How to verify the license of an elderly care center
5 Things Families Can Check Themselves Before Sending Parents Off
How can one determine whether a center is truly part of a system regulated by law?
Applicable to care centers from 28 Jan 2021 onwards
Accommodation/overnight stays must be managed by an operator.
Lifetime Operator License
No registration required
A report from the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) dated October 9, 2026, details an inspection of an elderly care facility in Nonthaburi Province. The facility was found to have 14 beds, despite being licensed for only 9; additionally, two nearby buildings were being used for the same purpose without the required authorization. Many points in this news report are things that families can verify for themselves before making a decision.
General legal information as of October 2026; does not constitute legal advice.
Content in this article
1. Checking the license for an elderly care center: What specific licenses should you look for?
Short answer: General elderly care centers are classified as health-related establishments—specifically, facilities for the care of the elderly or individuals with dependency needs. Such centers are required to hold an operating license, and their caregivers must be registered with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS). For facilities that provide residential or overnight care, a licensed operator is also mandatory.
The 2020 ministerial regulation categorizes services into three types. The center must obtain a permit that accurately reflects the nature of the services actually provided. (1) Daytime care (non-residential); (2) Residential accommodation for the elderly; (3) Overnight care and supportive services for the elderly or individuals with dependency needs, in accordance with a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare professional. If parents are bedridden or in a state of dependency, it should fall under category 3.
A care center is not a hospital. Medical procedures performed in a healthcare facility are governed by specific licenses issued under the Medical Facilities Act, B.E. 2541 (1998). If a center claims to perform medical procedures, you should ask which license they hold for that purpose.
Check the information before your visit
2. Step 1: How do I search for a center's name in the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) verification system?
Short answer: Access the list of authorized establishments within the Department of Health Service Support’s elderly care facility system. You may search by name, province, or type of facility; the system displays only those that have been granted authorization.
- Activate system esta.hss.moph.go.th - List of Authorized Agencies
- Search by name If you cannot find it, try searching by province; the trade name may differ from the name listed on the license.
- Compare addresses It must correspond to the actual building where the parents will be sent.
- Not yet found Check with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) via their website before placing a deposit.
3. Points 2–3: What should be checked regarding the licenses displayed at the center and the person in charge?
Short answer: The law requires the center to display its license in a prominent, easily visible location at the premises specified in the license, and to have an operator present at all times during business hours, with their name clearly displayed (Section 28).
- Point 2: Licenses displayed at the center Ensure that the name, address, and nature of services match what is displayed. Check that the license has not expired; if it has, but the holder claims that a renewal application has been submitted, request proof of such submission. (Under Section 14, if an application for renewal is filed before the expiration date, the license remains valid until a formal decision denying the renewal is issued.)
- Multiple buildings; view all buildings. License tied to a specific location
- Point 3: The operator. For establishments providing lodging or overnight stays, an "operator" (as defined under Section 27 and the relevant notification specifying business categories requiring such an operator) must be designated. This operator is required to hold a license issued pursuant to Section 20. Since the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) system allows for the verification of operators and supervisors solely via their national identification number, it is advisable to request to see the operator’s license and the supervisor’s registration certificate instead.
- Administrator intendant warden attendant curator custodian keeper supervisor The recruitment center may only accept individuals who are already registered as service providers (Sections 22 and 28).
4. Point 4: Do the services provided and the number of service recipients align with what has been authorized?
Short answer: The center must provide services that align with the type specified in its license (Section 24). If parents are to stay overnight, the center must hold a license that permits overnight stays; furthermore, it should be ensured that the number of beds actually in use does not exceed the number authorized.
| Things to watch | Standards according to the 2020 Ministerial Regulation |
|---|---|
| Caregiver to care recipient (Type 3) | One staff member oversees no more than 5 individuals; this applies to each shift, including the night shift. |
| Distance between beds (Type 3) | Not less than 90 cm. |
| Restrooms (all types) | Equipped with grab bars, non-slip flooring, and an emergency call system. |
| Life-saving equipment (types 2 and 3) | Resuscitation equipment and at least one defibrillator |
Source: Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Standards for Premises, Safety, and Services for Elderly Care Business Operations, B.E. 2563 (2020)
Individuals with severe psychiatric conditions On October 9, 2026, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) clarified that elderly care facilities are not specialized psychiatric medical institutions; therefore, they cannot admit psychiatric patients with severe symptoms or those requiring special supervision. In such cases, one should consult the attending physician and coordinate with an appropriate healthcare facility.
Take a look at the bedroom and bathroom that the parents will actually be using.
