Assisted living in Mississippi: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Mississippi, and what to check before you choose.
What Mississippi calls it
In Mississippi, assisted living is licensed under the term “Personal Care Home”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Mississippi's Elderly and Disabled Waiver may help people age 21 or older who need nursing facility level of care with services such as case management, adult day services and personal care. The fact sheet does not mention assisted living, and eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
The Health Facilities Directory lists licensed facilities including personal care homes; the page offers inspection reports for other facility types but does not list them for personal care homes.
Help and complaints
Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Department of Human Services) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Mississippi
Mississippi issues two sets of Personal Care Homes minimum standards, one for Assisted Living and one for Residential Living, both effective October 2023.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Mississippi?
Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification.