ARF Licensing Requirements in California: CDSS Application Part A, Part B & Startup Checklist
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California ARF licensing is a two-layer project: a complete CDSS facility application and an operation that is actually ready to provide the proposed nonmedical care and supervision safely.
Before you commit time or money
RCCS can help owners and aspiring operators organize licensing-readiness questions, documents, site concerns, and next steps before they rely on an outdated checklist or make a costly commitment.
Call RCCS: (888) 272-3301, option 2 | Website: rosenthalcommunitycare.com | Email: marky.pascua@rosenthalcommunitycare.com
What “Part A” and “Part B” mean
CDSS’s LIC 281 application instructions organize the license application into Section A and Section B. The labels are not permission to submit a generic packet. Each form and attachment must match the applicant, ownership structure, address, capacity, program, and resident population.
An ARF provides 24-hour nonmedical care and supervision to adults. The proposed service model should be written before the forms are finalized. If the operation will serve people referred or funded through a Regional Center, DDS vendorization is a separate process and must not be represented as part of the CDSS license.
Part A: forms and evidence tied to the applicant and facility
| Part A area | Common examples to verify in the current packet |
|---|---|
| Application and ownership | LIC 200 and applicant/ownership forms, plus corporation or LLC records where applicable. For a corporation or LLC, LIC 309 and supporting entity records must be consistent. |
| Management | Administrator certification documentation and LIC 308 authorized-person information when applicable. |
| Personnel | LIC 500 personnel report, LIC 501 job descriptions, LIC 503 health screening, and current criminal-clearance or exemption forms as applicable. |
| Financials | LIC 400, LIC 401, LIC 401a, LIC 402, LIC 403, LIC 403a, and LIC 404 where applicable, with records supporting the numbers. |
| Emergency and infection control | ARF emergency plan LIC 610D and residential infection-control plan LIC 9282 where required. Confirm the current revision on CDSS’s forms page. |
| Facility and fire | LIC 999 facility sketch, LIC 9054 fire-authority information, and local zoning, building, occupancy, and fire documents requested for the site. |
Part B: the written operation
Part B explains how the ARF will operate. The packet commonly needs:
- administrator qualifications and a clear organizational structure;
- job descriptions that match the personnel report and actual duties;
- personnel policies for staffing, abuse reporting, fingerprints/criminal clearances, health screening, supervision, and training;
- an in-service training plan and records process;
- a facility-specific program description and plan of operation;
- admission, retention, discharge, personal-rights, discipline, complaint, and neighborhood-complaint policies where applicable;
- a representative menu or week of meals and snacks;
- control-of-property and resident-money procedures;
- first-aid and emergency procedures;
- consultant and community-resource arrangements;
- insurance, theft/loss, and other materials required by the applicant’s facts.
Under 22 CCR §80022, the plan of operation covers the facility’s purpose and methods, admissions, organization, staffing, training, building sketches, menu, transportation, rates/refunds, money and property, consultants, community resources, and family communication. The facility must operate consistently with the approved plan.
Administrator and orientation requirements
CDSS currently lists a 35-hour initial ARF training program. The current administrator procedures generally require an examination within 60 days of completing the initial training and a complete certification application within 30 days after passing, plus the required clearance and fee. Confirm whether the individual qualifies for an exemption or alternative pathway before relying on one.
The adult-care orientation uses Component I online, Component II phone/video, and Component III in person after the prelicensing inspection and before license issuance. CDSS currently lists $54.85 total for Component I ($50 plus $4.85 processing), but verify the current amount and registration requirements immediately before payment.
Fire clearance and resident classification
Under 22 CCR §80020, the facility must secure and maintain the required fire clearance from the city/county fire authority, fire district, or State Fire Marshal authority. The clearance must be appropriate to the proposed building and resident population. A secured-perimeter ARF can have additional Title 17 and approval requirements. If you plan to accept older or nonambulatory residents, resolve the classification and clearance with CDSS and the fire authority before admission.
Need help assembling the ARF packet?
RCCS can help you organize the current CDSS Part A/Part B materials and identify which items must be confirmed with CDSS, the fire authority, or the Regional Center.
Talk with RCCS: (888) 272-3301, option 2 or rosenthalcommunitycare.com.
ARF startup checklist
| Stage | Completion test |
|---|---|
| Project definition | Population, services, capacity, staffing model, admission criteria, health limits, behavioral supports, transportation, and funding pathway are written. |
| Site and local approvals | Zoning/use, construction, occupancy, accessibility, fire authority, emergency exits, and any local permits are identified and documented. |
| Orientation and administrator | Correct orientation components are complete; ARF administrator training/certification path is documented. |
| Part A packet | Current forms, consistent ownership/address/capacity information, clearances, financial evidence, LIC 610D, LIC 999, LIC 9054, and LIC 9282 if applicable are assembled. |
| Part B operation | Plan, policies, staffing, training, menu, activities, property controls, resident rights, emergency procedures, and records are ready for inspection. |
| Inspection and corrections | The site is complete, staff can demonstrate procedures, deficiencies are corrected, and Component III is completed after prelicensing. |
| Separate vendorization | If applicable, the Regional Center service code, Provider Directory application, Title 17 materials, and vendorization decision are handled separately. |
What the license does not promise
An ARF license does not promise Regional Center referrals, a vendor number, Medi-Cal reimbursement, ALW enrollment, occupancy, or a specific rate. It also does not authorize a service model that the building, fire clearance, staffing, plan, or license does not support.
For the separate vendorization process, see ARF Regional Center Vendorization Guide. For inspection readiness, use the current CDSS CARE tools and your LPA’s instructions; RCFE checklists should not be treated as ARF law.