50-State Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing Compliance Guide
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California Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licensing

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Licensing requirements for California healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and individuals.

This page provides an overview of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry licensing in for individuals and businesses. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.

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Company Licenses

California Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Company Licenses

California Automated Patient Dispensing System License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Due:

Annually

California Centralized Hospital Packaging Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

California Clinic License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Clinic License Application

Agency Fee:

$520

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Renewal of Clinic Application

Agency Fee:

$331

Due:

Annually

The board performs a thorough investigation of every application for a pharmacy license, which includes collecting all ownership and financial information, criminal background checks for beneficial owners and individuals with management and control, thorough documentation of all owners (whether or not they actively participate in the pharmacy’s daily activities), etc.  Every pharmacy must have a pharmacist-in-charge who is responsible for the day to day operations (Business and Professions Code section 4054).

A nonresident pharmacy that ships, mails or delivers prescription medications to California residents must hold a current and valid license in the resident state, and also hold a nonresident pharmacy license issued by the board. The pharmacy must maintain an 800 number for consumer access to a pharmacist, must comply with patient-centered prescription labeling requirements (to include interpreter services and translation of directions of use, as specified), and the pharmacy must comply with requirements to report to CURES.

A pharmacist practicing in a nonresident pharmacy is NOT required to hold a California pharmacist license.  The nonresident pharmacy must have a pharmacist-in-charge who is responsible for ensuring that the pharmacy complies with all California requirements for medications dispensed or shipped to California patients.

California Community Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacy License Application

Agency Fee:

$520

Turnaround:

Minimum 45 days

Notes:
  • The board will ONLY discuss the status of this application with the person identified as the contact person and any person who has signed the application as an officer, partner, member, and/or owner of the applicant business.
  • Any application not completed within 60 days after being notified by the board of deficiencies may be deemed to have been abandoned, and the applicant may be required to file a new application and meet all the requirements which are in effect at the time of application. Fees applied to the application are not transferable and are not refundable.
  • The Board may request additional documentation to confirm or substantiate the information in the application.
  • This license requires different attachments, depending on the type of ownership. See specific guidelines for these classifications on the application form:
    • C1 Individually Owned
    • C2 Partnership
    • C3 Corporation (Not Publicly Traded)
    • C4 Publicly Traded Corporation
    • C5 Limited Liability Company
    • C6 Trust
    • C7 Government Owned (state, city, or county)
    • C8 Correctional Facilities (city or county-owned jail facilities)
    • C9 Native American Tribe
    • C10 Non-Native American Operating on Tribal Lands
  • California Business and Professions Code section 4035 specifies “person" includes, but is not limited to, a firm, association, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, state governmental agency, trust, or political subdivision.
    • California Business and Professions Code section 4201(a) requires that “… the application shall state the information as to each person beneficially interested therein or any person with management or control over the license.”
    • The application must provide information to identify the ownership of the applicant's business. This may include multiple levels of ownership. The Board may require additional documentation to confirm or substantiate the reported ownership structure.
Required Attachments:
  • Organizational Chart
    • Include a business ownership organizational chart that clearly documents the applicant’s business ownership structure. Include each level of ownership with the corresponding percentage of ownership to the top tier, percentages owned by all parties, and list the top five executive officers under the appropriate entity.
  • Financial Affidavit in Support of Application (17A-2)
    • Complete and submit with original signatures.
    • Note: Not needed for a nonprofit organization, government, or tribal-owned.
  • Approved Wholesale Credit Application or Wholesale Agreement
    • Submit a completed approved wholesale credit application/agreement.
    • Note: Not needed for a nonprofit organization, government, or tribal-owned.
  • Lease Agreement/Grant Deed
    • Submit a copy of the signed lease agreement, including any amendments and/or extensions, or a copy of the grant deed.
    • A lease agreement should include language stating the landlord is complying with California Business and Professions Code section 4116 and Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 1714(d). If the lease does not include specific language regarding compliance with Pharmacy Law, please provide a written statement signed by both the landlord and tenant, that includes the following to demonstrate the landlord acknowledges California Pharmacy Law pertaining to is authorized to access the pharmacy. (Government-owned facilities, please submit a signed statement as described.)
      • 1. No person shall be permitted entry into a premise licensed by the Board of Pharmacy unless a registered pharmacist is present at all times pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 4116;
      • 2. Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 1714(d) provides that only a licensed pharmacist may have a key to an area where dangerous drugs and controlled substances are stored;
      • 3. No lease for a licensed premises may contain a provision inconsistent with Business and Professions Code section 4116 or Title 16, California Code of Regulations section 1714(d); and
      • 4. The landlord and tenant desire to clarify the lease with respect to Landlord’s ability to access
        the premises.
  • Ownership information 
    • As outlined in Section C of the application
  • Fingerprints
    • Each person who is required to complete a Certification of Personnel (as instructed in Section C) is required to complete the Live Scan or submit the Board-approved fingerprint cards for a criminal background check with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
    • If a person is currently associated with an active pharmacy license and has electronic fingerprints on file with the California State Board of Pharmacy, new fingerprints may not be required.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Renewal of Pharmacy/Nonresident Pharmacy

