[ Start an agency ]
How to Start a Home Care Agencyin Washington State
Step-by-step guide to starting a DDCS-contracted home care agency in Washington State. Learn about licensing, ProviderOne setup, EVV requirements, and get a free startup kit.
Overview
Starting a home care agency in Washington State to serve clients with developmental disabilities requires becoming a DDCS (Developmental Disabilities Community Services) contracted provider. This process involves several steps, from business registration to software setup.
This guide walks you through each step, from understanding requirements to getting your first clients. We also provide a free startup kit with templates, checklists, and resources to help you get started.
8 Steps to Start Your Agency
Follow these steps to become a DDCS-contracted home care provider
Understand DDCS Requirements
Washington State DDCS (formerly DDA) has specific requirements for home care agencies. You must be a contracted provider to serve clients with developmental disabilities.
- Review DDCS provider requirements
- Understand 27 service types (Community Engagement, Life Skills, Respite, Employment, etc.)
- Learn about unit allocation and billing
- Familiarize yourself with compliance requirements
Related Resources:
Obtain Business License
Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain necessary business licenses. You may need a business license from your city or county.
- Register with Secretary of State
- Obtain city/county business license
- Get EIN from IRS
- Set up business bank account
Apply for DDCS Provider Contract
Submit an application to become a DDCS-contracted provider. This process includes background checks, financial documentation, and demonstrating your ability to provide quality care.
- Complete DDCS provider application
- Submit financial documentation
- Pass background checks
- Demonstrate care quality standards
Set Up ProviderOne Billing
ProviderOne is Washington State's billing system for DDCS services. You must register and complete setup to bill for services.
- Register with ProviderOne
- Complete billing setup
- Understand billing codes
- Set up payment processing
Related Resources:
Implement EVV System
Washington State requires Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for all DDCS services. You need EVV software with GPS and biometric verification.
- Choose EVV-compliant software
- Set up GPS verification
- Configure biometric authentication
- Train staff on EVV system
Related Resources:
Hire and Train Staff
Recruit qualified caregivers and complete required training. All staff must pass background checks and meet state qualifications.
- Recruit qualified caregivers
- Complete background checks
- Provide required training
- Set up payroll and scheduling
Related Resources:
Set Up Care Management Software
Choose software to manage clients, schedules, billing, and compliance. CareCade provides everything you need in one platform.
- Choose care management software
- Set up client management
- Configure scheduling system
- Set up billing and reporting
Related Resources:
Get Your First Clients
Work with case managers to get referrals. Build relationships with families and demonstrate your commitment to quality care.
- Network with case managers
- Build relationships with families
- Demonstrate quality care
- Get client referrals
Related Resources:
Key Requirements
Important requirements for DDCS-contracted home care agencies
HIPAA Compliance
You must have HIPAA-compliant systems for protecting client health information. This includes secure data storage, encryption, and Business Associate Agreements.
Learn about HIPAA complianceInsurance
Obtain general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. Some clients may require specific coverage amounts.
Staff Qualifications
All caregivers must meet state qualifications, pass background checks, and complete required training before providing services.
Interview checklist for hiringEVV Requirements
Electronic Visit Verification with GPS and biometric authentication is required for all DDCS services in Washington State.
EVV compliance guideGet Your Free Startup Kit
We've created a comprehensive startup kit with templates, checklists, and resources to help you start your home care agency. Includes:
- Business registration checklist
- DDCS provider application guide
- ProviderOne setup instructions
- EVV compliance checklist
- Staff hiring templates
- Client onboarding templates
Related Reading
Explore more guides and resources for home care agencies in Washington
EVV Compliance Guide for DDCS
Complete guide to Electronic Visit Verification requirements in Washington State.
Read guideHIPAA Compliance for Home Care
Essential HIPAA requirements and best practices for protecting client information.
Read guideBest Home Care Software 2026
Top 12 home care software platforms ranked — pricing, EVV, and implementation compared.
Read guide[ What's possible ]
The ceiling is high. The path is real.
$2.4B
spent on DDA services in Washington in FY2024 — and enrollment is still growing
$1.0B+
cumulative state payments to Washington's largest DDA provider — see the full index →
77.6%
revenue growth for an agency during its 2025 pilot year on our platform's first version — verify on fiscal.wa.gov →
Who's earning what today: the most state-funded DDA providers → · Not sure where you are in the journey? see all four stages →
Be there for your clients from day one.
CareCade gives you everything you need to start strong: scheduling, billing, and tools that help families and case managers stay connected to care.