Glossary
CDSS
Also called: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing
CDSS is the California Department of Social Services, whose Community Care Licensing Division licenses and inspects assisted living communities (RCFEs) and publishes their inspection and complaint records.
The public facility search lists each community’s license status, capacity, licensee, inspection visits, complaint investigations, and Type A and Type B citations. Senior Places shows this history on each community’s profile where available.
Related terms
RCFE
RCFE stands for Residential Care Facility for the Elderly, the California license category that covers assisted living, memory care and board and care homes for residents aged 60 and over.
Type A citation
A Type A citation is the more serious class of citation the California Department of Social Services issues to a licensed care facility, for a deficiency that poses an immediate or substantial risk to residents’ health, safety or personal rights.
Type B citation
A Type B citation is the less serious class of citation issued by the California Department of Social Services, for a deficiency such as incomplete records or a maintenance issue that does not pose an immediate risk to residents.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.