Agency Fee:

$671

Due:

Annually

California Correctional Clinic License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Correctional Clinic License Application

Agency Fee:

$520

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$331

Due:

Annually

California Drug Manufacturing License

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

Initial Registration

Form:

New Drug Manufacturing License: CDPH 52N

Agency Fee:

$2,454 application fee + $100 PDMA fee.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Biennial Drug Manufacturing License Renewal: CDPH 52R

Agency Fee:

$3,988 renewal fee + $200 PDMA fee.

Due:

Biennially

California Emergency Medical Services Automated Drug Delivery System License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually

California Home Care Organization License

Agency:California Department of Social Services - Community Care Licensing Division - Home Care Services Bureau
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Form:

Form HCS 200: Application for a Home Care Organization License

Agency Fee:

$5,603

Due:

Biennially

California Home Medical Device Retailer Exemptee License

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

Registration Renewal

Form:

Home Medical Device Retailer Exemptee License: CDPH 8695 (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$230

Due:

Annually

California Home Medical Device Retailer License

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

Registration Renewal

Form:

Home Medical Device Retailer License Application: CDPH 8679 (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$1,304

Due:

Annually

California Home Medical Device Retailer License - Warehouse Only

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

California Hospital In-Patient Sterile Compounding Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

California Hospital Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Hospital Pharmacy License Application

Agency Fee:

$520

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Renewal of a Hospital/Drug Room

Agency Fee:

$671

Due:

Annually

California Hospital Satellite Compounding Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Hospital Satellite Compounding Pharmacy Application

Agency Fee:

$1,645

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$1,325

Due:

Annually

California Hypodermic Needle and Syringe License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Renewal of Hypodermic Needle & Syringe Permit

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually

California Medical Device Manufacturing License

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

Registration Renewal

Form:

Biennial Medical Device Manufacturing License Renewal: CDPH 72R

Agency Fee:

$3,988

Due:

Biennially

California Nonresident Outsourcing Facility License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Renewal of Nonresident Outsourcing Facility License

Agency Fee:

$2,270

Due:

Annually

California Nonresident Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Nonresident Pharmacy License Application

Agency Fee:

