What standards apply for Long Term Care Facilities?

California’s oversight of long-term care facilities is the most rigorous in the nation and the most comprehensive for any category of provider in the state. The California Department of Public Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Developmental Services each plays a role in licensing and regulating care providers.

Providers must meet state licensure standards, and in the skilled setting, are also governed by a stringent set of federal requirements. In addition, several other federal, state and local agencies – including the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, state departments of Aging, Justice and Consumer Affairs and the Office of the State Fire Marshal – also review facility services in California.

Facilities must demonstrate compliance with hundreds of very detailed regulations. To ensure compliance with these standards, CDPH surveyors annually conduct thorough inspections of each facility.