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Though some new costs are involved for the industry, Pennsylvania Homecare Association Executive Director Vicki Hoak said they bring basic consumer protections that are justified.

And she noted a benefit will be realized from having the licensed agencies all listed eventually on the state health department's Web site, to help consumers find them.

"I think the timing is good," Ms. Hoak said. "As Pennsylvania's elderly population grows, this whole consumer movement to remain at home as long as possible, to age in place, has made the demand for these services really strong."

Stacy Mitchell, the health department's deputy secretary for quality assurance, said state officials have been in contact with more than 400 agencies they know of that fall under the new regulations, but twice that number may exist in the state. The department is trying to spread the word and have all agencies apply for a license by a Feb. 10 deadline.

The state is not out to punish those that do not comply, Ms. Mitchell said, but if agencies ignore requests to apply for licensing, they could face cease-and-desist orders.

"Our goal is to get them licensed or put them out of business," said Ms. Mitchell, noting the department is counting on licensed facilities following the rules to report any competitors they know of who ignore the new requirements after Feb. 10.