Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)

Welcome to the California Department of Consumer Affairs

The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is a unique and dynamic department made up of 36 different boards, bureaus, a committee, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. Together, DCA protects and serves consumers in many ways:

DCA is a service provider ‐ Through several administrative divisions and offices, including Communications, Legislative Affairs, Legal Affairs, Human Resources, Business Services, Fiscal Office, and Information Technology, DCA provides oversight and support services for these boards and bureaus to assist them in their mission of consumer protection.
DCA is an educator ‐ DCA and its licensing boards and bureaus educate consumers by giving them information they need to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous, unlicensed, or unqualified people who promote deceptive or unsafe services.
DCA is a licensing entity ‐ Through its licensing boards and bureaus, DCA licenses more than 3.4 million professionals and enables consumers to check the license status of these professionals online or by phone.
DCA is a regulator ‐ Through its licensing boards and bureaus and its Division of Investigation, DCA investigates consumer complaints on issues under its jurisdiction. If violations are found, license holders can face discipline that may include probation, suspension or revocation of a license, fines and citations, letters of reprimand, cease and desist orders, or criminal charges.

DCA is committed to supporting the core mission of consumer protection, which is shared by all its boards and bureaus.

All DCA Entities

Dental Hygiene Board of California - link to website

News and Updates

CURES Update: Interstate Data Sharing

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has entered into an interstate data sharing agreement with the state of Oregon. This agreement authorizes the sharing of prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) information between California and Oregon. Oregon has identified the specific CURES users authorized to request Oregon PDMP data. These users now have the option to search the Oregon PDMP when searching a patient in CURES.

Detailed information about the launch of interstate data sharing and the specific list of CURES users authorized to access Oregon PDMP data are described in DOJ’s May 8, 2023, bulletin entitled, "Interstate Data Sharing With Oregon." CURES users may also view the Prescribers, Pharmacists, Non-DEA Practitioners, and Delegates User Guide (revised 4/2023 to contain instructions on Interstate Functionality).

Federal Health Alert: Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals at Pharmacies in Mexico

The U.S. Department of State urges consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medication in Mexico in light of recent reports regarding counterfeit pharmaceuticals available at pharmacies in Mexico, including those tainted with fentanyl and methamphetamine. For more information, please read the Health Alert, and consult the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page for Mexico and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control for information about travel to Mexico.

For information on pharmacies and pharmacists licensed in California, visit the California State Board of Pharmacy’s website.

Get Involved in the Strategic Planning Process!

Get involved to make sure your voice is heard! As a consumer, the Department wants strategic plans to be a partnership by hearing what consumers have to say. Members of the public can get involved in a board’s strategic planning process by participating in a survey to provide feedback to the board. For more information, click here.

Notice of CURES Fee Decrease

The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) fee will decrease from $11 to $9 annually for licenses expiring on and after July 1, 2023. The fee is assessed at the time of license renewal on licensees that prescribe, order, administer, or furnish Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V controlled substances.

Most licensees will see an $18 CURES Fee due to the biennial renewal cycle. The fee covers the reasonable regulatory costs of the Department of Justice for operating and maintaining CURES, a critical element in the state’s effort to address the growing danger of opioid addiction stemming from prescription drug abuse.

For more information about CURES, visit: https://oag.ca.gov/cures.

Expedited Licensure for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas

Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas who apply for licensure by DCA boards and bureaus may seek an expedited licensure process. For more information, click here: https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/ab2113.shtml