Choosing home care for a family member raises many questions, and one of the most important is whether the agency providing that care is properly licensed. In Arkansas, home care regulations are set at the state level, and they establish the minimum standards that private care agencies, home health providers, and hospice programs must meet. Understanding these requirements helps families make informed decisions and helps agencies operate with confidence.

The Arkansas Department of Health is the central authority for home care oversight in the state. Its rules define how agencies apply for licensure, how staff are trained, and how safety and care protocols are maintained. This article walks through the current regulatory framework so families and providers can see what is required at each stage.

How Home Care Is Regulated in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas has established a formal regulatory framework for home care through the Arkansas State Board of Health. The Board’s Rules for Private Care Agencies were prepared for the purpose of establishing minimum standards for the licensure of private care. These rules took effect on June 17, 2024, and were signed by the Secretary of Health as well as the Director and State Health Officer of the Arkansas Department of Health.

The rules give the Department of Health the authority to license private care agencies and to enforce consistent standards across the state. State-specific rules outline how home care providers must operate, including staffing standards, care protocols, and safety requirements. For agencies, compliance with these standards is not optional. It is the foundation of legal operation.

Licensing Through the Arkansas Department of Health

To operate legally in Arkansas, an agency must obtain a license from the Arkansas Department of Health. The process includes submitting an application and providing the proof documents required by the Department. The Department’s Health Facility Services division administers the private care agency rules and processes licensure requests.

Agencies that are ready to begin the application process can get in touch with our team with questions, or contact the Arkansas Department of Health directly by calling 1-800-462-0599. The Department will guide applicants through the steps and clarify what documentation must be submitted. The full text of the Rules for Private Care Agencies is also available to the public at healthy.arkansas.gov, which is useful for agencies preparing their applications and for families who want to understand what licensed providers are expected to do.

Skilled Home Health and Hospice Licensing

Private care agencies are not the only type of home care provider regulated in Arkansas. Skilled home health agencies and hospice programs operate under a separate, stricter set of requirements.

Home health agencies in Arkansas must hold a license, must be Medicare-certified, and must obtain Certificate of Need approval before they can begin serving patients. Hospice providers must meet the same three requirements: licensure, Medicare certification, and Certificate of Need approval. Anchor of Life operates as a licensed private care agency rather than a Medicare-certified home health or hospice provider, and for a closer look at how these categories differ in practice, see our guide to in-home care versus home health care in Arkansas.

For agencies seeking to enter the market or to change ownership, the process begins with a request for a New Provider or Change of Ownership packet. The request must be submitted via mail, email, or fax, and the agency must clearly identify which type of provider packet it needs. This distinction matters because the application materials differ depending on whether the request is for a new provider or for a change of ownership.

Personal Care Aide Training Standards

Staff training is one of the most concrete parts of Arkansas home care regulations. The Personal Care Manual, codified at 016.06.17 Ark. Code R. § 019, sets out the training requirements for personal care aides.

Under the manual, a personal care aide must have at least 24 hours of classroom training and a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training. This training must be provided by or under the direction of qualified supervisors. The purpose of the training is to prepare aides to assist with a client’s physical dependency needs, which includes everyday tasks that help seniors and adults remain safely at home.

These training standards give families a clear expectation: a properly prepared caregiver in Arkansas has completed a defined baseline of classroom instruction and hands-on practice before working with clients.

ARChoices in Homecare Provider Certification

Beyond state licensure, some agencies choose to serve clients through ARChoices in Homecare, Arkansas’s home and community-based services program for adults and seniors. Participation in this program requires a separate agency provider certification.

The certification process is managed through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Agencies pursuing certification must contact the Arkansas Health Department and provide a copy of the required documentation. Once certified, agencies can deliver services to ARChoices enrollees and receive payment through the program.

For families, working with an ARChoices-certified agency can be an important consideration, especially for those who rely on Medicaid-funded home care options. Certification signals that the agency has met the additional requirements of the state’s long-term care system, not just the baseline private care license.

