Residential and Community-Based Care Licensing and Certification: Community-Based Residential Facility

Background check applications for all users

To prepare for the transition to the new DHS DQA Provider Portal, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) will not accept any new background check applications for entity operators, non-client residents, or other required individuals for new or renewing entity license/certification applications, or for rehabilitation review applicants as of November 22, 2025.

DQA will resume accepting background check applications on December 15, 2025, through the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage. Caregiver background checks completed by entities for employees and contractors are not affected by this transition.

Learn more about licenses for community-based residential facilities (CBRFs).

Type

Continuation, Probationary

Description

A CBRF license is for facilities where five or more adults (aged 18 and older), who aren't related to the licensee or administrator, live in a community setting. CBRF residents also get services, care, or treatment that's beyond room and board. This can include up to three hours per week of nursing care per person.

Duration

A probationary license may be valid for up to 12 months, unless revoked sooner. A regular license is valid until suspended or revoked by the department.

Fees

$389 + $50.25 per resident based on capacity of facility. The fee for the 12-month probationary license is half this amount.

Instructions

For CBRF license application details, visit Opening a Community-Based Residential Facility. You must complete the application process within six months of submitting a request.

Glossary

 
Last revised January 26, 2023