$520

Before you Apply:
  • If you are doing business under a DBA or trade name, a fictitious name statement must be certified by the office of the county clerk in which it was filed
  • Organizational Chart: Include a business ownership organizational chart that clearly documents the applicant’s business ownership structure. Include each level of ownership with a corresponding percentage of ownership to the top tier, percentages owned by all parties, and list the top five executive officers under the appropriate entity. If submitting a change of ownership application, include both the pre and post-closing organizational structures. 
  • Ownership Information
    • A form is completed by each entity (person or company) in the ownership structure for the applicant business that is an Individual, Partner, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Trust, Government, and Indian Tribe owned
    • If a parent/ grandparent company exists, organizational and ownership information may be required from the parent/ grandparent entity
    • Submit a business ownership organizational chart that clearly documents the applicant’s business ownership with the application. Include each level of ownership with the corresponding percentage of ownership to the top tier
  • List of the top five officers, directors, members, managers, trustees, and/ or administrators and their licenses/ credentials
  • List of top five largest owners or shareholders. The state may ask for a  full list. 
    • List the name of the stockholder, certificate number, percent of shares, dates issued and canceled, and the license number of each shareholder
    • List the name of the owner and the percent of ownership and license number for each owner
    • If no stockholders exist, list all “persons” with a beneficial interest or management or control of the license below. Under the heading "License Type" list any state professional or vocational licenses held - e.g., pharmacist, physician, podiatrist, dentist, veterinarian, etc. - and the license number if a natural person.  
    • Each person listed must sign the application
    •  
  • Financial Affidavit in Support of Application
  • Approved Wholesale Credit Application or Wholesale Agreement
  • Lease Agreement/Grant Deed: Submit a copy of the signed lease agreement, including any amendments and/or extensions, or a copy of the grant deed. If the premises is leased, rented or occupied by any person who is licensed in California to prescribe, the prescriber must provide a signed statement stating if he/she has any beneficial interest or management or control over the license. 
  • Pharmacy Inspection Report: Submit a copy of the last inspection report conducted by the home state regulatory agency
  •  License Verification: (17M-17): Submit a license verification from the home state regulatory agency verifying the status of the pharmacy license
  • Copy of License: Submit a copy of the home state-issued license
  • A statement signed by either the PIC or a person with authority to bind the applicant business indicates that the pharmacy maintains records of controlled substances or dangerous devices dispensed to California patients, so those records are readily retrievable from other drugs dispensed
  • Prescription Label: Submit one original prescription label that includes a toll-free number that meets the requirements as outlined in Business and Professions Code sections 4076 and 4076.5 and California Code of Regulation section 1707.5. (Note: Not required if the pharmacy is a call center and not dispensing any medications.) 
  • Attach a list of pharmacists and their license numbers for those who fill prescriptions for California residents with a statement reflecting that a nonresident pharmacy shall not permit a pharmacist whose license has been revoked by the board to provide any pharmacy-related services to a person residing in California. The list needs to be signed by either the PIC or a person with authority to bind the applicant business
  • The application shall provide information to identify the ownership of the applicant's business. This may include multiple levels of ownership. The Board may require additional documentation to confirm or substantiate the reported ownership structure
    • Corporations (Not Publicly Traded) submit the following:
      1. Ownership Information (17A-33): Complete the entire form and submit with original signatures.
         • Complete the entire form for each parent entity holding beneficial interest and/or management and control (one for each level of ownership up to the top tier), if applicable.
      2. Each corporate officer, major shareholder, and director submit:
         • Individual Personal Affidavit (17A-27) Not required for nonprofit
         • Certification of Personnel (17A-11)
         • Individual Financial Affidavit (17A-26) Not required for nonprofit or change of location.
      3. Articles of Incorporation: A copy filed with the Secretary of State for the applicant business bearing the Secretary of State’s stamp (proof of filing).
      4. Statement of Information (a or b):
      a) Submit a copy of the current filing with the Secretary of State bearing the Secretary of State’s stamp that discloses the current officers on file for the entity. OR
      b) Statement by Foreign Corporation endorsed by the California Secretary of State or equivalent governmental document (e.g. annual report) that discloses the current officer(s) on file for the entity. Required if the named corporation on the application is incorporated outside of California (If required by the California Secretary of State).
      5. Stock Certificates and Stock Ledger: Provide a copy of stock certificate(s) front and back (this includes canceled stock certificates) along with a copy of the stock ledger. If stocks are not issued, please provide a statement that states as such.
      6. Bylaws: Provide a copy of the bylaws or internal operating rules for the applicant business. (Redacted copies will not be accepted.)
    • Limited Liability Companies submit the following:
      1. Ownership Information (17A-33): Complete the entire form and submit with original signatures.
         • Complete the entire form for each parent entity holding beneficial interest and/or management and control (one for each level of ownership up to the top tier), if applicable.
      2. Each member/manager/executive officer submit:
         • Individual Personal Affidavit (17A-27) Not required for nonprofit
         • Certification of Personnel (17A-11)
         • Individual Financial Affidavit (17A-26) Not required for nonprofit or change of location.
      3. Articles of Organization: A copy filed with the Secretary of State for the applicant business.
      4. Statement of Information (a or b):
      c) Submit a copy of the current filing with the Secretary of State bearing the Secretary of State’s stamp that discloses the current officers on file for the entity. OR
      d) Statement by Foreign Corporation endorsed by the California Secretary of State or equivalent governmental document (e.g. annual report) that discloses the current officer(s) on file for the
      entity. Required if the named corporation on the application is incorporated outside of California (If required by the California Secretary of State).
      5. Operating Agreement: Current business operating agreement for the applicant business, including all exhibits and/or schedules. (Redacted copies will not be accepted.)  
    • Other entity types, refer to the application for specifics
  • Fingerprint Requirements:
    • Each person who is required to complete a Certification of Personnel (as instructed in Section C) is required to complete the Live Scan or submit the Board approved fingerprint cards for a criminal background check with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If a person is currently associated with an active pharmacy license and has electronic fingerprints on file with the California State Board of Pharmacy, new fingerprints may not be required. 
    • ALL ownership types must complete the fingerprint requirement (Government-owned facilities are exempt from this requirement.). Business and Professions Code section 4201(a) requires “the application shall state the information as to each person beneficially interested or any person with management or control over the license.” With the addition of management or control over the license, officers/owners of nonprofit corporations will be required to have their fingerprints completed through the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
    • Fingerprint Instructions: Complete and attach ONE of the following (either A or B):
         • California residents must use Live Scan. Nonresidents can visit California to complete a Live Scan or submit fingerprints on cards supplied by the Board. The fingerprint cards must be processed at a location authorized to complete fingerprint cards for the DOJ/FBI (e.g. law enforcement agency) in the state the services are rendered.
         • DO NOT complete the Live Scan service or fingerprint cards until the applicant is ready to send in the application.
         • The Live Scan site may charge a processing fee separate from that payable to the Board. 
    • Fingerprint card processing fee is $49 per person ($32 DOJ and $17 FBI) made payable to the Board of Pharmacy.
         • The Board will accept fingerprint responses only from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
    • Specific instructions for California residents and non-resident individuals can be found on the application
  • List ALL states/territories in which the applicant business is or has been licensed as a wholesaler, pharmacy, third-party logistics provider, manufacturer, re-packager, or outsourcing facility
  • If there has been any disciplinary action taken against any of the licenses held by the organization, a written explanation giving full details of the action taken MUST be provided with the application
  • Required signatures: 
    • Original ink signatures are required
    • All owners, partners, members, officers, directors, managers, or trustees of the applicant pharmacy named in the foregoing application, is duly authorized to make this application on its behalf and must be at least 18 years of age
    •  
Required Attachments:
  • Approved Wholesale Credit Application or Wholesale Agreement
  • Organizational chart
  • Financial affidavit in support of application
  • Lease Agreement/Grant Deed
  • Pharmacy Inspection Report
  • License Verification
  • Copy of home state License
  • PIC statement of records maintenance
  • Prescription Label
  • List of pharmacists
  • Nonresident Pharmacy Ownership Documents (detailed in the application)

