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 Maine?
Yes, a personal care agency license.
Since July 1, 2024, 22 MRS §1717 says an entity may not provide home care services (help with activities of daily living and related tasks) without a personal care agency license from DHHS. Chapter 129 (in our Spanish copy) describes personal care services, "also known as home care services", as help with activities of daily living and with everyday tasks such as meals, money, shopping, light housework and communication. We found no exemption for companion- or homemaker-only agencies in the law or the rule. The law does not treat licensed home health providers or a person hiring help for their own care as personal care agencies. Operating without a license is a civil violation, with a fine of at least $500 per day of operation, up to $10,000.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What does a Maine personal care agency license cost, and how long does it last?
$500 to apply; renewal $200–$2,000.
New agencies get a provisional license of 3 to 12 months, then a full license of up to two years. Renewal fees depend on how many employees you have, from $200 (1–5) to $2,000 (51 or more). Apply to renew at least 60 calendar days before your license expires. An initial application needs proof of liability insurance and State Bureau of Identification criminal record checks on all owners, done no more than 30 days before you apply.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can my personal care agency office be virtual or in my home?
Not virtual; a home office only with conditions.
The rule requires a physical site in Maine in a business-zoned, non-residential building, or a separate and distinct space in a home that keeps conversations confidential and has locked storage for records. DLC's August 11, 2025 notice says virtual sites and sites shared with another agency do not meet the rule. Garages, sheds, storage areas and shared bedrooms do not qualify either.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What training do personal care agency aides need in Maine?
CNA or Personal Support Specialist training.
Workers who give hands-on help with activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting and transfers must be active CNAs on the Maine registry, have finished PSS training or another DHHS-approved program, or be enrolled in one and finish it within nine months of hire. Our Spanish copy of Chapter 129 ties enrollment to a 60-calendar-day window around the hire date, so check the English rule for the exact deadline. Workers who only help with meals, money, shopping, light housework and communication don't need PSS training. All direct care staff need orientation before working alone and training every year.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What background checks does a Maine home care agency need?
MBCC checks, repeated every 5 years.
Personal care agencies and home health providers must use the Maine Background Check Center. Chapter 129 requires a passed MBCC check for every employee, owner and administrator, which also covers the CNA and direct care worker registry. Agencies must also make sure each employee has no substantiated APS or child protective findings. Fingerprint-based criminal history rechecks for direct access workers are due every 5 years.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How fast must I report suspected abuse of a client in Maine?
Right away.
Mandated reporters, including CNAs, unlicensed assistive personnel and anyone who has taken on care of an incapacitated or dependent adult, must report immediately to APS at 1-800-624-8404. If a personal care agency's staff are involved, Chapter 129 also requires an immediate report to the administrator and DLC, a written report to DLC within 48 hours, and the agency's investigation report within seven calendar days. The law requires reporters in the professional list (which includes CNAs and unlicensed assistive personnel) to take DHHS-approved mandated reporter training at least once every 4 years.
Sources (3)
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Maine services need EVV?
In-home personal care and home health.
Since January 1, 2021, in-home visits under MaineCare Sections 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29 and 96 need EVV, and Section 40 home health visits since January 1, 2023. You can use the state's free Sandata system or a certified alternate system. Telehealth services don't need an EVV record. Questions go to Gainwell Provider Services at 1-866-690-5585, option 3.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Does MaineCare use health plans for home care?
No.
The Section 19 waiver application says direct service providers bill Maine's MMIS claims system directly, based on authorizations from a Service Coordination Agency, and that waiver services are paid on a prospective, fee-for-service basis. The only health-plan-type contract it describes is for non-emergency medical transportation brokers.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How many hours can one aide work for one Section 19 member?
40 hours a week.
The February 2026 draft Section 19 waiver amendment (the version we hold) says one PSS may not be paid for more than 40 hours a week for one participant, and personal care may not exceed 86.25 hours a week. A participant at risk of going into an institution can ask for an exception. DHHS weighs worker availability and the agency's or participant's efforts to find other workers.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Are MaineCare personal support rates going up?
Proposed, not final.
Draft rates presented June 25, 2026 would roughly double many personal support rates, for example Section 19 agency personal care from $8.61 to $16.96 per 15 minutes. Final rates may be lower or higher and depend on legislative funding, rulemaking and federal approval. By law (22 MRS §7402), rates for essential support workers must include at least 125% of the minimum wage for the labor portion.
Sources (2)
Written and checked September 23, 2026