The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Licensing & Certification Division has the authority to:
Explanation
CDPH Licensing & Certification, under HSC §1417 et seq., licenses skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and similar providers, and certifies nurse assistants under HSC §1337. CDPH conducts annual surveys, investigates complaints under HSC §1420, issues citations (Class AA-A-B), and may suspend or revoke licenses. CDPH does not provide direct medical care (a), set Medicare rates (b — that is CMS), or run the Ombudsman (c — that is the CA Dept of Aging under the Older Americans Act). Anyone can file a CDPH complaint by phone, mail, or online and remain anonymous.
Law Reference: HSC §1417 et seq.; HSC §1422This topic, taught in full in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) guide. CNA — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 · 14-day refund →
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