Skilled Nursing Facility Initial Application Packet

A state license is required to operate a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) in California, which is defined as:

A SNF is “a health facility that provides skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis,” pursuant to Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 1250(c).

Pursuant to HSC section 1253.3(a), no person, nor an applicant for licensure shall acquire, either directly or indirectly, an ownership interest in a skilled nursing facility nor operate, establish, manage, conduct, or maintain a skilled nursing facility prior to department review, approval, and issuance of a license.

To apply for an Initial License, you must complete the required application packet.

How to Apply

An applicant must submit a completed application packet to the Centralized Applications Branch (CAB). The provider instructions are a resource to guide you through the process. The provider checklist identifies the required forms and supporting documents needed to apply for pre-approval. 

Please refer to the following links to get started:

• Provider Instructions (PDF)
• Provider Checklist​​
  

Where to Submit Applications

Submit completed application packets to the CAB at the address listed below. Do not send any completed application packets, forms, or supporting documents to the local CDPH, District Office.

          California Department of Public Health
          Licensing and Certification Program
          Centralized Applications Branch
          P.O. Box 997377, MS 3207
          Sacramento, CA 95899-7377​​