if you don't hire us.

Regulatory Body
DHHS
License Type
Home Care Agency License
Timeline
30–90 days
State Fee
$550

Want to open a non-medical home care agency in New Hampshire? You need a Home Care Agency License from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Plan on 30–90 days for provisional approval plus an on-site survey. State filing fees total $550 and are paid directly to DHHS.

New Hampshire Home Care Licensing Reference

Regulatory Body

DHHS

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

License Types

1 Categories

Home Care Agency License

Certificate of Need

Not Required

Non-medical home care agencies do not require a CON in New Hampshire.

Medicaid Program

Choices for Independence (CFI)

Plus the Private-Pay Advantage for qualifying providers.

Home Care License Type in New Hampshire

New Hampshire regulates home-based care under several license categories. Most new founders start with a Home Care Agency License for non-medical care, then add skilled services later if they choose.

NON-MEDICAL

Home Care Agency License

New Hampshire requires a Home Care Service Provider Agency (HCSPA) License for agencies providing 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:
$550 HCSPA License Fee (approx.)
Timeline:
30-90 Days for provisional approval
Regulator:
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

How to Get Licensed in New Hampshire

New Hampshire licensing follows a structured 7-step process through DHHS. 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.

30–90 days from start to provisional approval

  1. 1
    FOUNDATION
  2. 2
    INSURANCE
  3. 3
    POLICIES
  4. 4
    APPLICATION
  5. 5
    SURVEY
  6. 6
    OPERATIONS
  7. 7
    PROCESS
  1. 1

    Register Your Business

    FOUNDATION

    Register your LLC with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Obtain an EIN from the IRS. An LLC is recommended for liability protection.

  2. 2

    Secure Insurance

    INSURANCE

    Obtain general liability ($1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate), professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. Consider a surety bond ($10,000+) if you'll handle client funds.

  3. 3

    Develop Policies and Procedures

    POLICIES

    Create a comprehensive policy manual covering client rights (Home Care Clients' Bill of Rights), HIPAA compliance, emergency preparedness, personnel management, training protocols, and quality assurance as required by DHHS.

  4. 4

    Submit HCSPA License Application

    APPLICATION

    Apply for the Home Care Service Provider Agency license through NH DHHS Health Facilities Administration. Submit policy manuals, insurance documentation, and the application fee (~$550 payable to "State of New Hampshire, Treasurer").

  5. 5

    Pass Licensing Survey/Inspection

    SURVEY

    DHHS conducts a licensing survey or inspection which may include clinical and life safety code reviews to verify compliance with RSA 151 and He-P 822.

  6. 6

    Hire and Train Staff

    OPERATIONS

    Recruit caregivers, conduct required background checks, and provide training. New Hampshire may require up to 75 hours of instruction for caregivers.

  7. 7

    Build Referral Network and Launch

    PROCESS

    Establish relationships with local hospitals, physicians, Area Agencies on Aging, and community organizations. Start with private-pay clients while building volume.

Why New Hampshire Founders Choose HomeCareAtlas

The biggest difference between us and traditional consultancies isn't the license — it's what happens after the license arrives.

Traditional ConsultantHomeCareAtlas
PricingGated, sales-call onlyPublished online, no surprises
Policies & ProceduresGeneric templatesBuilt around your state and your service model
Application FilingYou assemble the packetDone-for-you in Launch and Signature
Survey DayYou're on your ownOn-call phone support during your state visit
After License ArrivesRelationship endsPlatform, dashboard, and directory listing go live
Caregiver OnboardingNot includedDigital onboarding ready for hire #1
Compliance TrackingYou build a spreadsheetLive compliance dashboard included
Directory PresenceNoneListed on Carezano the day you open

Three Ways to Get Your New Hampshire Agency Licensed

Pick the level of support that matches how hands-on you want to be. New Hampshire state fees ($550 to DHHS) are passed through at cost.

Atlas Licensing Kit

Get licensed without mistakes

$995+ state fees

For self-directed founders who want expert guidance and will file the application themselves.

Licensing

  • New Hampshire 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

$2,995+ 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

Fully licensed, operational, ready to take your first client.

Go with Launch

Atlas Signature

White-glove launch & full setup

$5,995+ 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

Launch a fully branded, operational agency with growth infrastructure in place.

Choose Signature
What are state fees?
New Hampshire charges a state application fee, paid directly to the state licensing body. We don't mark it up.

Not sure which package? Book a free 30-minute strategy call and we'll recommend one based on your situation.

