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.
News and Updates
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.
EMSA Authorization of Out-Of-State Medical Personnel
Important Reminder: Following the anticipated termination of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023, health care providers licensed out-of-state who received the Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA) authorization to practice in the state without a license issued by the pertinent California licensing Board will no longer be permitted to practice pursuant to that authorization after that date. Health care providers who have not received California licensure and wish to continue practicing, should check with the specific licensing Board for information on how to obtain licensure in California and/or temporary licensure options. Visit the announcement page for more information.
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
Language & Americans with Disabilities Act Public Access
Stay Connected
Consumer Connection Magazine
