Open Your Maryland Home Care Agency With Confidence
HomeSights Consulting guides new and expanding agencies through every stage of Residential Service Agency licensure in Maryland. We help agency owners determine which RSA level fits the services they intend to offer, assist with the preparation & assembly of their licensure application, help agencies develop policies and procedures aligned with COMAR 10.07.05, and make sure key staff roles are properly documented before submission. Because OHCQ review can take several months, getting the application right the first time is the single biggest factor in how quickly agencies open their doors.
Our work doesn’t stop at approval. We help agencies stand up the operational foundation that keeps them compliant after licensure. Whether you’re launching your first RSA, adding skilled nursing or therapy services to an existing license, or ensuring ongoing compliance with OHCQ requirements, we provide the hands-on support Maryland home care providers need to build agencies that operate confidently and stay in good standing.
Residential Service Agency (RSA) Licensing in Maryland
Residential Service Agencies (RSA) are licensed and regulated by the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ), which is responsible for licensing and oversight of RSAs, including establishing licensure requirements and monitoring compliance with applicable state laws and regulations. RSAs may provide a variety of home health care services. Examples of commonly selected service groupings are listed below.
RSA (Level 2)
The RSA (Level 2) authorizes agencies to provide home care services that assist individuals with activities of daily living and support their ability to remain safely and independently in their homes. These services are tailored to the individual’s needs and plan of care and may include assistance with daily activities, as well as medication administration by appropriately licensed or certified staff in accordance with Maryland law.
Examples of services within this level include:
- Bathing
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Transferring
- Toileting
- Mobility assistance
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation assistance
- Companionship
- Errands
- Medication administration
Licensure Quick Facts
| OHCQ Timeframe | Application Cost | Key Staff | Office Type | Accreditation Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7–9 Months | None | Administrator Alternate Administrator Registered Nurse | May be Residential or Commercial | No |
RSA (Level 3)
The RSA (Level 3) expands upon the services available under Level 2, allowing agencies to provide a broader range of home care services based on the individual’s needs and plan of care. In addition to assistance with activities of daily living and medication administration, Level 3 agencies may provide skilled nursing services through appropriately licensed nursing professionals.
Examples of services within this level include:
- Skilled nursing
- Wound care
- Home health aide
- Homemaker
- Companionship
- Cardiovascular and respiratory care
- Nutritional support
- Activities of daily living
- Medication management and education
- Diabetic care and monitoring
- Post-surgical care
Licensure Quick Facts
| OHCQ Timeframe | Application Cost | Key Staff | Office Type | Accreditation Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7–9 Months | None | Administrator Alternate Administrator Registered Nurse | May be Residential or Commercial | No |
RSA (Other)
The RSA (Other) authorizes agencies to provide therapy services to individuals in their homes based on their specific needs and plan of care. These services are provided by appropriately licensed therapists to support the individual’s health, function, and ability to remain safely in the home.
Examples of services within this level include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical social worker
Licensure Quick Facts
| OHCQ Timeframe | Application Cost | Key Staff | Office Type | Accreditation Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7–9 Months | None | Administrator Alternate Administrator | May be Residential or Commercial | No |
How HomeSights Consulting Helps Maryland Agencies
Whether you’re opening a new Maryland home care agency or expanding your current services, HomeSights Consulting provides personalized guidance throughout the licensing process.
Maryland Home Care Consulting Backed by Regulatory Expertise
Maryland home care agencies operate under the oversight of the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) and must comply with Residential Service Agency (RSA) regulations under COMAR 10.07.05. Success requires more than generic consulting—it requires experienced guidance from professionals who understand Maryland licensing requirements, operational expectations, and regulatory compliance.
With over 25 years of industry experience, HomeSights Consulting helps agencies:
Improve Licensing & Compliance Readiness
Prepare for OHCQ Surveys & Inspections
Strengthen Operational
Systems
Reduce Preventable Compliance
Risks
Improve Organizational Efficiency
Build Sustainable
Workflows
Support Long-Term
Agency Growth
Our consulting approach focuses on practical implementation – not just theory. We help Maryland home care agencies build scalable systems, strengthen operational processes, and maintain compliance with the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) requirements, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.
Important Maryland Licensing Resources
Supporting Home Care Agencies Across Maryland
HomeSights Consulting supports agencies throughout Maryland, including:
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Silver Spring
- Germantown
- Frederick
- Rockville
- Gaithersburg
- Bethesda
- Waldorf
- Glen Burnie
- Towson
- Annapolis
- Hagerstown
- Salisbury
We work with both new and established agencies seeking operational support, compliance guidance, and long-term growth strategies.