June 8, 2026

Top News

DHCS Response on Provider Revalidations

DHCS has responded to recent correspondence from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting that all states revalidate high-risk providers above and beyond federal regulatory requirements for revalidation. While California already maintains strong, ongoing provider screening and revalidation processes, DHCS will align with this federal request by swiftly revalidating high-risk providers. California shares CMS’ commitment to ensuring that only legitimate, qualified providers participate in Medicaid, and we take program integrity seriously.

California enters this process as a national leader in program integrity. DHCS has long maintained strong Medicaid oversight systems that exceed federal requirements, including regular provider screening and revalidation, both on a routine basis and any time key provider details change, as well as continuous monitoring and comprehensive enforcement mechanisms. These safeguards ensure that Medi‑Cal provider enrollment data remain accurate, current, and consistent with federal and state program integrity expectations.

In its response to CMS, DHCS outlined a structured, risk-based two-year revalidation strategy that builds on California’s existing continued enrollment framework. The plan prioritizes providers that present elevated program integrity risks while maintaining clear timelines, leveraging DHCS’ existing enforcement and strong analytics tools, and using a phased operational approach. DHCS will continue working with federal partners to uphold strong program integrity standards and protect access to care for the millions of Californians who rely on Medi-Cal. Learn more about how DHCS protects Medi-Cal.

Program Updates

New Application Types Added to Behavioral Health Licensing and Certification Portal

On June 2, DHCS expanded access to the Behavioral Health Licensing and Certification Portal. Mental health providers can now submit all mental health licensing and certification application types directly through the portal, including for Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers, Psychiatric Health Facilities, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, Social Rehabilitation Programs, Special Treatment Programs, and Children’s Crisis Residential Programs. This expansion builds upon previous portal releases and supports the Mental Health for All initiative by bolstering care delivery and accelerating provider licensing.

Join Our Team

DHCS is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as:

• Deputy Director, Audits and Investigations (A&I). The Deputy Director of A&I leads all aspects of specified A&I functions, which include, but are not limited to, investigations, financial audits, and reviews of departmental programs and expenditures. The Deputy Director of A&I also serves as an advisor to the Director and Executive staff in matters of extreme sensitivity to the Department, its programs, and its provider and member communities. Applications must be submitted by June 22.

DHCS is also hiring for its Health Care Financing, Accounting, Legal Services, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars

DHCS posts upcoming public meetings on its Calendar of Events. DHCS provides free assistive services, including language interpretation, real-time captioning, and meeting materials in alternate formatting. To request services, please email the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@dhcs.ca.gov at least ten working days before the meeting.

Updated Medi-Cal Requirements for Ordering, Referring, and Prescribing Providers

On June 9, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. PDT, DHCS will hold a public stakeholder webinar to discuss the draft regulatory provider bulletin, “Updated MediCal Requirements for Ordering/Referring/Prescribing (ORP) Providers Forms and Procedures. For those unable to attend, written comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. PDT, on June 9 to be considered for publication. When submitting written comments, please ensure that the commenter and organization/association being represented are both identified in the comments. Written comments should be submitted to DHCSPEDStakeholder@dhcs.ca.gov. Based on the public comments received, DHCS will publish the final bulletin on the Medi-Cal providers and DHCS Provider Enrollment Division websites.

Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel (MCHAP) Meeting

On June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT, DHCS will host the quarterly MCHAP meeting at 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814, in the first floor conference room (71.1316) or via public webinar. MCHAP advises DHCS on policy and operational issues that affect children in Medi-Cal. For more information, please see the MCHAP webpage or email MCHAP@dhcs.ca.gov.

Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee Webinar

On June 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT, DHCS will hold the next Behavioral Health Transformation Quality and Equity Advisory Committee (QEAC) meeting (advance registration required). During this public webinar, committee members will collaborate and provide feedback on DHCS’ ongoing efforts to measure and evaluate the quality and efficacy of behavioral health services and programs in California. Public participation is encouraged. Attendees can provide direct input to DHCS using the Q&A feature. For more information about QEAC webinars and additional resources, visit the Behavioral Health Transformation Stakeholder Engagement webpage. Questions? Email BHTinfo@dhcs.ca.gov.

CalABLE and Social Security Webinar

On June 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PDT, California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE) will host a webinar to provide an overview of how CalABLE works with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits (advance registration required). CalABLE is a savings and investment program for people with disabilities. The webinar will cover CalABLE basics, what SSDI and Supplemental Security Income benefits are, requirements for receiving disability benefits, and Social Security resources. Please contact CalABLE with any questions.

In Case You Missed It

Public Comment Period for CalAIM 1915(b) Waiver

On May 21, DHCS launched 30-day public and Tribal comment periods (through 11:59 p.m. PDT on June 20) to gather feedback on its plan to submit a five-year renewal application for the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Section 1915(b) waiver, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2026. To support stakeholder understanding, DHCS posted a high-level overview of the CalAIM 1915(b) renewal application , outlining core components and key policies governing delivery systems authorized under the waiver. Additional details are available on the DHCS CalAIM 1115 Demonstration and 1915(b) Waiver webpage.

Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Conference: Registration Now Open

On May 1, DHCS opened registration for the 20^th annual Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Integrated Care Conference, which will take place on August 25-27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Convention Center. This three-day conference is designed for behavioral health researchers, administrators, policy staff, advocates, and professionals in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Early bird registration is available through July 31. For questions about the SUD Conference, please email DHCSPrevention@dhcs.ca.gov.