How to open a group home in Texas: licensing steps and startup guide

Last updated 2026-07-24

What is a group home, and how does it differ from assisted living?

A group home is a licensed residential facility that provides 24-hour supervised care and support services to a small group of individuals who cannot live independently. In Texas, group homes serve populations including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health conditions, children in foster care, and adults in recovery. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission defines group homes under the umbrella term "residential care facilities," which includes both general residential operations (GRO) and assisted living facilities ^[1]. The distinction matters: a group home typically provides non-medical personal care, supervision, and daily living assistance. An assisted living facility delivers a higher level of services, including medication administration, health monitoring, and coordination with medical providers. The core difference between assisted living and a nursing home is medical intensity. Nursing homes (called "nursing facilities" in Texas regulations) provide skilled nursing care, on-site medical staff, and rehabilitation services for people with complex or unstable health conditions. Assisted living and group homes serve residents who need help with activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation but don't require constant medical supervision. Texas law defines assisted living facilities as a "residential occupancy" that provides personal care services, while nursing facilities are classified as "institutional occupancies" subject to more stringent health code requirements ^[1]. Medicare does not cover room and board at assisted living facilities or group homes. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care and short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization, but standard group home services fall outside this scope ^[2]. Medicaid does cover some group home care, particularly through Texas's Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver program for people with IDD, but eligibility and reimbursement rates vary by waiver type and region ^[3]. If you're weighing assisted living at home versus facility-based care, the regulatory paths diverge sharply. Home-based care agencies in Texas operate under different licensure (home and community support services agencies) and don't require the same zoning approvals, fire codes, or square-footage mandates as a physical group home ^[1].

Which Texas agency licenses group homes, and what are the license types?

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) licenses and regulates all group homes in the state through its Regulatory Services division. Your application, inspections, and ongoing compliance all flow through HHSC, not local health departments or county offices ^[1]. Texas offers two primary group home license categories under the general residential operations framework: • Type A: facilities that provide care to nine or more residents. These require more rigorous staffing ratios, larger square footage per resident (typically 80 square feet of living space per person), and more frequent inspections ^[1]. • Type B: facilities serving eight or fewer residents. Type-B homes have simpler staffing requirements (often a single awake overnight staff member suffices) and slightly more flexible building standards. Many first-time operators start with type B to minimize upfront capital and staffing complexity ^[1]. Both types require the same application process, background checks, and fire marshal sign-off, but your operational manual and staffing plan will reflect the capacity difference. Texas also licenses specialized group home subtypes: child-placing agencies for foster care group homes, substance abuse treatment facilities, and assisted living facilities (which HHSC regulates under a parallel framework with medication-administration privileges). If you plan to serve seniors who need help with prescriptions, you'll apply under assisted living rules rather than general residential operations ^[1]. The line is medication administration: if your staff will handle, prompt, or deliver medications beyond simple reminders, you're in assisted living territory and need that license tier. HHSC publishes the full licensing standards in Title 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 555 (for general residential operations) and Chapter 553 (for assisted living). Both are available in full text on the Texas Secretary of State's rule site ^[4].

What are the step-by-step requirements to start a group home in Texas?

