How to Open a Center
It's important to know that there are three (3) main types of Adult Day Service (ADS) models in California. Below you will find each model with a brief description, important contact information, and some resources where available.
Please know that this is simply a brief overview. Each type is explained in-depth on their respective websites.
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)
Also known as Adult Day Health Care (ADHC), is licensed as a medical model by the CA Department of Public Health and certified by the CA Department of Aging to provide Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
This webpage is intended for those who provide, or seek to provide, Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS).
For Providers & Partners - Program Narrative and Fact Sheets
PRE-SCREENING APPLICATION PROCESS*
1. VIEW REQUIRED VIDEOS
Two videos, developed by the California Department of Aging, must be viewed as the initial step in the process. These videos cover the Pre-Screening Application process and requirements for licensure:
- Initial ADHC/CBAS Certification Application Overview (NOV 24, 2015)
- ADHC/CBAS Program Requirements (DEC 3, 2015)
2. CONTACT CA DEPARTMENT OF AGING (CDA)
Call the CDA CBAS Branch at (916) 419-7545 and request an ADHC / CBAS Pre-Screening Application
Visit the CDA - CBAS "Become a New CBAS Provider" webpage.
3. VISIT CA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH) WEBSITE
Visit the CDPH Licensing and Certification website pages for information:
4. REVIEW THE APPLICATION REQUEST CHECKLIST
Please refer to the following links to get started:
- Application Packet (PDF) (WAIT! Do NOT click the link, instead hover over the words "Application Packet" and right-click, choose Save Link As, then go to the file folder that you saved it in and open the saved file to see the full application packet)
- Provider Instructions (PDF) (No special instructions)
- Provider Checklist (PDF) (No special instructions)
- Sample Application (PDF) (No special instructions)
5. If you are not yet a member of CAADS, JOIN TODAY!
We offer a Pre-Licensed Membership Category for those thinking about opening an ADHC / CBAS center, or in the Pre-Screening Application process.
ADHC Membership Dues & Benefits | Online Application | Paper Application
6. Attend CAADS monthly webinars and annual conferences to learn more about the industry, engage with staff from existing ADS centers, and learn from expert speakers!
Adult Day Program (ADP)
LICENSING PROCESS*
Adult Day Programs (ADP) are licensed as a non-medical model by the CA Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division
1. VIEW CA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (CDSS) WEBSITE
Review the Centralized Applications Bureau information
2. REGISTER FOR THE REQUIRED ORIENTATION
Register for the required orientation on the Adult Care Online Orientations page
3. LOCATE YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE
Locate the CDSS Community Care Licensing Regional Offices in the area/s where you plan to provide services
Additional Resource: Administrator Certification Program (ACP)
4. If you are not yet a member of CAADS, JOIN TODAY!
We offer a Pre-Licensed Membership Category for those thinking about opening an ADP center, or in the process of becoming licensed.
ADP Membership Dues & Benefits | Online Application | Paper Application
5. Attend CAADS monthly webinars and annual conferences to learn more about the industry, engage with staff from existing ADS centers, and learn from expert speakers!
Adult Day Vendorized Program (ADVP)
VENDORIZATION PROCESS*
Adult Day Vendorized Programs (ADVP) approved by the area’s Regional Center for Persons with developmental disabilities.
1. VIEW THE CA DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES (CDDS) WEBSITE
Review the CDDS information
2. CONTACT THE REGIONAL CENTER
Contact the Regional Centers in the area/s where you plan to provide services.
3. *If you are not yet a member of CAADS, JOIN TODAY!
We offer a Pre-Vendorized Membership Category for those thinking about exclusively serving Regional Center clients, or in the process of becoming vendorized to do so.
ADVP Membership Dues & Benefits | Online Application | Paper Application
4. Attend CAADS monthly webinars and annual conferences to learn more about the industry, engage with staff from existing ADS centers, and learn from expert speakers!
