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 South Carolina?
Yes, an in-home care provider license.
Regulation 60-122 says no one may operate or advertise as an in-home care provider without a DPH license. In-home care means help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking and toileting, or with other personal (not medical) needs, for pay, through employees, contractors or referrals in which the business has a financial interest. House-cleaning-only services, home health agencies and hospices, caregivers hired directly by a client or family, some church programs and certain other entities named in the rule are not in-home care providers.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
How much does an in-home care license cost, and how often do I renew?
$1,000 first year; $800 each year after.
The initial fee is $1,000 and each yearly renewal is $800, paid through DPH's secure portal. If you miss the expiration date there is a $200 late fee; if you have not renewed within 30 days, you are unlicensed. An amended license (new location, name or address) costs $50, and a change of ownership needs a new license.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What drug testing does South Carolina require for caregivers?
Before hire, plus random testing.
Caregivers need a five-panel drug screen (cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine) taken no earlier than 30 days before the job offer. They cannot work until they have a negative test, unless a physician says a positive result came from a prescribed medication. Caregivers and the people who sign the license application are also subject to random testing, and your written policies must describe how you do it.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What background checks do I need for aides?
A criminal check before hire; Medicaid adds more.
Regulation 60-122 requires a criminal background check before a caregiver is hired, and bars certain offenses. Registry findings also bar work. For Medicaid personal care, SCDHHS also requires a SLED check with at least a 10-year lookback, plus CNA registry and OIG exclusion checks, before hire and at least every two years. Before you send someone for a fingerprint check under S.C. Code 44-7-2910, you must be able to show they applied to work for you (or already do), using DPH's verification form (SLED memo of Aug. 23, 2023).
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Do I need a DPH license to bill Medicaid for personal care or companion services?
Yes.
The SCDHHS scopes of services for personal care and companion (agency) say providers not licensed by DPH as in-home care providers cannot enroll. If you lose the license, you must end your SCDHHS contract right away. If SCDHHS ends the contract because you are not licensed, you must wait 6 months to reapply.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Which services must use EVV in South Carolina?
In-home services in SCDHHS-run waivers.
Providers serving CC, HIV/AIDS, Vent and MCC waiver participants must use SCDHHS's EVV or Phoenix system, and Children's Personal Care also uses EVV. Aides clock in and out by landline phone or smartphone app, and nurse supervisory visits are recorded in EVV from the home. The ID/RD, CS and HASCI waivers don't currently require EVV billing; claims can be sent through the Medicaid Web Tool.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
How often must the nurse supervisor visit personal care participants?
Before care starts, at 30 days, then every four months.
Under the Medicaid personal care scope, the RN or LPN supervisor visits the home before personal care starts, again within 30 days, and then at least once every four months. The aide must be there for at least one visit every 12 months. For SCDHHS participants, these visits are recorded in EVV from the home at the time of the visit.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What incidents must I report to DPH?
Serious incidents, within 24 hours.
Report fractures, hospital admissions or deaths after an incident, and confirmed or suspected crimes or abuse, neglect or exploitation by a caregiver. Report to DPH and the client's responsible party within 24 hours or the next business day, then send a written investigation report within 5 calendar days. Report abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services (or Child Protective Services), and keep incident records for 5 years after the client stops receiving services.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in South Carolina, and do they pay for personal care?
Five plans; personal care stays with SCDHHS.
SCDHHS lists Absolute Total Care, First Choice by Select Health, Healthy Blue by Blue Choice of SC, Humana Healthy Horizons of SC and Molina Healthcare of SC. Since Jan. 1, 2026, the plans cover medical services, including home health, for adult CC, HIV/AIDS and Vent waiver members. Waiver services such as personal care, companion and respite are still paid fee-for-service by SCDHHS.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Can I offer private duty nursing under my in-home care license?
Only as a separate line of business.
Regulation 60-122 limits caregivers to non-medical tasks. It says a provider that offers other services must keep them as separate lines of business, with separate advertising, caregiver records and client records. The licensing bureau's 2015 guidance memo explains that it does not regulate private duty nursing. But if a staff member does both, the bureau treats them as an in-home caregiver.
Written and checked September 22, 2026