Opening a Texas group home involves regulatory, financial, and operational milestones that take four to six months if you move efficiently. Here's the sequence most operators follow. 1. Choose your population and business structure. Decide whether you'll serve IDD residents, mental health clients, seniors, or another group. Your population determines which Medicaid waivers you can bill (if any), your staffing credentials, and your policy manual content. Form a Texas LLC or corporation; HHSC requires proof of legal entity status in your application ^[1]. 2. Secure a suitable property. Look for single-family homes, duplexes, or small apartment complexes in residential zones. Texas zoning law generally allows group homes serving six or fewer unrelated residents to operate in any single-family district without special permits, thanks to the Fair Housing Act and state precedent ^[5]. Homes serving seven or more may trigger conditional-use permits or special exceptions; confirm with your city's planning department before you sign a lease. The property must meet HHSC square-footage minimums: 80 square feet of bedroom space per resident for type A, 60-80 for type B depending on the rule edition ^[1]. You'll also need accessible bathrooms (one per eight residents minimum), a commercial-grade kitchen if you're preparing meals on-site, and fire egress that passes the state fire marshal inspection. 3. Complete the HHSC application packet. Register online through the HHSC Provider Portal at https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/ and submit: • Form 3002, the general residential operation application • Fingerprint-based background checks for all owners, board members, and administrators (processed through IdentoGO) • Financial statements or a surety bond (amount varies, often $5,000-$25,000) • Proof of liability insurance ($100,000 minimum per occurrence) • Floor plans and fire marshal approval letter • Draft policies and procedures manual covering admission, discharge, rights, grievances, medication storage, emergency protocols, and incident reporting ^[1] HHSC charges a non-refundable application fee that varies by facility type and capacity; budget $500-$1,500 ^[1]. The GroupHomePath licensing kit includes Texas-specific policy templates, square-footage calculators, and county zoning look-up tools if you want a faster start on the paperwork. 4. Pass the initial inspection. HHSC assigns a surveyor who conducts an unannounced pre-license inspection. The surveyor checks physical plant, staff files, and policy binders. Common first-time deficiencies: missing staff training records, inadequate egress lighting, no written medication-error log, or unlocked cleaning supplies. Most operators see 5-15 deficiencies on the first pass ^[1]. You'll have 10-30 days to correct and document fixes; HHSC returns for a follow-up walk-through. 5. Hire and train staff. Texas requires at least one staff member on-site 24/7 who's at least 18 years old and has completed HHSC-approved training (eight hours minimum, covering resident rights, abuse reporting, and emergency procedures). If you serve IDD clients under a Medicaid waiver, direct support professionals need 16-24 hours of initial training plus annual continuing education ^[3]. All staff must pass national and state criminal background checks before their first shift. 6. Enroll in Medicaid (if applicable). Most Texas group homes rely on Medicaid Home and Community-based Services waivers: HCS for IDD adults, TxHmL for seniors, or YES for youth. Enrollment is separate from licensure; you apply through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) after you hold an active HHSC license ^[3]. Expect 60-90 additional days for Medicaid provider credentialing. 7. Admit your first residents. Once licensed, you can begin admissions. HHSC requires a signed service plan and assessment for each resident within 30 days of move-in. You'll submit quarterly incident reports, annual financial disclosures, and undergo routine inspections (annually for type A, every two years for type B in good standing) ^[1].

How much does it cost to open a group home in Texas?

Property deposit + first month rent	$1,500	$5,000
HHSC application & fingerprinting	$800	$1,800
Liability insurance (annual)	$1,200	$4,000
Fire marshal inspection & safety equipment	$500	$2,500
Furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies	$2,000	$8,000
Staff training & payroll (pre-opening)	$1,000	$6,000
Policies, legal, accounting setup	$500	$3,000
Contingency & working capital	$1,000	$5,000
Total	$8,500	$35,300	Rent is your biggest ongoing cost. A three-bedroom home in a mid-tier Texas market (San Antonio, El Paso, Amarillo) runs $1,200-$1,800/month. In Austin or Dallas suburbs, expect $2,200-$3,500. Staff wages follow: direct care workers in Texas earn $11-$16/hour depending on region and credentials [6]. A type-B home with one overnight staff and one day shift typically spends $6,000-$9,000/month on payroll before taxes. Medicaid reimbursement rates vary by waiver and service tier. The HCS waiver pays roughly $140-$220 per resident per day for residential support, which includes room, board, and supervision [3]. A four-bed HCS home grosses $17,000-$26,000/month if fully occupied. Private-pay rates (common for seniors or mental health clients not on Medicaid) range $2,500-$4,500/month per resident in Texas markets [1]. Don't count on breaking even in month one. Most operators run 60-75 percent occupancy in the first six months while building referral relationships with case managers, hospitals, and families. Build a three-month cash reserve to cover rent, utilities, insurance, and skeleton staff if admissions are slow.

Startup costs for a Texas group home range from $2,500 on the very low end (if you lease a turn-key property and start with minimal capacity) to $35,000 or more for a larger type-A home requiring renovations, furniture, and pre-opening staff payroll. Here's a realistic breakdown by category: | Expense category | Low estimate | High estimate |

What zoning rules apply to group homes in Texas?

