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 Oklahoma?
Yes.
If your staff give personal care (help with dressing, bathing, walking, exercise or other personal needs), you need a home care agency license from OSDH under the Home Care Act. If you only provide sitter or companion services with no hands-on care, you need a sitter or companion agency license instead. The law exempts a few groups, such as a person acting alone for a relative, neighbor or friend, and maid-only services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What is the difference between a home care license and a sitter or companion license?
Hands-on care.
OSDH says the sitter or companion license allows no hands-on services and does not cover home care services. Companion or sitter services mean help with household tasks, shopping, meals, transportation and socialization. A licensed home care agency that also meets the sitter or companion requirements may provide those services under its existing license.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much does an Oklahoma home care license cost, and when does it renew?
$1,000 to apply; $500 a year to renew.
The rule sets a $1,000 initial fee, a $500 renewal fee and $25 for each branch. Licenses expire on July 31 every year, and OSDH's renewal letter asks for the application by June 30. A first license that doesn't end on July 31 is renewed at a prorated fee of $125 per quarter.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do my personal care aides need to be certified in Oklahoma?
Yes, as home health aides.
Unlicensed staff who give personal care must be certified by OSDH as home health aides and listed on the registry. You may not use someone as a home health aide for more than 4 months unless they are certified. Training is at least 75 hours. A registry-listed long term care aide can work for a home care agency after passing an approved home care skills exam and 16 hours of orientation.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How often must a nurse supervise personal care aides?
At least every 6 months.
When only home health aide or personal care services are given, a physician or licensed nurse must visit at least once every 6 months, more often if the client needs it. When personal care goes with a skilled service, a registered nurse visits at least every 60 days. The ADvantage waiver also requires a licensed nurse visit at least every 6 months.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What do I need to provide ADvantage waiver personal care?
A home care license, ADvantage certification and a Medicaid contract.
The waiver lists a home care agency license, ADvantage Qualified Provider Certification (OAC 317:30-5-761) and a Medicaid provider contract. Oklahoma Human Services checks these before enrollment and every year. Personal care assistants must be at least 18 and have no pending notation of abuse or neglect on the Nurse Aide Registry, and their names must not be on the Community Services Worker Registry.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which EVV system do I use in Oklahoma?
It depends on who pays.
If you bill OHCA directly (the waivers, State Plan Personal Care or Living Choice), use the state's system or a compliant third-party vendor. The state system is moving from Fiserv to Acumen's DCI. If you serve SoonerSelect plan members, use HHAeXchange at no cost or a vendor that integrates with it.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in Oklahoma?
Three.
SoonerSelect's plans are Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma, Humana Healthy Horizons in Oklahoma and Oklahoma Complete Health. People in HCBS waivers such as ADvantage, people with Medicare and people eligible on the basis of age, blindness or disability are not enrolled in SoonerSelect.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How do I report abuse by an aide in Oklahoma?
Call OSDH within 24 hours.
An employer must report any allegation of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or misappropriation of property against its nurse aide to OSDH by phone within 24 hours and in writing within 5 working days. OSDH's Form 718 is meant to go with the first incident report when a nurse aide is named; it is written for facilities, so check with OSDH which form a home care agency should use. OSDH also lists the statewide Adult Protective Services abuse hotline, 800-522-3511.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long does SoonerSelect credentialing take?
About 45 days once the plan has everything.
Once a plan has all required information, contracting, credentialing and claims setup happen within 45 days. The plan can't finish until OHCA issues your provider ID, and it can't backdate credentialing. Until then, it pays 90% of the rate.
Written and checked September 23, 2026