Filing a Civil Rights Complaint With the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Civil Rights



Anyone can file a civil rights complaint with the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Civil Rights when they believe that their rights have been violated in relation to receiving healthcare services. 

This could include instances of discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics, as well as violations of privacy or confidentiality laws. 

If you feel that your rights have been infringed upon and attempts to resolve the issue directly with the healthcare provider have been unsuccessful, filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights may be necessary to seek resolution and ensure that your rights are protected.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Civil Rights by phone, in writing, or electronically: 

• By phone: Call 916-440-7370. If you cannot speak or hear well, please call 711 (California State Relay). 

• In writing: Fill out a complaint form or send a letter to

Department of Health Care Services  
Office of Civil Rights P.O. Box 997413,
MS 0009 Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 

Complaint forms are available at: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/discrimination-grievance-procedures 

• Electronically: Send an email to CivilRights@dhcs.ca.gov

 

These options provide individuals with accessible avenues to address civil rights concerns within the healthcare system in California.