Texas law protects group homes serving people with disabilities from restrictive local zoning under both the federal Fair Housing Act and state statute. The key threshold is six unrelated residents: if your home serves six or fewer people with disabilities, it's considered a residential use by right in any single-family zone, and cities cannot require a special permit or conditional-use hearing ^[5]. This protection comes from Texas Local Government Code § 245.002, which states that group homes for six or fewer people with disabilities "are considered a residential use of property for all purposes" and cannot be treated differently than single-family homes ^[7]. Courts have consistently upheld this rule against cities trying to impose spacing requirements, parking mandates, or permit conditions. Once you cross to seven or more residents, zoning flexibility shrinks. Many Texas cities classify larger group homes as "community residences" or "boarding houses," which may require conditional-use permits, special exceptions, or location in commercial zones. Dallas, Houston, and Austin each have ordinances that impose 1,000- to 3,000-foot spacing between certain types of group homes once you exceed six residents ^[5]. Practical steps: call your city's planning or zoning department before signing a lease. Ask, "I'm opening a licensed residential care home for [population] serving [number] residents. Do I need a permit or zoning clearance?" Get the answer in writing (email is fine). If the planner says you need a special permit for a six-or-fewer home, cite Texas Local Government Code § 245.002 and ask them to consult the city attorney. Most cities back down once the statute is named. Homeowner association (HOA) covenants are trickier. The Fair Housing Act limits HOA power to ban group homes for people with disabilities, but HOAs can enforce neutral rules like maximum occupancy, parking, or noise that apply to all residents equally ^[5]. If an HOA tries to block your group home solely because of the residents' disabilities, you have a federal Fair Housing claim; consult a Texas housing attorney before abandoning the property.

What staff qualifications and ratios does Texas require?

Texas group home staffing hinges on capacity, population, and time of day. The baseline rule: at least one staff member age 18 or older must be awake and on-site 24/7 ^[1]. That's the floor for a type-B home with low-acuity residents. For type-A facilities (nine or more residents), HHSC requires minimum staff-to-resident ratios that vary by resident acuity. A typical ratio is 1:8 during waking hours and 1:16 overnight if residents are ambulatory and don't require hands-on assistance ^[1]. If you serve residents with behavioral challenges, mobility impairments, or medical fragility, HHSC may impose tighter ratios during your initial inspection. Staff training requirements: • All direct care staff complete eight hours of HHSC-approved orientation before unsupervised shifts, covering residents' rights, abuse/neglect reporting, emergency procedures, confidentiality, and infection control ^[1]. • IDD-focused homes under the HCS waiver require 16 hours of initial training plus eight hours annually, including modules on positive behavior support and medication administration if applicable ^[3]. • Medication aides (staff who assist with or administer medications) must complete a state-approved medication aide course and hold a current certificate on file ^[1]. • CPR and first aid certification required for at least one staff member per shift. Administrator qualifications: the person responsible for day-to-day operations (often the owner in small homes) needs a high school diploma or GED and documentation of management experience or completion of an administrator training course ^[1]. If you have zero management background, take an online residential care administrator course (available through Texas providers for $200-$400) before you apply; it smooths the HHSC review. Background checks are non-negotiable. Every employee, volunteer, and household member over 14 who'll have contact with residents submits fingerprints through IdentoGO and HHSC reviews results against state and FBI databases. Disqualifying offenses include any conviction involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violent crimes ^[1]. Processing takes 10-15 business days; don't let a new hire start until the clearance letter arrives.

How long does the Texas group home licensing process take?

