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How Are Public Health Clinics Licensed in California?

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Licensing and Certification Program licenses public health clinics in California. It also assures compliance with the licensing requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

  1. Identification

    • A California state license is necessary to operate a community or free primary care clinic (PCC) in California. By law, generally, PCCs are tax-exempt, non-profit corporations funded primarily by gifts, grants or other donations and charge their patients according to their ability to pay.

    Licensing and Certification Program

    • The Center's licensing and certification program is responsible for ensuring health care facilities comply with state laws and regulations. It does this by receiving applications and evaluating applicant health facilities, agencies and professionals for compliance with state laws and regulations in preparation for licensing or certifying them.

    Medicare and Medicaid Compliance

    • The licensing and certification program cooperates with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure those California public health facilities that accept payments via Medicare and Medi-Cal (the title for Medicaid in California) comply with federal requirements.

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