General Acute Care Hospitals and Acute Psychiatric Hospitals Frequently Asked Questions
Account Set Up
1. Do I need an account to submit a General Acute Care Hospital (GACH)/Acute Psychiatric Hospital (APH) application?
Yes, you must register an account, then request access to submit GACH/APH applications.
2. If I already have an account from the old website, do I need to create a new account?
Yes, follow the steps below to create a new account.
Sign Up
Click on the Sign Up button.
Enter your First and Last Name, email address, complete the CAPTCHA, and click the Submit button.
Click the Send Code button to send a one-time code to your email address.
Enter the code that was sent to your email address and click the Sign In button.
On the permissions requested by screen, click the Accept button.
Enter your phone number to receive an SMS Text for Authentication. Click the Next button.
Enter Code from SMS Text Message. Click the Verify button.
Verification is now complete, and you will be redirected to the CDPH Portal.
3. I'm new to the GACH/APH portal. How do I sign up for an account?
Before you begin the application process, please note the following essential requirements:
User Account: Users need an account with an email address to access the portal. You must register your for an account with CDPH Portal Online Services (https://portal.cdph.ca.gov).
Primary Access Rule: The registered user must be assigned to the facility. You must request access to the facility by submitting a technical support ticket via the Contact Us link.
Technical Support
4. Who do I contact for technical support?
Click the “Contact Us" link (or tab) in the top navigation bar to open the Support Request form. Please select the reason for contact, provide a description of your request, and contact information (name, e-mail address, and 10-digit phone number). A team member will contact you for further assistance. If you have program specific questions, then you may also contact the Hospital Unit at CABHospitals@cdph.ca.gov.
5. How do I submit a request for technical assistance?
If you have questions about your application or need technical assistance with the portal, then you can submit a support request directly to the appropriate CDPH team.
On the main portal page, look for the “Contact Us" link (or tab) in the top navigation bar to open the Support Request form.
Determine Your Request Type
You must first select the Reason for Contact from the dropdown menu. This selection ensures your request is routed to the correct CDPH team and customizes the form.
Determine Your Reason for Contact
You must select the Reason for Contact from the dropdown menu. This selection ensures your request is routed to the correct CDPH team. The available options include:
Cannot access my account: Use this for assistance on account access issues.
Cannot create account: Use this for assistance on account creation issues.
General issue or inquiry: Use this for general issues with the portal.
Other – Describe below: Use this for additional questions not covered by the other options.
General Acute Care Hospital (GACH)/Acute Psychiatric Hospital (APH): Use this for questions specifically related to your GACH/APH application forms, licensing requirements, or processes.
Palliative Care Pilot Program: Use this for questions specifically related to your Palliative Care Pilot Program application and processes.
Select the Type of Request (Conditional Logic)
This field will only appear after you select 'General Acute Care Hospital (GACH)/Acute Psychiatric Hospital (APH)' in the step above. You must select the specific type of request that best describes your need:
Access Request: Use this for issues logging in or requesting new user access to a facility.
Program-related Incident: Use this for questions, issues, or inquiries specifically about the GACH/APH application forms, licensing requirements, or processes.
Technical Request: Use this for issues related to the portal's functionality or technical errors within the GACH/APH application.
SubmissionComplete the mandatory contact fields and reCAPTCHA code validation. Select Submit button to send your request. A team member will follow up with you via the email address you provided. Please do not submit additional requests for assistance as this may delay your response time.
User Access Request
6. How do I request access to a specific facility?
In the online portal, navigate to the Contact Us tab and submit a user access request by completing the form as follows:
Reason for Contact
Type Of Request
Subcategory
Select type of user access for your facility (Initial User, Authorized for CHOW, Authorized User, or User Access Manager (UAM)
Application Processing
7. Where can I find more information on Health and Safety Code (HSC) 1272?
You can find more information for HSC 1272 on the Califonia Legislature page (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=1272.)
8. Where can I find more information on All Facilities Letter (AFL) 19-41?
Please review the entire All Facilities Letter (AFL) 19-41 (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/CDPH%20Document%20Library/AFL-19-41.pdf)
9. Which facility types can submit online applications?
The online application is only for General Acute Care Hospital (GACH) and Acute Psychiatric Hospital (APH) providers. For child facilities, distinct parts, or certifiable parts, use the main hospital profile to submit your application.
10. How do I submit an application for a Distinct Part facility?
Submit your application for a child facility, distinct part, or other certifiable part using the main hospital profile. For distinct part questions, contact the Hospital Unit at CABHospitals@cdph.ca.gov.
11. Where can I find information about the online application?
If you are already logged onto the system, then click the 'Services' tab on top of the page and select 'GACH/APH Licensure and/or Certification Application' or you can visit the CDPH website.
