Do home care agencies need a license in NJ?

Non-medical home care agencies in New Jersey register as a Health Care Service Firm (HCSF) with the Division of Consumer Affairs rather than holding a traditional health department license. It's a legal requirement, distinct from the licensure process for skilled home health agencies, and it includes background check and accreditation obligations.

How do I verify a caregiver agency is legitimate?

Ask for the agency's HCSF registration number, then confirm it on New Jersey's MyLicense verification portal (newjersey.mylicense.com/verification). You can also call the Division of Consumer Affairs' Regulated Businesses Section at (973) 504-6370 to confirm registration status directly, and check for current CHAP or ACHC accreditation.

What's the difference between an HCSF and a licensed home health agency?

An HCSF provides non-medical care like companionship, personal care, and homemaker services, and is regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs. A licensed home health agency provides skilled nursing and therapy, is Medicare-certified, is regulated by the NJ Department of Health, and requires a Certificate of Need to operate.

What do I do if an agency isn't registered?

If you can't confirm an agency's HCSF registration through the MyLicense portal or a call to the Division of Consumer Affairs, treat that as a serious red flag. Ask the agency directly for clarification, and consider it grounds to look elsewhere — an unregistered agency operating outside these requirements isn't accountable to the state in the way a properly registered one is.

How to Verify a Home Care Agency's License in NJ

Hiring someone to care for a loved one at home is an act of trust — and in New Jersey, not every company calling itself a "home care agency" has been properly vetted. Verifying an agency's standing with the state takes about ten minutes once you know where to look.

Does a Home Care Agency Need a License in NJ?

Non-medical home care agencies register as a Health Care Service Firm (HCSF) with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs under the Health Care Service Firm Act — not a traditional health department license. Since July 2019, mandatory third-party accreditation (CHAP or ACHC) is required to renew that registration.

Step 1: Ask for the Agency's Registration Information

A legitimate agency will readily provide their HCSF registration number, their exact registered business name, and their accrediting body. Hesitation is a red flag.

Step 2: Verify Online Through NJ's MyLicense Portal

Go to newjersey.mylicense.com/verification, select Health Care Service Firm, and search by name or number. Confirm the status is active and the name matches.

Step 3: Call to Confirm

Call the Division of Consumer Affairs' Regulated Businesses Section at (973) 504-6370 to confirm status directly — especially for recently renewed registrations.

Step 4: Check for CHAP or ACHC Accreditation

Both CHAP and ACHC maintain public accreditation search tools. Verify the agency's accreditation is current. Friendly Home Care LLC holds current ACHC accreditation.

Step 5: Confirm Caregiver CHHA Certification

In NJ, caregivers providing personal care must hold a current CHHA certification from the State of New Jersey. Ask the agency for confirmation or contact the NJ Board of Nursing directly.

Red Flags to Watch For

Refusal to provide a registration number
Business name doesn't match the MyLicense search
No current CHAP or ACHC accreditation
Pressure to sign before you've verified anything
Caregivers can't produce current CHHA certification

Request a free assessment from Friendly Home Care LLC — ACHC-accredited and fully registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Call (732) 889-8444.