Home Care Organization (HCO)
An HCO is the non-medical agency pathway administered by the California Department of Social Services, Home Care Services Branch. Affiliated Home Care Aides have separate registration and background-check obligations.
Prepare ownership information, personnel policies, training plans, service descriptions, insurance, and the employee dishonesty bond. Keep services and marketing within the authorized non-medical scope.
Home Health Agency (HHA)
An HHA is the clinical pathway overseen by the California Department of Public Health. State licensure is separate from Medicare certification and payer enrollment.
A moratorium effective June 29, 2026 restricts new HHA licenses and branch additions. Applicants should review the exception process and demonstrate unmet need before pursuing an initial application.
Hospice Agency
Hospice is a separate interdisciplinary end-of-life care model. A new-license moratorium remains in place, with an exception process based on geographic need.
California hospice emergency regulations effective June 22, 2026 also affect service areas, management personnel, and office requirements. Confirm current instructions before planning a new agency.
Official resources
Reviewed October 15, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the applicable authority.
Resources for existing California hospices
Already operating a hospice? Read the California hospice requirements article for implementation review areas and official CDPH resources.
For focused policy updates to an established hospice manual, explore the California implementation package and downloadable regulatory brief.