5. Point 5: Documents that families should receive before admitting a parent to a care center
Short answer: The center must enter into a written contract or agreement, provide a clear list of services and their corresponding rates for review, conduct an assessment of care needs upon admission—with re-evaluations every three months—and maintain a referral system for use in the event of a medical emergency.
- Service Agreement Read about additional charges, refunds, and cancellations before signing.
- Initial assessment results And the date for the follow-up assessment.
- Emergency Illness Plan Which hospital are they being taken to? Who is notifying the family? The family has the right to be involved in planning this.
- secret clandestineness secrecy confidence confidentiality crypticness Health information may be disclosed only to the service recipient, immediate family members, a legal representative, or an individual authorized in writing.
For matters other than licenses, read more at 5-Point Checklist for Choosing an Elderly Care Center and 5 Key Factors for Choosing a Center
Request the documents in writing and read them in full before signing.
“The license indicates that the center is part of a system subject to oversight, but it remains the family’s responsibility to visit the facility in person and ask all the necessary questions.”
6. What should I do if I cannot find a listing, the information is inaccurate, or I suspect that the care provided does not meet standard requirements?
Short answer: You may file a complaint with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) via their website at crm.hss.moph.go.th. For those in other provinces, complaints can also be submitted to the respective Provincial Public Health Office. In the event of an emergency involving an elderly person, always call 1669 first.
Notify via Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) Complaint Center Specify the name, address, and what was found.
In the event of a medical emergency, call 1669; there is no need to wait for the formal complaint process.
How can KIN help families?
KIN Rehabilitation Unveiled Business License You should check the license for each branch and verify the license number against official government records; this serves as an example of what you ought to request from any such center.
- KIN Lat Phrao 71 Free admission daily, 09:00–18:00. Soi Nak Niwat 18 – View the actual rooms and training space.
- A doctor visits every Sunday. Physiatrist and Geriatrician
- Contributes to recovery Swallowing training provided by a speech-language pathologist, along with tools from an occupational therapist. KIN Nursing Home
- A medical team covering 5 specialties, in collaboration with 8 allied health professions. 9 years of experience
Contact KIN Ladprao 71 | Free Consultation and Site Visit
Check the license and the actual premises before making a decision. Visits can be scheduled any day.
Other KIN Rehabilitation locations
Central Hotline: 02-096-4996 | In-home Physical Therapy: 095-767-6307 | Nursing Care & Equipment Rental: 061-881-9399 | For Emergencies, Call 1669
Frequently Asked Questions – Answered by KIN’s Medical and Multidisciplinary Team
Where can I check the license for an elderly care center online?
On the Department of Health Service Support’s elderly care facility system (esta.hss.moph.go.th), you can search for authorized facilities by name or province.
What licenses are required for an elderly care center?
Business licenses and the individuals in charge must be registered with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS). Establishments that provide overnight accommodation must also have a licensed operator. If the facility qualifies as a medical establishment, it must hold a license under the Medical Facilities Act, which falls under a separate regulatory system.
The license for an elderly care center has expired, but the center claims that an application for renewal has already been submitted—what should be done?
The business license is valid for 5 years. If an application for renewal is submitted before the expiration date, the facility may continue its operations until a formal decision not to renew is issued. You should request to see proof of the renewal application and verify the status with the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS).
Can elderly care centers admit patients with psychiatric conditions?
The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) has clarified that elderly care facilities are not equipped to accept psychiatric patients with severe symptoms or those requiring special supervision; please consult with the patient's attending physician.
Can you trust a center that already has a license?
A license alone is not enough; you should visit the facility in person, ask about the number of staff on duty for each shift, and request a written contract.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed elderly care center, and where can such a facility be reported?
Operating a business without a permit is punishable by imprisonment for up to 6 months, a fine, or both (Section 42). You may report such cases to the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) complaint center via their website: crm.hss.moph.go.th.
- Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) inspects elderly care facility in Nonthaburi Province — DHSS News, October 9, 2026
- List of Authorized Establishments — Elderly Care Services System, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS)
- Health Establishment Act, B.E. 2559 (2016), and two Ministerial Regulations, B.E. 2563 (2020) (compiled version, Department of Older Persons)
- Law Regulating Elderly Care Businesses Now in Effect — Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) News, September 3, 2020
- Complaint Center, Department of Health Service Support
- Applying for a Permit to Operate an Elderly or Dependent Person Care Facility — A Centralized Resource for Government-Related Inquiries
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chanya Wuttikraikul (License No. 51106), Geriatrician | Supervised by Dr. Thongchai Chokthanomsap, Chief Executive Officer | Last updated: October 2026 | This information regarding laws and health—current as of October 2026—does not constitute specific legal or medical advice. The names of locations mentioned in news reports are not disclosed; please verify details with the Department of Health Service Support before making any decisions.