California Home Care, Home Health and Hospice Policy Manuals
California splits licensing between two departments. The Department of Social Services (CDSS) licenses home care organizations under the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act. The Department of Public Health (CDPH) licenses home health agencies and hospices under the Health and Safety Code and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Choose the manual for your license. The home health and hospice manuals also follow the federal Conditions of Participation, and every policy names the rule it follows.
Choose your type of agency
Each library is written to the state's own rules. Open one to read its free samples, see its price and search every policy in it.
California Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual
50 policies and 63 forms. For: California home care organization license.
See the policiesCalifornia Home Health Policy and Procedure Manual
58 policies and 51 forms. For: California home health agency license.
See the policiesCalifornia Hospice Policy and Procedure Manual
60 policies and 76 forms. For: California hospice license.
See the policiesWhich manual fits your California license
| License | For agencies that provide | Manual | Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home care organization (HCO), licensed by CDSS | Non-medical help with personal care and daily living at home | California Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual | 50 |
| Home health agency, licensed by CDPH | Skilled nursing and therapy at home, Medicare-certified or not | California Home Health Policy and Procedure Manual | 58 |
| Hospice, licensed by CDPH | Care for people with a terminal illness, and their families | California Hospice Policy and Procedure Manual | 60 |
Questions about California manuals
Is a home care organization license the same as a home health license?
No. A home care organization arranges non-medical care through registered home care aides and is licensed by CDSS. A home health agency provides home health services such as skilled nursing and is licensed by CDPH. Each has its own manual.
Are CDPH's new hospice regulations in force?
The emergency hospice regulations (22 CCR §§74800 to 74908) have been in force since June 22, 2026. CDPH noticed proposed permanent text on October 30, 2026. It was not in force when these manuals were last reviewed, so the hospice manual follows the emergency text.
Can you help with the California license itself?
Yes, through Cura Compliance Consulting, which helps California agencies apply for their license.
Licensing support in California
Cura Compliance Consulting helps agencies apply for their California license, get ready for the initial survey and open on time.
Policy manuals in other states
See Cura Core with your agency's name on it.
Choose your state and type of agency, buy your Policy Pack online and get your sign-in by email. Already a customer? Sign in to your portal.