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 New Jersey?
Yes — you register as a health care service firm.
A business that is not a licensed home health agency or hospice, and that employs, places or refers people to give companion, personal care or health care services in the home of a person with a disability or age 60 or older, must register as a health care service firm with the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law applies whether you employ workers directly or use a website or app. Operating without registering carries a penalty of $500 a day.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Can a companion-only business operate under an employment agency license?
No, not since February 1, 2016, for clients 60 or older or with a disability.
The Division of Consumer Affairs says employment agencies, temporary help firms and consulting/temp firms can no longer place a companion in the home. The law covers companion services in the home of a person with a disability or age 60 or older. Companion services means non-medical, basic supervision and socialization, without help with activities of daily living. To provide them, a business must register as a health care service firm.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Does a health care service firm need to be accredited?
Yes — within 12 months under the law, and to bill Medicaid.
The 2019 law says a registered firm must obtain accreditation within 12 months of registration. Medicaid (N.J.A.C. 10:60) also requires firms to be accredited initially and on an ongoing basis by an approved body. The Division of Consumer Affairs' July 2025 list names ACHC, CAHC, CHAP, The Joint Commission, NIHCA and NAHC. An older Consumer Affairs notice said the requirement was delayed; see "Where the official documents disagree".
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Do home health agencies need a Certificate of Need in New Jersey?
Yes, and the 2025 call was postponed.
Medicaid's definition of a home health agency includes Department of Health approval, with a Certificate of Need and licensure when applicable. The Department postponed the call for home health applications scheduled for July 1, 2025, and will publish a call or a cancellation in the New Jersey Register. The license application (form CN-7) is due 90 days before you plan to open.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What training does a homemaker-home health aide need?
At least 76 hours, plus a competency evaluation.
A Board of Nursing-approved program has at least 60 hours of classroom and 16 hours of clinical instruction. The aide then needs a competency evaluation and a criminal history background check to be certified. Certificates expire every two years. Medicaid personal care assistants also need at least 12 hours of in-service education a year from the agency.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What is New Jersey's new EVV 80% rule?
80% of visits with no manual edits, from January 1, 2027.
Agencies giving PCA and home health services to health plan members must electronically verify at least 80% of visits that need EVV with no manual edits. Some edit reasons (codes 207 and 223 to 227) are left out of the count, but every edit needs a reason code or the claim is rejected. Three months in a row below 80% stops new referrals, and six months ends the contract; a terminated provider can't rejoin the plan's network for at least a year.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Do live-in caregivers have to use EVV in New Jersey?
No, with a signed attestation.
New Jersey does not require EVV for workers who live in the same home as the member, whether family or not. The worker must meet the U.S. Department of Labor live-in definition, such as living, working and sleeping on the premises five days (120 hours) a week. The agency collects the EVV Live-In Worker Attestation and reviews proof of residence every year.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in New Jersey?
Five.
Aetna Better Health of NJ, Fidelis Care (formerly Wellcare NJ), Horizon NJ Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup). For plan members, the plan uses the state PCA assessment tool to decide personal care hours.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Can family members be paid to give personal care through an agency?
For members under 21, yes, if they are certified aides.
Under P.L. 2023, c.90, a family member who is a certified homemaker-home health aide and is employed by a home health agency or health care service firm can give personal care to a Medicaid member under 21, under a registered nurse's direction. The agency pays for the certification. For other members, the rule allows only case-by-case exceptions and none for legally responsible relatives. Members who self-direct through the Personal Preference Program can hire a relative or friend.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
How often must a nurse supervise a Medicaid personal care assistant?
At least every 60 days, in the home.
The registered nurse assesses the member and writes the plan of care at the start of service, and never more than 48 hours after. The nurse then makes supervisory visits in the home during the aide's shift at least every 60 days, and more often for a new aide, and reassesses the member at least every 12 months.
Written and checked September 22, 2026