12. Which application types are accepted in the online application?
Initial licensure and/or certification, change of ownership (CHOW), and report of changes (ROC) applications. ROC applications include change of administrator, bed, certification, director of nursing, governing board, location, mailing address (facility or licensee), medical director, name (facility or licensee), national provider identifier (NPI), property owner, service (onsite, offsite, or mobile), stock transfer, indirect owner, license consolidation, and license suspension reinstatement.
13. Which application type is not accepted in the online application?
Change of management company (CHMC) applications are submitted as paper applications. Please refer to the GACH or APH webpages.
14. Do all applications require a fee?
Effective July 1, 2025, all licensing applications and written notifications require an application fee pursuant to HSC section 1266 . The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), CHCQ Health Care Facility License Fee Schedule and Report of Change Fee Schedule webpage list the FY 2025-26 Initial and ROC fee schedules and include the amount of the fee associated with each application or written notification. Change of certification (CHOC) and change of NPI applications do not require an application fee. Refer to AFL 25-23 for more information.
15. Why is there an application fee associated with my ROC application?
CHCQ's Centralized Applications Branch (CAB), in coordination with District Offices (DO), processes all applications submitted by health care facilities for various licensure changes, including changes of ownership, location, name, beds, and various key personnel such as administrator and medical director. There are over twenty different types of licensure changes and the branch processes nearly 10,000 change applications from facilities each year; however, only four of these application types previously had a fee associated with them. A joint review of this workload with the Department of Finance found opportunities to update the application fee schedule that will provide for a more equitable distribution of costs amongst the facilities, align application fee revenue with application workload costs, address stakeholder concerns regarding the change of ownership (CHOW) fee as required by Chapter 578, Statutes of 2022 (Assembly Bill (AB) 1502), reduce some cost pressures from the annual licensing fee, and disincentivize the practice amongst some facilities of failing to submit required change applications.
Rather than all facilities subsidizing the work created by a subset of facilities, the new report of change fees is based on the cost of workload imposed on the department to process the application. While this will impose new fees for services that were previously free of charge, some of the current report of change application fees will be reduced.
16. What is the application processing timeline?
GACH/APH online applications are processed within 100-calendar days from the received date. The application review process includes prescreen, full review, DO survey (if applicable), and license issuance. The processing timeline is dependent on accuracy and completeness of the application. Failure to submit the required application fees and supporting forms/documents will result in denial of the application. For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
Health and Safety Code section 1272
Health and Safety Code section 1266
AFL 25-19: Changes to the Application Review Process
AFL 25-22: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Health Care Facility License Fee Schedule
AFL 25-23: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Report of Change (ROC) Application Fees
17. What is the application review process?
When CAB receives the online application and it is assigned to an analyst, the analyst will conduct a prescreen review. CAB will identify if all required supporting forms, documents, and fees are received:
CAB will issue a prescreen letter requesting any missing supporting forms, documents, and the required application fee, with a deadline of 21-calendar days.
If CAB does not receive the requested supporting forms, documents, and/or application fee within 21-calendar days of the date of the letter, the application will be denied, and you will be required to resubmit.
If all required supporting forms, documents, and application fee are received, then the analyst will conduct a full review of the application:
The application supporting forms and documents are reviewed for completion and accuracy, ensuring all information has been captured and determining whether the facility meets state and federal requirements.
If any corrections are required, then you will be notified with a correction letter via email, with a deadline of 58-calendar days.
If CAB does not receive the requested information within the correction deadline, then the application will be denied.
Once CAB receives the corrections and completes review, the application will be sent to the DO, who will schedule a survey (if applicable). Once the survey has been completed and approved, CAB will be notified to issue an electronic State license.
18. How can I ensure my application is processed timely?
Applications that include incomplete supporting forms/documents, and/or missing the application fee will be denied. CAB will only process completed applications. Please ensure the following are completed:
19. What if CAB denies my application?
Local DOs will be notified of application denials. Applicants may submit an appeal regarding a denied application and complete the appeal process, or applicants may resubmit another application packet.
20. Will the fee be refunded if the application is denied?
No, application fees will not be refunded to the applicant if the application is denied by either CAB or your local DO, pursuant to Title 22 California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 70110 for GACHs and Title 22 CCR § 71110 for APHs.
21. How do I submit my annual license renewal application (LRA) through the online application?
These applications are not included in the online application system. Please refer to the Health Care Facilities License Renewals webpage for additional information and instructions on the license renewal process.
22. Can I relocate the entire facility using the online application?
Yes, by completing a change of location (CHOL) application. The online application is designed to request information about the services and beds that are relocating to the new location. If you would like to convert or remove beds, then a change of bed (CHOB) application is required.
23. How are onsite services and offsite services defined in the online application?
Onsite services are services provided within the main hospital. Offsite services are any services provided outside of the main hospital.
24. How do I add services that are not listed in the online application?
Within the “Services Section" there is an option to select “Other" to identify a service not listed.
