CDPH AFL 26-28: SB 164 halts new home health licenses, expands licensure rules

CDPH's Licensing and Certification Program released All Facilities Letter (AFL) 26-28 on August 27, 2026, notifying home health agencies of Senate Bill (SB) 164. The bill imposes a moratorium on new home health agency licenses and expands licensure requirements. The AFL excerpt does not state the moratorium start or end dates, which applications are affected, or the specific new licensure requirements — read the full AFL for those details.

What this means for your agency

• Agencies planning a new license, a new branch, or a new location may be blocked while the moratorium is in effect.
• Existing licensees should expect additional licensure requirements, which may affect change-of-ownership and renewal filings.
• Pending applications may be held, returned or processed differently; CDPH's AFL is the controlling guidance.

What to do now

• Read AFL 26-28 in full and note any stated dates and exceptions.
• If you have a pending new-license, branch or change-of-ownership application, contact your CDPH district office to confirm its status.
• Pause or re-sequence expansion plans that depend on obtaining a new HHA license.
• Review your current license file against the expanded requirements and correct gaps before your next renewal or survey.