Who Can Complete and Sign LIC 602 in California?
When families consider moving a loved one into an assisted living community in California, they quickly come across a key requirement: the LIC 602 Medical Assessment Form. But the most common question is: who is actually allowed to complete and sign this form?
Before 2025
Only a physician (MD/DO) was allowed to complete and sign the LIC 602 or LIC 602A form.
After 2025
The form can be signed by a licensed medical professional acting within scope of practice: MD, DO, Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Physician Assistant (PA).
Who Can Complete and Sign LIC 602 in California?
When families consider moving a loved one into an assisted living community in California, they quickly come across a key requirement: the LIC 602 Medical Assessment Form. This form ensures that residents are healthy enough for assisted living and that the facility is prepared to meet their needs. But the most common question is: who is actually allowed to complete and sign this form?
What is LIC 602 (Medical Assessment Form)?
The LIC 602, and its companion form LIC 602A, are official documents from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). They provide a medical evaluation required for admission into care facilities:
LIC 602 is used in community care facilities (CCFs).
LIC 602A is specifically for residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), also known as assisted living communities.
This assessment helps the facility determine if the resident’s medical, cognitive, and functional needs can be safely supported. Without it, move-in cannot proceed. The official forms are always available through CDSS and must be kept up to date.
Legal Requirements in California
Under California law, every resident entering an RCFE must have a current medical assessment. Historically, the regulation required that the form be signed by a physician only.
However, a major change came into effect January 1, 2025, when amendments to 22 CCR §87458 went live. The law now states that the form must be:
“signed by a licensed medical professional acting within the scope of their practice.”
This shift acknowledges the modern reality of healthcare, where multiple licensed providers are qualified to evaluate a person’s health.
The 2025 Update
Before 2025, families often faced delays because only a physician could sign. Now, the law recognizes a broader range of professionals. This makes the process faster and more flexible, while still maintaining medical integrity.
Who Qualifies as a Licensed Medical Professional?
The updated rules expand eligibility to the following categories, provided they act within the limits of their training and licensure:
MD (Medical Doctor) / DO (Doctor of Osteopathy): The most common professionals completing the form.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Can conduct assessments and sign if within their scope of practice.
Physician Assistants (PAs): Authorized under physician supervision and their own licensing regulations.
It’s important to note that while nurses (RNs, LVNs) play critical roles in care, they are not authorized to sign LIC 602 forms unless also licensed as an NP.
Role of Primary Care Physicians
In most cases, the primary care physician remains the go-to provider for completing the assessment. They already know the patient’s medical history and can provide a thorough review.
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
With the 2025 update, NPs and PAs can now legally sign the form. For families, this means less waiting and more accessible care, particularly in areas where physician appointments are limited.
Common Misconceptions and Outdated Information
Many websites and guides still say that only a physician can complete the LIC 602. That was true in the past, but it is now outdated.
Another frequent error is the confusion between LIC 602 and LIC 602A. Families entering assisted living should be using the LIC 602A form, not the general CCF version. Using the wrong form can delay admission.
For accuracy, always check the latest version of the form on the CDSS website. The current release (04/25) explicitly labels the signature section as “Licensed Medical Professional.”
Practical Steps for Families
Ask the facility which form (602 or 602A) you need based on the type of care home.
Schedule the exam with a licensed professional: MD, DO, NP, or PA.
Confirm scope of practice: ensure the professional’s license covers signing the assessment.
Download the latest form directly from CDSS, not from third-party sites.
By following these steps, families can avoid delays and ensure compliance with California’s admission requirements.
Conclusion
The LIC 602 medical assessment is a cornerstone of safe admission to assisted living in California. As of January 2025, the state officially broadened the authority to sign these forms, allowing not only physicians but also licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants to complete them.
For families, this means a smoother, more efficient admission process — without compromising the quality or reliability of medical oversight.