The Platform That Comes With Your License

Every tier includes free time on Home Care Atlas — the operating system for your new agency. This is the part other New Hampshire consultancies don't offer.

New Hampshire Licensing Workspace

Track your application, documents, and deadlines in one dashboard. Your Atlas specialist works in the same view you do.

Custom New Hampshire 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 license do I need for home care in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire requires a Home Care Service Provider Agency (HCSPA) License from the DHHS Health Facilities Administration under He-P 822 and RSA 151:2-b.

How much does a New Hampshire home care license cost?

The application fee is approximately $550. Total startup costs typically range from $40,000 to $75,000 including insurance, staffing, and working capital.

How long does licensing take in New Hampshire?

30-90 days from complete application, which is faster than most neighboring states. The process includes a DHHS survey/inspection.

How many hours of training do caregivers need?

New Hampshire may require up to 75 hours of instruction for caregivers. This is more than many states, so budget time and resources for training before staff can work independently.

Is New Hampshire a good market for home care?

Yes. New Hampshire has one of the highest senior percentages nationally (21%), no income tax, no sales tax, median household income of ~$88K, and billing rates of $33-$45/hr. Southern NH benefits from Boston metro spillover. The combination of affluent demographics and growing senior population makes it a strong market.

Do I need a Certificate of Need?

No. New Hampshire does not require a CON for home care agencies. This open-market approach makes entry easier than CON states.

How does the Boston market affect New Hampshire?

Southern NH (Manchester, Nashua, Salem) is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua MSA. Many residents work in Massachusetts but live in NH for the tax advantage. This creates Boston-level demand and pricing in southern NH, but also means Massachusetts-based agencies may compete in your market.

New Hampshire Home Care Licensing: What You Need to Know

New Hampshire requires a Home Care Service Provider Agency (HCSPA) License for agencies providing personal care, companionship, and homemaker services. The governing regulations are He-P 822 and RSA 151:2-b. Applications are submitted to the DHHS Health Facilities Administration. The licensing process includes a survey/inspection to verify compliance. No Certificate of Need (CON) is required. The process is relatively fast (30-90 days) compared to neighboring states. Agencies must also comply with He-P 820 for individual home care provider standards and uphold the Home Care Clients' Bill of Rights.

The Home Care Agency License

Agencies providing non-medical home care must obtain a HCSPA License under He-P 822 and RSA 151:2-b from the DHHS Health Facilities Administration. New Hampshire has one of the faster licensing timelines in the region — 30-90 days from complete application to license. Much faster than neighboring Massachusetts or Connecticut. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax. This is a major advantage for agency profitability and attracts affluent retirees to the state. New Hampshire also requires required administrator certification (typical cost N/A).

Certificate of Need (CON) in New Hampshire

No Certificate of Need Required. New Hampshire does not require a CON for home care agencies. This open-market approach makes it easier to enter compared to CON states.

Medicaid Participation — Choices for Independence (CFI)

New Hampshire's Medicaid home and community-based services program for seniors and adults with disabilities. CFI covers personal care, homemaker services, and related supports. Provider enrollment through NH DHHS is required to serve Medicaid-eligible clients.

The DHHS On-Site Survey

HCSPA License (He-P 822; RSA 151:2-b). New Hampshire requires agencies providing home care services to obtain a HCSPA License. Applications go through the DHHS Health Facilities Administration with a survey/inspection for compliance.

Common Reasons New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Strategy Call

30 minutes with a home care specialist. We'll map out New Hampshire licensing for your specific situation, your timeline, and your best path forward — even if you don't hire us.

  • Which New Hampshire license type fits your business model (Home Care Agency License)
  • Your realistic timeline and budget
  • Whether Choices for Independence (CFI) enrollment makes sense for your plan
  • Common New Hampshire-specific mistakes to avoid
  • If you'd like, which Atlas package is right for you
Schedule Your Free Call →

No pressure. No obligation. New Hampshire-specific guidance either way.

Your Future New Hampshire Clients Are Already Looking for Care.

Every week you spend piecing this together alone is a week you're not serving your first New Hampshire client. Let's get your agency licensed, launched, and visible — with people on your side who know DHHS.

Book Your Free Strategy Call

30 minutes · New Hampshire-specific · No obligation

Built exclusively for non-medical home carePlatform & HomeCareAtlas directory on day one

New Hampshire licensing details verified by HomeCareAtlas on March 1, 2026.