Every answer was written and checked ahead of time, with the official document next to it. Nothing is made up on the spot.
Do I need a license to run a non-medical home care agency in Arkansas?
Yes, to bill Medicaid.
To give Medicaid personal care, ARChoices attendant care or ARChoices respite, you must be licensed by the Department of Health as a private care agency (home health agencies with a Class A or B license can also give these services). The home health rule also requires a license for agencies that supply personal care aide services, which it defines as medically prescribed help with daily living, hygiene and grooming. The caregiver training rule describes "in-home services agencies" that give caregiver services for pay without an ADH license. Their caregivers still need 40 hours of training.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do personal care agencies still need DHS (DPSQA) certification?
No, since August 5, 2025.
Personal care, attendant care and respite providers no longer certify with DHS's Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance (DPSQA). They work with the Department of Health for licensing. Providers of other ARChoices services, such as home-delivered meals or adult day care, still go through DPSQA.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long does an Arkansas home care license last?
One calendar year; it expires December 31.
Private care and home health licenses are issued on a calendar-year basis and expire December 31. The home health license fee is $1,000 per parent agency, and the application must be notarized. ADH inspects before licensing and at least every three years after that.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much training do Arkansas personal care aides need?
At least 40 hours, plus 12 hours a year.
The ADH rules call for an approved course of at least 40 hours, supervised by a registered nurse, with classroom and clinical parts and 4 hours on dementia. Aides need at least 12 hours of in-service training every 12 months. Home health aides need at least 75 hours.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
When do I need an FBI fingerprint check for a new caregiver?
If they haven't lived in Arkansas for the past five years.
Every applicant and employee needs a state criminal check (licensed nurses and some other licensed professionals are excluded). An FBI fingerprint check is also needed if the person has not lived in Arkansas continuously for five years. Request it within 10 days of the state check or you will have to run the state check again. Repeat checks at least every five years.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which EVV system do I use in Arkansas?
AuthentiCare, or Sandata for home health.
AuthentiCare is the state system for personal care, attendant care and respite. Sandata is the state system for home health. You may use another system at your own cost if the state's vendor certifies it. The PASSE plans use HHAeXchange or CareBridge.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What happens if too many of my EVV visits are edited by hand?
A corrective action plan.
Under the proposed EVV rule, edited and manually entered visits are not EVV compliant. If more than 10% of your visits over three months are non-compliant, you must file a corrective action plan within 14 calendar days of written notice. If it keeps happening, other sanctions can follow.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How many hours of personal care will Medicaid pay for?
Up to 64 hours a month for adults.
State Plan personal care for adults 21 and older is capped at 256 units (64 hours) a month. People 20 and younger can get more if it is medically necessary. Adults who need more care should apply for HCBS waiver services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How do I round personal care units?
15-minute units; .501 or more rounds up.
Add up the day's minutes for one person and divide by 15. In the proposed manual, a remainder of .500 or less rounds down and .501 or more rounds up. You bill the lower of that number or the service plan's maximum. DHS said it restored this rounding language after providers objected.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can a new home health agency enroll in Medicare right now?
Not during the federal moratorium.
CMS started a 6-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollments of home health agencies on May 13, 2026, and a separate one for hospices. It lasts 6 months unless CMS extends it. It also covers new branches and practice locations.
Written and checked September 23, 2026