Virginia’s home care licensing rules — administered by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Licensure and Certification — determine which agencies can legally provide 24-hour care to Virginia Beach-area families. Licensed agencies must meet standards on insurance, background checks, training, and supervision. Unlicensed agencies operating 24-hour care in Virginia are illegal and expose families to significant liability.
Who regulates 24-hour care in Virginia
the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Licensure and Certification oversees home care agency licensing in Virginia. The agency must demonstrate:
- General liability insurance (typically $1M+ per occurrence)
- Professional liability insurance for caregiver errors
- Workers’ compensation insurance for all employee caregivers
- Background check protocols meeting state standards
- Training programs for new caregivers
- Supervision standards (often quarterly supervisor home visits)
- Complaint resolution processes
How to verify a Virginia Beach agency’s Virginia license
Step-by-step:
- Visit the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Licensure and Certification’s website
- Locate the home care agency license lookup or facility search
- Enter the agency name or license number
- Check: license status (active, suspended, revoked), expiration date, recent complaints, inspection history
Verification takes 5 minutes. Unlicensed agencies operating in Virginia are illegal — don’t engage regardless of price.
Caregiver credentials in Virginia
Individual caregiver credentialing varies:
- Companion caregivers — typically no individual state certification required; agency licensure covers them
- Personal care providers (CHHA / HHA) — must complete state-mandated training (75–120 hours in Virginia) plus competency exam
- Nursing care — RN, LPN must hold Virginia professional license
What licensing does NOT cover
License status doesn’t guarantee:
- Caregiver consistency (some licensed agencies rotate caregivers)
- Specialty training (dementia, PTSD, etc.) — often beyond state minimum
- Pricing fairness or contract terms
- Caregiver wages or working conditions
- Cultural fit or language match
Verify license first, then evaluate the other dimensions through reference calls.
Reporting concerns to Virginia
If a Virginia Beach-area 24-hour care agency violates Virginia licensing standards, file a complaint with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Licensure and Certification. The state investigates serious complaints. Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia can also intake concerns and refer to appropriate regulators. Document specifics — dates, names, incidents — before filing.
A 15-minute call with a senior care advisor can help verify Virginia Beach-area agency licenses and identify which agencies meet Virginia’s standards. Talk to a 24HomeCareNearMe advisor when you’re ready.
