If you’re planning to start a home care agency in Illinois, the Home Services License through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is your foundation. Most people don’t fail because they’re unqualified… they fail because they’re unprepared.
This checklist simplifies exactly what you need so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is the IDPH Home Services License?
The Home Services License allows non-medical home care agencies to provide personal care, homemaker, and companion services to clients in Illinois.
IDPH Licensing Checklist
✅ 1. Business Formation
- Register your LLC
- Obtain EIN
- Open a business bank account
✅ 2. Required Policies and Procedures
You must have written policies including:
- Client rights
- Abuse and neglect prevention
- Infection control
- Employee hiring and screening
- Service plan development
👉 This is one of the biggest delays for new agencies.
✅ 3. Office Setup Requirements
Even if operating from home:
- Locked file storage
- Organized client and employee files
- HIPAA-compliant systems
✅ 4. Application Submission
Submit your application to IDPH with:
- Application forms
- Fees
- Policy documents
✅ 5. Prepare for the Survey
Before approval, IDPH will conduct a survey to ensure:
- Your policies are in place
- Your office is compliant
- Your operations are structured
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete policies
- Disorganized office setup
- Not understanding survey expectations
🚨 Free Resource
👉 Download my FREE IDPH Survey Readiness Kit + Startup Checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Need Help?
If you want your agency set up correctly the first time, I offer consulting and full policy kits to help you pass your survey and launch faster.