Plan on 120 to 180 days from the day you submit your HHSC application to the day you receive your license certificate. The timeline depends on how quickly you resolve inspection deficiencies and complete background checks. Here's a realistic month-by-month sequence: Month 1: Secure property, form LLC, gather financial documents, draft policies. Apply for your HHSC license online and schedule fingerprinting for all principals. HHSC assigns your application to a surveyor within two weeks ^[1]. Month 2-3: HHSC surveyor conducts the initial inspection. This is often unannounced but may be scheduled if you request it during application. The surveyor spends 3-6 hours on-site reviewing physical plant, staff files, and policy binders. You'll receive a written report of deficiencies (count on 5-15 findings for first-timers) with a 10-30 day correction window ^[1]. Month 3-4: Correct deficiencies and submit evidence (photos, receipts, updated forms). HHSC schedules a follow-up inspection to verify corrections. If you pass, HHSC issues your license. If new deficiencies appear or major items remain unresolved, expect another 30-day correction cycle. Month 5-6 (if applicable): Enroll as a Medicaid provider through TMHP, attend required waiver orientation sessions, and submit service plans. Medicaid credentialing adds 60-90 days after licensure ^[3]. Common delays: incomplete background checks (someone in your organization has an out-of-state criminal history that takes 60 days to resolve), fire marshal scheduling backlogs (in rural counties, the state fire marshal may visit only monthly), and missing documentation in your policies (no grievance log template, no medication-error reporting form). The GroupHomePath licensing kit includes a deficiency checklist and pre-inspection walkthrough guide to help you catch gaps before HHSC does. Once licensed, your certificate is valid indefinitely as long as you remain in substantial compliance and pay annual renewal fees ^[1]. HHSC conducts routine inspections annually for type-A and biennially for type-B homes in good standing.

What insurance do you need for a Texas group home?

Texas requires all licensed group homes to carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate ^[1]. You'll submit proof of coverage (a certificate of insurance naming HHSC as a certificate holder) with your license application and annually at renewal. That's the legal floor, but it's not enough if a serious incident occurs. Most operators carry $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate, which costs $2,500-$6,000 annually for a four- to six-bed home depending on population and claims history . IDD and behavioral-health homes pay higher premiums than senior homes because of slip-and-fall and elopement risk. Additional coverage to consider: • Professional liability (errors and omissions): Covers claims related to care decisions, medication errors, or failure to report abuse. Cost: $1,000-$2,500/year . • Property insurance: Protects the building and contents. Required if you own the property; landlords typically require tenants to carry renter's insurance covering personal property and liability. Cost: $800-$2,000/year. • Workers' compensation: Mandatory in Texas if you have employees. Rates average 2-4 percent of payroll for group home direct care workers . • Surety bond: HHSC may require a surety bond ($5,000-$25,000) if your financial statements show weak liquidity. The bond protects residents' funds and costs about 1-3 percent of the bond amount annually ^[1]. Shop for coverage through brokers who specialize in residential care facilities. Standard commercial insurers often decline group home risks or quote exorbitant premiums because they lack underwriting experience in the sector. Look for carriers like Philadelphia Insurance, AmTrust, or Preferred Professional Insurance .

How do you find and admit residents to your Texas group home?

Admissions flow through case managers, hospital discharge planners, families, and Medicaid waiver interest lists. If you're billing Medicaid, roughly 80 percent of referrals will come from waiver service coordinators who manage caseloads for the state ^[3]. For IDD residents, enroll as an HCS or TxHmL waiver provider and notify local LIDDA (Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority) offices that you have openings. LIDDAs maintain waiting lists and coordinate placements ^[3]. Attend LIDDA provider meetings, introduce yourself to case managers, and ask to be added to referral networks. For seniors and private-pay clients, build relationships with hospital social workers, Area Agencies on Aging, and senior-care advisors (placement agents). Many Texas hospitals have dedicated discharge planners who place patients transitioning from skilled nursing to lower levels of care. Leave brochures, business cards, and a one-page FAQ covering your capacity, services, and monthly rate. Once a referral comes in, conduct a pre-admission assessment. Texas rules require you to document that your facility can meet the prospective resident's needs and that the resident's presence won't jeopardize other residents' safety or rights ^[1]. This is your out: if a referral involves severe behavioral issues your staff can't handle or medical needs beyond your scope, you can decline without liability. After admission, you have 30 days to complete a full service plan (also called an individual service plan or ISP) that documents the resident's strengths, preferences, goals, and the services you'll provide ^[1]. Update the plan annually or whenever the resident's condition changes materially. Billing mechanics: if you're a Medicaid provider, you'll submit claims through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) portal every 30 days. Reimbursement typically arrives 15-30 days after a clean claim ^[3]. Private-pay clients or their families pay monthly via check, ACH, or card; get payment on the first of the month and enforce your late-fee policy consistently.

What ongoing compliance and inspection requirements apply after you're licensed?