Staff Qualifications and Oversight

Individual staff members must also meet professional standards depending on their role. For example, Licensed Practical Nurses who provide home health services in Arkansas are expected to hold an active Arkansas license and current CPR certification, and home health experience is preferred for many positions.

These staff-level qualifications sit alongside the broader agency requirements. Together, they form a layered system of oversight. The state regulates the agency, the agency supervises its staff, and the staff are held to licensure and certification standards in their respective fields.

Agencies must also follow state rules on staffing standards, care protocols, and safety requirements. These operational rules affect scheduling, supervision, emergency preparedness, and the way care is documented. For families, this means a licensed agency is accountable not only for who it hires, but for how care is delivered day to day.

Recent Changes in Arkansas Home Care Oversight

The regulatory picture for home care in Arkansas is not static. Some industry sources note that Arkansas has historically not required a specific state license for non-medical home care agencies, which made the state an easier place to enter the market. That has changed. Arkansas now licenses both skilled home health agencies and non-medical Private Care Agencies through the Department of Health.

Legislation such as Act 853 of 2025 has continued to shape how the state oversees home care providers. Because the rules have evolved, anyone researching Arkansas home care regulations should rely on the most current guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health. The effective date of the current Private Care Agencies rule, June 17, 2024, is a useful reference point, but agencies should confirm whether any newer amendments apply to their situation.

What These Regulations Mean for Families and Providers

For families, understanding Arkansas home care regulations is a practical step in choosing a caregiver. A licensed private care agency has met state minimums for staffing, training, and safety. An agency certified for ARChoices has gone further and qualified to serve Medicaid-funded clients. A Medicare-certified home health agency has met federal standards on top of state requirements.

Before hiring an agency, families can ask a few direct questions: Is the agency licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health? What training does the caregiver complete? Does the agency participate in ARChoices or other state programs? These questions are reasonable, and a reputable agency will answer them openly.

For providers, the message is straightforward. Compliance with Arkansas home care regulations begins with obtaining the proper license from the Department of Health, continues with staff training standards, and extends to any program certifications the agency chooses to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arkansas require a license for non-medical home care agencies?

Yes. The Arkansas State Board of Health adopted the Rules for Private Care Agencies, effective June 17, 2024, which establish minimum standards for the licensure of private care agencies. Agencies must obtain a license from the Arkansas Department of Health to operate legally. Because the regulatory landscape has shifted in recent years, anyone planning to open a non-medical home care agency should confirm current application requirements directly with the Department of Health.

What training is required for personal care aides in Arkansas?

Personal care aides must complete at least 24 hours of classroom training and a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training. This training must be provided by or under the direction of qualified supervisors. These standards appear in the Personal Care Manual in the Arkansas Code and apply to aides who assist clients with physical dependency needs in their homes.

Are home health agencies required to be Medicare-certified in Arkansas?

Yes. Home health agencies in Arkansas must hold a license, be Medicare-certified, and obtain Certificate of Need approval before operating. Hospice providers must meet the same three requirements. Agencies requesting a new provider packet or a change of ownership packet must submit their request and clearly identify which type of packet they need.

How does an agency become certified for ARChoices in Homecare?

Agencies interested in serving ARChoices clients must complete the agency provider certification process for ARChoices in Homecare through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The process includes contacting the Arkansas Health Department and providing a copy of the required documentation. Certification allows agencies to provide home and community-based services to adults and seniors enrolled in the program.

Where can I verify an agency’s license in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Department of Health oversees the licensing of home care providers, and the official Rules for Private Care Agencies are published at healthy.arkansas.gov. Families can also call the Arkansas Health Department at 1-800-462-0599 to ask about the licensing process or an agency’s status. Because licensing information can change, direct confirmation with the Department of Health is the most reliable step.

Where to Go From Here

Arkansas’s licensing rules exist to protect families, but wading through them on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to figure out day-to-day care for someone you love. Anchor of Life is a licensed private care agency serving Northwest Arkansas, and we’re happy to walk you through what that license covers, how ARChoices and Medicaid funding work, and whether our services are the right fit for your family’s situation. Call us at (479) 425-1188 to talk it through, or reach out through our contact page and we’ll follow up.