Tennessee’s home care licensing rules — administered by the Tennessee Department of Health, Health Care Facilities Division — determine which agencies can legally provide 24-hour care to Memphis-area families. Licensed agencies must meet standards on insurance, background checks, training, and supervision. Unlicensed agencies operating 24-hour care in Tennessee are illegal and expose families to significant liability.
Who regulates 24-hour care in Tennessee
the Tennessee Department of Health, Health Care Facilities Division oversees home care agency licensing in Tennessee. 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 Memphis agency’s Tennessee license
Step-by-step:
- Visit the Tennessee Department of Health, Health Care Facilities Division’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 Tennessee are illegal — don’t engage regardless of price.
Caregiver credentials in Tennessee
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 Tennessee) plus competency exam
- Nursing care — RN, LPN must hold Tennessee 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 Tennessee
If a Memphis-area 24-hour care agency violates Tennessee licensing standards, file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health, Health Care Facilities Division. The state investigates serious complaints. the Aging Commission of the Mid-South 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 Memphis-area agency licenses and identify which agencies meet Tennessee’s standards. Talk to a 24HomeCareNearMe advisor when you’re ready.