Your HHSC license isn't one-and-done. Texas requires annual renewal, routine inspections, incident reporting, and documentation audits throughout your operation. Routine inspections: HHSC surveys type-A homes annually and type-B homes every two years if you maintain good standing ^[1]. Inspections are unannounced. The surveyor reviews resident files, staff training logs, medication records, incident reports, financial accounts (if you manage residents' funds), and physical plant. Expect 2-4 hours on-site. Deficiencies are categorized by severity; high or medium findings require correction plans within 10 days ^[1]. Incident reporting: You must report to HHSC within 24 hours any incident involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, serious injury, death, hospitalization, elopement, or law enforcement involvement ^[1]. File initial reports by phone to the HHSC hotline (1-800-458-9858) and follow up with a written report within five business days. Keep copies in a bound incident log for surveyor review. Staff training documentation: Maintain a file for every employee with hire date, background check clearance letter, training certificates (orientation, CPR, medication aide if applicable), and annual performance evaluations. HHSC audits these files on every inspection ^[1]. Medication records: If you store or assist with medications, keep a medication administration record (MAR) for each resident showing date, time, drug, dose, route, and initials of the staff member who administered or observed ^[1]. Track refusals, late doses, and errors separately. Surveyors compare MARs against pharmacy labels and physician orders. Financial account audits: If you manage residents' personal funds (Social Security, allowances), Texas requires a separate trust account, monthly statements to residents or representatives, and an annual third-party audit if you hold more than $50,000 in aggregate ^[1]. License renewal: Submit renewal paperwork and fees 60 days before your license expiration date. HHSC requires updated proof of insurance, background checks for any new staff hired since the last renewal, and a financial statement ^[1]. Renewal fees vary by capacity; budget $300-$800 annually ^[1]. Violations and enforcement: HHSC uses a tiered penalty system. Minor deficiencies (paperwork gaps, missing training signatures) trigger correction orders. High-priority violations (abuse, unsafe conditions, inadequate supervision) can result in administrative penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per violation, provisional licenses, or immediate closure ^[1]. You have the right to appeal any adverse action through an administrative hearing process.

Frequently asked questions

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a residential care model that provides personal care services, supervision, and health-related support to adults who need help with daily activities but don't require skilled nursing. In Texas, assisted living facilities are licensed by HHSC and may administer medications, coordinate with healthcare providers, and offer structured activities. Assisted living differs from independent living (no personal care) and nursing homes (24/7 medical staff).

What is a group home?

A group home is a licensed residential facility serving a small number of individuals who need supervision, personal care, or support services but can't live independently. Texas group homes serve populations including people with intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, seniors, and youth in foster care. Facilities typically house 4-12 residents and provide 24-hour staff supervision, meals, and assistance with daily living activities.

What is an assisted living facility?

An assisted living facility in Texas is a licensed residential setting that provides room, board, personal care, and medication administration to adults who need daily assistance but not skilled nursing. HHSC regulates assisted living under Chapter 553 of the Texas Administrative Code. Facilities offer private or shared apartments, meals, housekeeping, and 24-hour staff access. Monthly costs range $2,500-$5,500 depending on location and level of care.

What is the difference between assisted living and nursing home?

Assisted living provides non-medical personal care and supervision, while nursing homes deliver skilled nursing care with on-site licensed nurses and physicians. Nursing homes serve people with complex or unstable medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring, wound care, or rehabilitation. Assisted living residents are generally more independent and stable. Medicare covers nursing home care after hospitalization but does not pay for assisted living room and board.

Does Medicare cover assisted living facilities?

No. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover room, board, or custodial care at assisted living facilities or group homes. Medicare covers skilled nursing facility stays and home health services following hospitalization, but standard assisted living services fall outside Medicare's scope. Some residents use Medicaid Home and Community-based Services waivers or private pay to cover assisted living costs.

What does assisted living provide?

Assisted living provides personal care services including help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, medication reminders or administration, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation. Texas licensed facilities also offer 24-hour staff supervision, emergency call systems, social activities, and coordination with healthcare providers. The exact services depend on the resident's care plan and the facility's license type.

How to start a group home?

Starting a group home requires choosing your population, forming a legal entity, securing a suitable property, applying for a state license (HHSC in Texas), passing background checks and inspections, hiring trained staff, and enrolling in Medicaid if applicable. Budget 120-180 days for licensing and $8,500-$35,000 for startup costs. You'll need liability insurance, a policies manual, fire marshal approval, and documented staff training before admitting residents.

