Licensing is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a reflection of your agency’s commitment to providing high-quality, accountable care in safe and person-centered environments.

Licensing:

• Helps you meet legal obligations and standards of care.
• Grants access to state technical assistance and tools.
• Publicly shares your agency’s quality record.

Licensure under N.J.A.C. 10:44A is required if:

• The setting is provider-managed.
• The individual living in the home and receiving services receives services through the Community Care Program (CCP).
• An individual residing in the setting, as documented in the Individual Service Plan, requires personal guidance as defined in DDD Policy.

1. Apply to Become an Approved DDD Provider
   Apply here
2. Review Key Resources
• New Provider Development Process
• Provider Toolkit
3. Complete the Licensing Application
   Follow the instructions in N.J.A.C. 10:44A-1.4
4. Engage with the New Provider Development Team
   Staff from DDD and the Office of Licensing will contact you to begin the new provider development process.
5. Work with the Office of Licensing Technical Assistance Unit (TAU)
• Develop a compliant Policy & Procedure Manual
• Do not acquire housing before consulting with the Division’s Office of Housing and Resource Development

• Annual Inspections, additional inspections may occur if a Provisional License is received, for example
• Compliance Monitoring
• Technical Assistance for ongoing questions and updates
• Access to Tools like the Risk Management Council “Report Card”

• A review of the home’s layout, safety, and maintenance.
• A review of staff files, schedules, credentials, and background checks.
• A review of required documents (medication logs, emergency plans, menus, etc.). 
• Interviews with staff.
• Written reports and expectations for plans of correction, if necessary, will be issued..

Some inspections include an Administrative Review at your central office. This includes, but is not limited to, a review of agency administrative and staffing records such as insurance documents, board meeting minutes, Human Rights Committee meetings, program descriptions, staff schedules and credentials, the CQI system, Behavior Manual, workplace safety, and the table of organization.

Some inspections are unannounced. The Office of Licensing is increasing the frequency by which it conducts unannounced inspections beginning in 2026.

If you do not pass inspection:

• The Technical Assistance Unit (TAU) is available to provide TA
• Provisional Licenses may be issued for partial compliance
• Two consecutive Provisional Licenses may result in non-renewal
• Non-renewal means the agency cannot continue to operate the setting

Core functions of the TAU include:

• Helping new agencies through licensing and development
• Supporting licensees with policy and procedure updates
• Assisting with changes in ownership or agency name
• Participating in review committees for specialized settings
• Connecting eligible providers to the Office of Housing and Resource Development

• As of 2024:
• 2,297 licensed programs
• 9,628 licensed beds for people with developmental disabilities
• 79% of licensed agencies are non-profits
• Licensing Activity in 2024:
• 55 agency programs received a Provisional License
• Fun Fact: The first NJ group home opened in 1971 and is still in operation today.

• Agencies Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Human Services Office of Licensing
• For information on becoming a licensed provider of Community Residences for People with Traumatic Brain Injury N.J.A.C. 10:44C Contact Us

• For information concerning Department of Health, Long-Term Care Facilities:
  • call 609-633-9042
  • for Acute Care Facilities:
    • call 609-633-9034 or
    • 609-292-8773 or
    • go to the Department of Health contact page.
• For information concerning Mental Health and Addiction Services Licensing, call the Department of Health, Office of Certificate of Need & Licensing – Behavioral Health at 609-292-6587.
• For information concerning Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing:
  • go to the Department of Children and Families website or
  • call 1-855-463-6323.
• For information concerning, Rooming and Boarding Houses:
  • go to the Department of Community Affairs website
  • For further information about the Department of Community Affairs’ Bureau of Rooming and Boarding House Standards, call 609-633-6251
  • For Licensing, call 609-984-1706.