Encinitas Forum teamStaff
How do I check whether an assisted living facility is licensed?
We're looking at assisted living for a parent. How do we confirm a facility is licensed and see its history?
Accepted answer
Encinitas Forum teamStaff
What "assisted living" is called in California
CDSS licenses Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs): housing for people 60 and over with 24-hour non-medical care and supervision. RCFEs are often called assisted living facilities or board and care homes [1].
Look up the facility
Use the CDSS Community Care Licensing Facility Search. You can search by facility number, licensee name or facility group, such as "Elderly Assisted Living" [2]. CDSS also explains how to review a facility's file [1]. CDSS says the information should serve only as an initial point of inquiry and suggests contacting the responsible licensing office for more [2].
Report a concern
To complain about a licensed facility, contact the CDSS Centralized Complaint and Information Bureau at 1-844-538-8766 or letusno@dss.ca.gov. You can stay anonymous [2]. To report elder abuse or neglect, contact the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Ombudsman CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024, or local police or the sheriff [1]. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources checked Oct 3, 2026. Rules and hours change, so confirm with the source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.