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 Delaware?
Yes — a personal assistance services agency license.
No one may run a personal assistance services agency without a DHSS license (16 DE Admin Code 3345). Personal assistance services include help with daily activities, companion, transportation and homemaker services and medication reminders. Among those the rule excludes: individuals hired and paid directly by the consumer, staffing agencies that only supply licensed agencies, agencies that only provide Community Based Attendant Services Act services, and home health agencies that only provide home health services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Does a companion-only or homemaker-only agency need a license?
The rule has no exemption for them.
Rule 3345 defines personal assistance services to include companion services and homemaker services, and direct care workers as people who provide personal care, companion, homemaker and transportation services. Its list of exclusions doesn't mention companion-only or homemaker-only agencies. Ask DHSS if you're unsure about your services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long does a Delaware personal assistance services license last?
90 days at first, then one year.
A new agency gets a 90-day initial license that can't be renewed, and must pass an on-site survey in that time while caring for consumers. After that, the license is annual. Apply at least 30 days before it expires. A change of ownership voids the license, so you must reapply as a new agency.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What checks do I need before a worker starts?
BCC, drug test, abuse registry, physical, TB test, orientation and competency test.
Run every applicant through the Background Check Center and get the drug test result before hire. Check the Adult Abuse Registry and keep a copy. Get service letters from past employers. The worker needs a physical exam from the last 12 months, TB testing and a passed competency test.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How often must a supervisor visit a client?
At least every 90 days (non-medical); every 60 days for home health aides.
Personal assistance services agencies make follow-up home visits at least every 90 days; every other visit must be in person, and the rest can be by telehealth. For home health aide services without a skilled service, a registered nurse visits at least every 60 days while the aide is working, with every other visit in person. The skilled home health rule sets every 2 weeks when the patient also gets a skilled service.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do live-in caregivers have to use EVV in Delaware?
No.
Visits by Medicaid-paid caregivers who live with the member aren't subject to EVV. Put the CG modifier on those claim lines. If the member also has an aide who comes in from outside, bill that aide's visits on a separate line without the modifier.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
When will Medicaid deny claims for missing EVV visits?
From October 1, 2026.
DMMA has been in a "soft edit" phase since July 31, 2024, with warnings on the remittance advice. The hard edit date has moved several times; the latest bulletins set it at October 1, 2026. After that, claims will be denied without a matching authorization, visit and claim.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can I use my own EVV system?
Yes.
Delaware uses an open model. Your system must collect the federal data points, including the latitude and longitude at check-in and check-out, and upload visits to the state system within 7 days. Manual entries can't be more than 10% of visits. Send the signed attestation to DHSS_DMMA_EVV@delaware.gov, and give 45 days' notice before you change vendors.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in Delaware?
Three.
AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, Delaware First Health and Highmark Health Options operate the Medicaid managed care program for 2026. Long Term Care Community Services are delivered only through a health plan. Members can call the Health Benefits Manager at 1-800-996-9969 to enroll.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long must I keep client records?
At least 6 years under the license rule.
Rule 3345 says to keep adult records at least 6 years after the last date of service, and minors' records at least 6 years after they turn 18. Incident reports stay on file at least 6 years. DMAP separately asks for at least 5 years for Medicaid records.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026