What is the primary license required to operate a home care agency in Illinois?

Illinois licenses in‑home care under specific categories: Home Services Agency (non‑medical), Home Health Agency (skilled/clinical), and Home Nursing Agency. All are issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health. IDPH ; IDPH . ([dph.illinois.gov](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/health-care-regulation/health-care-facilities/home-health.html?utm_source=openai))

How often do I need to renew my Illinois license?

Home Health Agency licenses renew every two years ($1,500 per renewal). Home Services and Home Nursing Agency licenses renew annually (fee not to exceed $1,500 per year). 210 ILCS 55/4(c); 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245.95. 210 ILCS 55/4 ; 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245.95 . ([ilga.gov](https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021000550K4.htm))

What are the costs associated with obtaining a license?

For Home Health Agencies, the fee is $1,500 per initial application and per two‑year renewal (set by statute). For Home Services and Home Nursing Agencies, the annual licensure fee is set by rule at an amount not to exceed $1,500. 210 ILCS 55/4(c); 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245.95(b). 210 ILCS 55/4 ; 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245.95 . ([ilga.gov](https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021000550K4.htm))

How long does it take to process the application?

Timeframes vary. By law, IDPH may issue a provisional license valid for up to 240 days (with one possible 90‑day extension) while requirements and survey are completed; no fixed processing time is guaranteed. 210 ILCS 55/4(a). 210 ILCS 55/4 . ([ilga.gov](https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021000550K4.htm))

Is administrator training mandatory?

No specific separate “administrator training program” is mandated by rule. Agencies must designate an administrator/agency manager who meets role responsibilities and ensure required worker training and background checks are completed. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 245.40, 245.72, 245.71. 77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 245 . ([ilga.gov](https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/EntirePart?titlepart=07700245))

Home Care License Illinois

Licensing Requirements

Home Care and Home Health License Requirements in Illinois — Full checklist of Illinois requirements, fees, and steps.
Home Care and Home Health License in Indiana
Home Care and Home Health License in Iowa
Home Care and Home Health License in Kansas
Home Care and Home Health Licensing — All States — State-by-state home care and home health licensing overview.

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