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 Utah?
Yes, for personal care.
Two or more people giving personal care services on a visiting basis form a Personal Care Agency under R432-725, licensed by the DHHS Office of Licensing. Personal care means help with activities of daily living, or other tasks that do not need a licensed health care professional to step in or supervise. Until your license is approved you may not accept fees, sign service agreements or provide client services. A transportation-only agency does not need this license.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do I need a license if I only provide homemaker or companion services?
The documents we hold don't settle it.
R432-725 covers personal care services: help with activities of daily living 'or other tasks' that don't need a licensed health care professional. That wording is broad, but R432-1 defines a 'homemaker' separately (housekeeping, meals, laundry, shopping and errands), and no rule we hold says whether a homemaker- or companion-only business needs a license. The Aging Waiver lists no license for homemaker providers, only 'demonstrated ability to perform the tasks'. The licensing law itself (Utah Code Title 26B, Chapter 2) is not in our set. Ask the Office of Licensing before you open.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long does a Utah personal care agency license last?
One year, or two years if you qualify.
A license ends at midnight on the last day of the month it was issued, one year after it takes effect. Send your renewal request and fees at least 30 days before then. If it has been expired for more than 30 days, you must file a new application. After two license periods in good standing, a health care provider can ask for a two-year license by paying twice the annual fee.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Who can supervise personal care aides?
A licensed nurse, or an experienced CNA.
Under R432-725-14, aides are supervised by a licensed nurse, or by a certified nursing aide with at least two years of personal or home care experience. The supervisor checks each aide's work in the client's home every six months. For Medicaid State Plan personal care, a registered nurse must supervise and make a visit at least every 60 days.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What background checks do Utah aides need?
A DACS check with fingerprints.
Enter each covered person in the Direct Access Clearance System (DACS) before they start. They must sign a criminal background check authorization and submit fingerprints within 15 working days. You may let them start while the check is pending, as the law allows. You may not place anyone found not eligible in a job with direct patient access.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much training do personal care aides need each year?
At least six hours of in-service training.
Each employee needs at least six hours of in-service training per calendar year, prorated in the first year. Keep a record of the yearly training on reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation. New employees also need orientation, first aid training and a TB skin test within two weeks of hire.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Do live-in caregivers have to use EVV in Utah?
No.
Utah Medicaid's EVV FAQ says EVV does not apply when the caregiver and the member live together, because it isn't an 'in-home visit'. The agency must collect and keep proof of live-in status.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What happens if my EVV records are missing?
Medicaid can take back payments.
Medicaid audits one random month a year for each provider. It shows you what it found, and you can dispute it. If records are missing, you may have to pay back up to 25% of what you were paid for that month and the two months before it, or up to 100% if you don't fix the finding. You can ask for an exemption within two weeks if circumstances were beyond your control.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How do I bill Utah Medicaid for personal care?
T1019, in 15-minute units, with prior authorization.
State Plan personal care uses code T1019, one unit per 15 minutes since January 1, 2026. It needs prior authorization, which must be requested in PRISM within 10 business days of the nursing assessment. Aide services are limited to 60 hours a month, and agencies may not provide personal care on a day the member gets home health services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans pay for home care in Utah?
Four ACOs, but not for waiver services.
Utah Medicaid contracts with four ACOs: Health Choice Utah, Healthy U, Molina Healthcare and Select Health Community Care. Most members in 13 counties must join one. Home and community-based waiver services and the Employment-Related Personal Assistant Services (EPAS) program are carved out and paid by Medicaid directly. Check each member's plan before you provide services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026