State guide
District of Columbia Home Care Compliance
All six compliance areas for District of Columbia home care agencies, each cited to official sources.
Last reviewed: July 24, 2026
District of Columbia at a glance The District licenses home care agencies through DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration under a single home care agency license covering skilled and personal care services. The District's minimum wage rose to $18.40 on July 1, 2026 — the highest general rate among the 51 jurisdictions — with DC-law overtime over 40 hours, tiered paid sick leave, a Domestic Worker Employment Rights Act, and pay transparency requirements.
Requirements by category
Health Benefits & ACA → The District has a state-based exchange that small employers must use for group coverage, its own individual mandate with OTR employer… DC Health LinkYesYes Occupational Health → DC licenses home care agencies under 22-B DCMR Chapter 39; each employee must be verified as screened for and free of communicable disease… RequiredFrom 1st employee Caregiver Training → The District licenses home care agencies under 22-B DCMR Chapter 39, which requires both home health aides and personal care aides to… 75 (16 practical)75 (same as HHA)12 hrs/yr Wage & Hour → The District's minimum wage rose to $18.40 on July 1, 2026 — the highest general rate among the 51 jurisdictions — with DC-law overtime… $18.40 (7/1/26)1.5x >40Yes (3–7 days/yr by size) Licensure & Survey Readiness → The District licenses home care agencies through DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration under a single home care… DC Health (HRLA)D.C. Code § 44-501; 22-B DCMR…Home care agency Background Checks → The District requires criminal background checks, including FBI fingerprint checks, for unlicensed personnel of home care agencies and… YesNurse aide registry; OIG…
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Reviewed quarterly by Vitable Health.