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Renewal of Pharmacy/Nonresident Pharmacy

Agency Fee:

$671

Due:

Annually

California Nonresident Pharmacy Sterile Compounding License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

California Nonresident Third-Party Logistics Provider License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

California Nonresident Wholesaler License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Nonresident Wholesaler License Application

Agency Fee:

$780

California Out-of-State Home Medical Device Retailer Registration

Agency:California Department of Public Health - Food and Drug Branch

California Outsourcing Facility License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Outsourcing Facility License Application

Agency Fee:

$2,270

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Renewal of Outsourcing Facility License

Agency Fee:

$1,325

Due:

Annually

California Sterile Compounding Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Sterile Compounding License Application

Agency Fee:

$1,645

California Temporary Community Pharmacy/Nonresident Pharmacy License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Temporary License Application

Agency Fee:

$325 license fee + $520 processing fee.

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Temporary licenses are valid for 90 days and cannot be renewed.

California Third-Party Logistics Provider License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

California Veterinary Food - Animal Drug Retailer License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Request for Renewal of Veterinary Food-Animal Drug Retailer Permit

Agency Fee:

$330

Due:

Annually

California Wholesaler License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

California Wholesaler License Application

Agency Fee:

$780

Individual Licenses

California Individual Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Licenses

California Advanced Practice Pharmacist License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Advanced Practice Pharmacist Application

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Designated Paramedic License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Designated Paramedic License Application

Agency Fee:

$140

California Designated Representative - 3PL License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Designated Representative-3PL Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Designated Representative - 3PL License Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$215

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Designated Representative - Reverse Distributor License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Designated Representative License Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$215

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Designated Representative - Veterinary Food-Animal Drug Retailer License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Designated Representative License Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$215

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Designated Representative - Wholesaler/Non-Resident Wholesaler License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Registration Renewal

Form:

Designated Representative License Renewal Application

Agency Fee:

$215

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Home Care Aide Registration

Agency:California Department of Social Services - Community Care Licensing Division - Home Care Services Bureau
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$35

Due:

Biennially

California Intern Pharmacist License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Intern Pharmacist Application

Agency Fee:

$165

Registration Renewal

Form:

Intern License Extension Request

Agency Fee:

$165

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

California Pharmacist License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacist Examination for Licensure Application

Agency Fee:

$260

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$372, $360 renewal fee, $12 CURES fee for an active license

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

California Pharmacy Technician License

Agency:California State Board of Pharmacy

Initial Registration

Form:

Pharmacy Technician Application

Agency Fee:

$140

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$140

Due:

Biennially the final day of the month that it was issued

Learn about healthcare and pharmaceutical licensing in other states:

Controlled Substance Registration - In addition to a pharmacy license, controlled substance registration registration is required in many states for pharmacies that distribute controlled substances.

NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) - Host a variety of programs and resources relating to pharmacist and pharmacy licensure and examination.

Pharmacist in Charge - A licensed pharmacist designated by a pharmacy to act as the party responsible for compliance with regulations.

VPP (Verified Pharmacy Program) - A program run by NABP that allows state boards to share information and more easily register out-of-state pharmacies.

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