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 Virginia?
Yes, if you provide personal care.
Personal care agencies are licensed as Home Care Organizations by VDH's Office of Licensure and Certification under 12VAC5-381. The same license covers skilled and pharmaceutical home care. The rule does not apply to providers of only homemaker, chore or companion services, and the law excludes organizations that provide only housekeeping, chore or beautician services. Some certified, accredited or hospice-licensed organizations can ask for an exemption, but only after they are licensed.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Do live-in caregivers have to use EVV in Virginia?
Yes — from October 1, 2026.
From October 1, agency aides and consumer-directed attendants who give personal care, respite or companion services must log every shift with EVV. The live-in caregiver exemption ends. Consumer-directed attendants must use the fiscal agent's mobile app or phone (IVR) system; shifts entered in the web portal do not count.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
How long does a Virginia home care license last, and what does renewal cost?
Three years; $1,500 to renew.
The law says a license expires on the third anniversary of its issue or renewal. The rule sets a $1,500 fee for each initial or renewal application, and a $50 late fee if you file your renewal late. The fees were updated by a fast-track rule after a 2022 law change.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Is the new Virginia home care rule in effect?
No.
VDH has proposed a comprehensive rewrite of 12VAC5-381 (documents dated October 2024). The chapter in force today does not include it. Keep working to the current rule.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Can a nurse supervise personal care aides by video in Virginia?
Not under the current rule.
A 2021 state law told the Board of Health to write rules allowing nurses to supervise personal care aides by interactive audio or video. VDH proposed that change in 2023, but it is not in the current 12VAC5-381. The current rule defines supervision as face-to-face and says personal care supervision must happen at least every 90 days.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Are home care staff mandated reporters of adult abuse in Virginia?
Yes.
Under Code of Virginia §63.2-1606, anyone paid to care for an adult, including companion, chore, homemaker and personal care workers, must report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation right away to the local department of social services or the APS hotline. VDH separately requires administrators to report certain information about health professionals they employ, using form OLC-3001-F.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
How quickly must consumer-directed attendants submit their time?
Within 30 days of the service.
Since January 1, 2025, consumer-directed attendants must document the tasks they complete each shift and submit worked time to the fiscal agent within 30 calendar days to be paid. There are four exceptions, such as a background check or service authorization delay.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in Virginia?
Five.
DMAS's 2026 bulletins list Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons, Sentara Community Plan and UnitedHealthcare. The current Cardinal Care managed care contract runs July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Molina Complete Care appeared in a December 2024 DMAS bulletin but not in the 2026 lists.
Written and checked September 22, 2026
What is Virginia's minimum wage?
$12.77 an hour in 2026.
State law raises it to $13.75 on January 1, 2027 and $15.00 on January 1, 2028. After that, it will change each year with inflation.
Written and checked September 22, 2026