Assisted living in North Carolina: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in North Carolina, and what to check before you choose.
What North Carolina calls it
In North Carolina, assisted living is licensed under the term “Adult Care Home (state-defined assisted living residence)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, Adult Care Licensure Section 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.
Memory care
North Carolina has special care unit rules and disclosure requirements for adult care homes.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
North Carolina Medicaid Personal Care Services may cover eligible people living in a licensed adult care home who have unmet needs with daily activities, and State/County Special Assistance is a cash supplement to help low-income people pay room and board in adult care homes. Eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
Shows facility star ratings, inspection statements of deficiencies and penalties imposed in the previous 36 months.
Help and complaints
North Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Division of Aging) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in North Carolina
North Carolina law (G.S. 131D-31) requires a county Community Advisory Committee to help maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home Residents' Bill of Rights, visiting homes quarterly and helping residents with grievances.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in North Carolina?
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, Adult Care Licensure Section.