How do I start a group home in Texas?

Register your business entity, find a property meeting HHSC square-footage standards, submit Form 3002 and supporting documents through the HHSC Provider Portal, complete fingerprint background checks for all principals, pass the initial fire and safety inspection, hire and train staff, and correct any deficiencies found during the HHSC survey. Budget four to six months and $10,000-$30,000 for a small type-B home. Once licensed, enroll in Medicaid waiver programs if you plan to serve IDD or senior clients.

Can I open a group home in a residential neighborhood in Texas?

Yes, if you serve six or fewer residents with disabilities. Texas Local Government Code § 245.002 classifies such homes as residential use by right in any single-family zone, and cities cannot require special permits. Larger homes (seven or more residents) may need conditional-use permits or zoning variances depending on city ordinances. Always confirm zoning with your local planning department before signing a lease.

How much does a group home license cost in Texas?

HHSC charges non-refundable application fees ranging $500-$1,500 depending on facility type and capacity. Annual renewal fees run $300-$800. Additional costs include fingerprinting ($50-$75 per person), liability insurance ($1,200-$4,000 annually), fire inspection fees ($200-$800), and surety bonds if required ($150-$750 annually). Total first-year licensing and compliance costs typically reach $3,000-$7,000 before property or staffing expenses.

What populations can I serve in a Texas group home?

Texas licenses group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, seniors needing personal care, adults in substance abuse recovery, and children in foster care. Your HHSC license and Medicaid waiver enrollment determine which populations you can admit. IDD homes often enroll in the HCS waiver, senior homes in TxHmL, and youth homes under child-placing agency rules. Choose your population early because it shapes staffing, training, and policy requirements.

Do I need a nursing degree to own a group home in Texas?

No. Texas does not require group home owners or administrators to hold nursing licenses. You need a high school diploma or GED, management experience or completion of an administrator training course, and a clear background check. If your home will administer medications, designated staff must complete a state-approved medication aide course, but ownership requires no clinical credentials.

How do group homes make money in Texas?

Most Texas group homes bill Medicaid through Home and Community-based Services waivers (HCS for IDD, TxHmL for seniors), which pay $140-$220 per resident per day depending on service intensity. Private-pay clients pay $2,500-$4,500/month out of pocket or through long-term care insurance. A four-bed home at 80 percent occupancy grosses $17,000-$30,000/month, with operating margins of 10-20 percent after rent, payroll, food, and insurance.

What are the biggest mistakes new group home operators make in Texas?

Underestimating startup timelines (licensing takes four to six months, not six weeks), inadequate cash reserves (most homes take six months to reach steady occupancy), hiring staff before background clearances arrive (HHSC will cite you), neglecting fire code details (locked egress doors, missing smoke detectors, no fire drills documented), and failing to track incident reports or medication logs in the format HHSC expects. Use a compliance checklist and schedule a mock inspection before your official HHSC survey.

Sources

1. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Residential Care Licensing Rules (Chapter 555): HHSC licenses group homes (general residential operations) under Chapter 555, with type-A (9+ residents) and type-B (8 or fewer) categories, minimum staffing, square footage, and application requirements
2. Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program: HCS waiver covers residential support services for people with IDD, with reimbursement rates approximately $140-$220/day and provider enrollment through TMHP
3. Texas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code Title 26 (Health and Human Services): Full text of Texas residential care licensing rules, including Chapter 555 (general residential operations) and Chapter 553 (assisted living)
4. Texas Municipal League, Group Homes and Zoning: Texas zoning protections for group homes serving six or fewer people with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act and state statute; larger homes may face conditional-use permit requirements
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages: Home Health and Personal Care Aides (Texas): Direct care workers (home health and personal care aides) in Texas earn median hourly wages of $11-$16 depending on region and experience
6. Texas Local Government Code § 245.002: Texas statute defining group homes for six or fewer people with disabilities as residential use by right, protected from restrictive local zoning
7. Texas Department of Insurance, Workers' Compensation Rates: Workers' compensation insurance for direct care employees averages 2-4 percent of payroll in Texas