HHSC requirements, EVV guidance, licensing, and Title 26 TAC Chapter 558.
17 articles
HCSSA agencies must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation within 24 hours to both DFPS and HHSC — the most-cited survey deficiency in FY2023. Who must report, what counts, and how to document it.
13 policy topics required under 26 TAC 558 — HHSC won't issue your license if any are missing. Annual review obligation, staff sign-off requirements.
Who qualifies as a Texas HCSSA administrator? PAS education paths, 8-hour pre-designation training, 16-hour first-year hours, criminal history rules. Updated October 2026.
4 checks required before a caregiver's first client visit in Texas — DPS, SEMARC (updated Aug 2026), § 250.006, and OIG exclusions. Full checklist inside.
How much does it cost to start a home care agency in Texas? Break down the real HCSSA startup costs — license, insurance, training, and software — before you spend a dollar.
TMHP won't process your application without an active HCSSA license. MCO credentialing can't start until TMHP approves you. NPI, PEMS, 30–45 day timeline.
HHSC requires proof of insurance before issuing your HCSSA license — GL, professional liability, workers' comp, and HNOA. Small agency cost benchmarks.
HHSC complaint surveys arrive unannounced — anyone can file, even anonymously. Understand the investigation sequence and 10-day Plan of Correction window.
Most Texas HCSSA agencies can't legally pay caregivers as 1099 contractors. Workers' comp opt-out risk, TWC UI, and FLSA overtime — 4 employer compliance rules.
Data-backed guide to Texas private pay home care hourly rates in 2026 — by metro, service type, and billing model. Includes how to set competitive rates, minimum-hour policies, and when and how to raise rates without losing clients. Updated August 2026.
The 2 most-cited HCSSA violations in Texas FY2023 are both documentation — not care delivery. Get the 10-day PoC clock and 6-area inspection checklist. Updated 2026.
Running a Texas home care agency? Caregiver orientation must be done before visit one — and HHSC surveyors check every file. PAS training topics, annual rules, and documentation requirements. 2026.
STAR+PLUS clients come from MCO coordinators, not direct referrals. 7 Texas MCOs by county, 30–90 day credentialing, and new-agency billing sequence.
STAR+PLUS referrals come from MCO coordinators, not clients. TMHP enrollment, HHAeXchange EVV, and credentialing — with the realistic 4–6 month timeline.
STAR+PLUS billing goes to 7 MCOs — not TMHP. Each has its own credentialing portal and claims cycle. HHAeXchange EVV steps and the payment timeline.
Starting a Texas home care agency? HCSSA license takes 60–90 days — and HHSC won't process your application without completing the Pre-Survey CBT first.
Complete guide to Texas Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements for home care agencies. Covers required programs, the HHAeXchange aggregator, the 2025–2028 alternative device phase-out, and what to look for in EVV software.