Publication 45, Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities
Who Should Read This Publication?

This publication is designed for hospitals and other medical service facilities as defined in Regulation 1503, Hospitals and Other Medical Service Facilities, Institutions and Homes for the Care of Persons (see list below). It may also be useful to medical supply companies and other members of the medical care industry. This publication does not apply to institutions operated by the federal government.

In general, the following institutions are covered by this publication:

• A "health facility" as defined in section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code. A health facility also includes "clinic" as defined in sections 1200 and 1200.1 of the Health and Safety Code. The facility must hold a license as required by section 1253, or it must be exempt from the requirement to hold such a license, as allowed by subdivision (a) of section 1270 of the Health and Safety Code.
• A "community care facility" as defined in section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code. The facility must hold a license as required by section 1508 of the code, or it must be a residential facility selected by a licensee, as provided for in section 1506, and used exclusively for the reception and care of people placed by such licensee; or it must be exempt from the license requirement, as allowed by subdivision (f) of section 1505 of the code.
• A "residential care facility for the elderly" as defined in section 1569.2 of the Health and Safety Code. The facility must hold a license as required by section 1569.10 of the code, or it must be exempt from the license requirement, as allowed by section 1569.145 of the code.
• An "alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility" as defined in section 11834.02 of the Health and Safety Code, which holds the license required by section 11834.30 of the code.
• Any house, retirement home, or similar establishment supplying board and room for a flat monthly rate and serving as a principal residence exclusively for people 62 years of age and older. The term "exclusively" is defined to mean that no more than four individuals under 62 years of age are in residence during any calendar quarter.
• Any housing that primarily serves older individuals and is financed by state or federal programs.
• A surgery center or other medical or psychological outpatient health facility, including such facilities where patients remain for less than 24 hours.

For questions regarding definitions used in the Health and Safety Code, please contact the California Department of Public Health.

Revision June 2026