The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD), as part of its Inspection Process Project (IPP), has developed CARE Tools. These Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement Tools are specifically designed for Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) to utilize during inspections across various licensed facilities, including Adult and Senior Care Programs, Children’s Residential Programs, and Child Care Programs.
These CARE Tools are strategically built to enhance CCLD’s focus on three critical areas identified within the IPP: Prevention, Compliance, and Enforcement. They are intended to guide and streamline the inspection process, ensuring efficiency and thoroughness within the allocated inspection time.
It’s important to note that while these Cares Tool are designed to be comprehensive, they are not exhaustive. They serve as aids to facilitate inspections but do not encompass every statute, regulation, or licensing standard that licensees must adhere to. The use of CARE Tools does not, in any way, limit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) or CCLD’s authority to conduct thorough inspections, issue citations, or take disciplinary actions for any identified violations or deficiencies.
Types of CARE Tools Available
CARE Tools are categorized and tailored to specific facility types and inspection stages. Below is an overview of the different categories of CARE Tools available:
Adult Care Facilities Tools
- Adult Care Pre-Licensing Tools: These tools are used during the initial pre-licensing phase for adult care facilities.
- Adult Care Standard Tools: These are the standard inspection tools used for ongoing compliance monitoring of licensed adult care facilities.
Senior Care Facilities Tools
- Senior Care Pre-Licensing Tool: Specifically designed for the pre-licensing inspections of senior care facilities.
- Senior Care Standard Tool: Used for routine inspections and compliance checks in licensed senior care facilities.
Child Care Facilities Tools
- Child Care Pre-Licensing Tools: Tools for pre-licensing evaluations of child care centers and family child care homes. (Note: In case of discrepancies between English and Spanish versions, the English version is the governing document as per Health and Safety Code section 1596.855(c)).
- Child Care Standard Tools: Standard inspection tools for licensed child care facilities, ensuring ongoing compliance and safety.
Children’s Residential Facilities Tools
- Children’s Residential Pre-Licensing Tools: Used during the pre-licensing process for facilities providing residential care for children.
- Children’s Residential Standard Tools: Standard tools for regular inspections of children’s residential facilities, focusing on compliance and the well-being of residents.
In conclusion, CARE Tools represent a significant effort by the CCLD to standardize and enhance the inspection process for licensed community care facilities. By focusing on prevention, compliance, and enforcement, these tools aim to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in care while promoting regulatory adherence within these essential programs.
