CNHA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CNHA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How often must nursing facilities complete MDS assessments for long-stay residents under CMS regulations? → Quarterly and annually at minimum, plus upon significant change
2. Which federal law protects nursing home employees who report violations of resident rights or care standards from employer retaliation? → Section 1150B of the Social Security Act
3. A candidate studying for the CNHA should be most familiar with which federal regulation set governing skilled nursing facilities? → 42 CFR Part 483
4. Which of the following is a key element of a nursing facility's disaster plan required by CMS? → Documented procedures for shelter-in-place and evacuation scenarios
5. Under NAB guidelines, which of the following is required of an AIT preceptor? → Be currently licensed as an NHA in the state where training occurs
6. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves what primary function in nursing facilities? → Advocating for the rights and quality of life of long-term care residents
7. Under federal law (42 CFR §483.75), which entity is responsible for establishing minimum standards for nursing home administrator licensure? → Each individual state
8. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Human Resources? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
9. What role does continuing education play in Quality of Care? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
10. What is the significance of documentation in Regulatory Compliance? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
11. Which federal regulation requires nursing facilities to develop a comprehensive care plan for each resident within 21 days of admission? → OBRA 1987
12. A Certified Nursing Home Administrator must be proficient in which area related to resident care? → Overseeing compliance with care standards
13. A nursing home receives a vendor invoice for supplies not yet delivered. Under sound operational management, what should the administrator ensure? → Payment is held until goods are received and verified against the purchase order
14. Which of the following tasks is crucial for a CNHA in ensuring resident satisfaction? → Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for residents
15. A resident wishes to be discharged against medical advice. What must the nursing facility do? → Honor the request, provide discharge planning, and document the decision thoroughly
16. In addition to certification, what is often required by states for an individual to practice as a Nursing Home Administrator? → A state license
17. What is the primary purpose of the Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program in the NHA credentialing pathway? → To offer supervised practical experience in all domains of nursing home administration
18. An NHA who completes additional training in home health administration is best positioned for which emerging career opportunity? → Leading a home health agency or PACE program
19. A nursing home administrator is developing the annual operating budget. Which factor is most critical to accurate census projection? → Historical occupancy trends combined with local market and payer mix analysis
20. What is one common challenge that CNHAs face in their career? → Navigating complex regulatory environments
21. A family member requests to review their loved one's medical records. What is the facility's obligation under federal regulations? → Provide access within 24 hours if the resident or legal representative consents
22. Under the Elder Justice Act, nursing homes that receive federal funds must report which of the following to law enforcement? → Reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed against a resident
23. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Financial Management? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
24. Which factor most commonly differentiates a Director of Operations role from a single-site NHA role in a large long-term care company? → Responsibility for compliance and performance metrics across multiple facilities
25. Which CNHA exam content area addresses the administrator's responsibility for ensuring residents receive person-centered care planning? → Resident Care and Quality of Life
26. When a nursing home staff member suspects resident abuse by a coworker, what is the legally required first step? → Report the suspicion immediately to the administrator and appropriate state agency
27. Which professional organization is most directly associated with nursing home administrators in the United States? → American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)
28. Which financial responsibility does a CNHA typically hold in a nursing home? → Budgeting and managing facility expenses
29. What quality metrics are most important in Regulatory Compliance? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
30. When a nursing home resident is determined to lack decision-making capacity, who is typically authorized to make healthcare decisions on their behalf? → A legally appointed guardian or designated healthcare proxy