25. What is the difference between basic and supplemental services?
Basic services are essential services required by law for licensure as a hospital. The GACH basic services are medical, nursing, surgical, anesthesia, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and dietary services. The APH basic services are medical, nursing, rehabilitative, pharmacy, and dietary services. Supplemental services are organized inpatient or outpatient services not required by law or regulation.
26. Why is the basic service option limited to only expand?
Basic services are required by law for hospital licensure. A request to remove basic services is not permitted. However, a request to expand is acceptable. For example, a hospital adding operating rooms.
27. How do I submit a change of name for a service?
Submit a change of service (CHOS) – (Onsite, Offsite, or Mobile Unit) – Expand. Then, upload the DHCS 9098 form (if Medi-Cal certified) using the floor plan upload section.
28. How do I submit a change of NPI and/or certification for a child facility, distinct part, or other certifiable part?
Submit a CNPI and/or CHOC using the main hospital profile. A service, child facility, distinct part, or other certifiable part facility profiles do not have their own facility profiles. The application(s) are submitted through the main hospital profile.
29. Where can I find application specific checklists?
Refer to the CDPH Health Care Facilities Online Application (General Acute Care Hospitals (GACH) and Acute Psychiatric Hospitals (APH) only) webpage.
30. What can I do if the fire inspector will only accept a fire safety inspection request from CDPH?
A fire safety inspection request (STD 850) should be obtained prior to submitting an application. If the fire inspector will only accept fire safety requests from CDPH, upload the STD 850 form, as part of your application submission, with your facility and fire inspector or department contact information (name, e-mail address, 10-digit phone number, and address). Once the application is assigned, the CAB analyst will request the fire clearance on behalf of the hospital.
Application Submission
31. Who do I contact for application submission and review process questions?
Please include the following:
To the appropriate contact below:
32. Is it required to upload all attachments to submit my application?
Yes, submit your application when you have all completed attachments. If you are awaiting completed attachments, then you have the option to “Continue" your application later. Once you have all the required attachments, then you can submit the application. Submitting incomplete attachments and supporting forms/documents will delay the application review process and may result in an application denial.
33. What are the acceptable document upload types?
The acceptable attachment formats are Microsoft Word documents and Adobe PDF attachments. JPEG and other formats are unacceptable.
34. Do I need to submit supporting forms and documents with original signatures?
CAB can accept supporting forms and documents with original signatures, PDF electronic signatures in lieu of original signatures, and/or copies of original signatures that are submitted as PDF attachments.
35. Do I need to submit the instructions pages as part of my attachment?
No, it is optional.
36. How do I submit application fees?
Once the online application is submitted and assigned to an analyst, you will receive an email with an application fee notice, identifying the required fee amount and where to submit payment.
Payment instructions to pay by e-check or credit card:
You will receive an application fee invoice, in a separate email, for the option to pay electronically. Log into the CDPH payment portal (https://payit.cdph.ca.gov). Enter your invoice number and exact amount due stated in your invoice and follow the instructions. The exact amount due must be entered or the payment will not be accepted.
To pay by check:
Submit the application fee listed above with a copy of this Application Fee Notice. Checks must be payable to the “Department of Public Health." For easy identification, please note the Application ID Number in the memo area. This may be referred to as Account Number for Bill Pay Services. If this number is not listed on the check, it may delay processing of your application.
Mail payment to:
California Department of Public Health
Center for Health Care Quality
Licensing and Certification Division
P.O Box 997434, MS 3202
Sacramento, CA 95899-7434
ATTN: Revenue Collection Unit
For overnight delivery:
California Department of Public Health
Center for Health Care Quality
Licensing and Certification Division
1615 Capitol Avenue, MS 3202
Sacramento, CA 95814
ATTN: Revenue Collection Unit
For application fee information, please refer to the following resources:
37. Can I make edits to an application I already submitted?
No, but you can make edits if corrections are required.
38. Can I make edits to an in-progress application?
Yes, you can continue the application from your My Applications page. Simply click on the ellipses (…) and select Continue.
39. Do I receive a copy of my submitted application?
Yes, an email notification is sent out with the PDF attachment, or you can log on to your account and view your PDF application. However, the uploaded supporting forms and documents are not included.
Corrections
40. How do I receive correction notifications for applications submitted through the online application?
The individual who submits the application is the designated point of contact for the facility and will receive a letter via email notification from CAB that corrections are required. The application is released back to the designated point of contact to make corrections through the online application system.
41. What is the corrections process?
The provider receives a letter via email from CAB describing all required corrections. The provider logs on to the portal to access the application. Once all corrections are completed, the provider completes the “Disclaimer" page and submits the corrected application to CAB for processing. Be aware, you will be unable to make any additional revisions once the corrections are submitted.
Survey Request
42. Who do I contact to schedule an onsite survey?
Please contact your local DO to schedule the onsite survey.
43. My application was forwarded to the DO for survey. Who do I contact for a status update?
Once CAB completes their review and the application is complete, you will receive an email notification stating that the application was forwarded to the DO for an onsite survey. You can contact your local DO for questions related to the survey process.