RCFE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the maximum number of residents an RCFE is permitted to house in a single bedroom under California regulations? → 2 residents
2. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an RCFE Administrator? → Providing direct medical treatment
3. What is the required staff-to-resident ratio for an RCFE with 16 or more residents during nighttime sleeping hours? → At least 1 awake staff on duty at all times
4. An RCFE must have a written disaster plan that is reviewed and updated at minimum how often? → Annually
5. What is the first step in the PASS technique used with portable fire extinguishers? → Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever
6. Under California Title 22, when must an RCFE notify a resident's responsible person about a change in the resident's condition? → Within 24 hours of the change occurring
7. A resident's care plan specifies range-of-motion exercises twice daily. If staff cannot complete an exercise session, what should they do? → Document the missed session with the reason and notify the supervisor
8. If an RCFE must evacuate residents due to an emergency, which residents must have individualized evacuation plans documented in their records? → Residents who need assistance or special equipment to evacuate
9. What is the purpose of color-coded resident evacuation tags used in some RCFE facilities? → To indicate a resident's level of evacuation assistance needed
10. Who must be involved in the development of a resident's Individualized Service Plan (ISP)? → The resident and/or their authorized representative, plus facility staff
11. A resident is found on the floor but denies falling. What should staff do first? → Assess the resident for injuries before moving them
12. An RCFE's emergency generator fails during a power outage. What is the FIRST priority? → Assess residents dependent on electric medical equipment
13. A resident who is ambulatory suddenly begins using a wheelchair. Which action is required? → Update the resident's ISP to reflect the change in mobility status
14. Under RCFE regulations, the facility's kitchen and food preparation areas must be inspected by the local health department at minimum how often? → Annually
15. What is the minimum amount of water an RCFE should stock per person for emergency preparedness? → One gallon per person per day for a minimum of 72 hours
16. What is the appropriate emergency response when a resident in an RCFE has a suspected stroke? → Apply the FAST protocol, call 911 immediately — stroke is a time-sensitive emergency
17. During a medical emergency, a resident collapses and has no pulse. The administrator is present. What is the correct first action? → Review the resident's Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order before acting
18. How many days to renew license before expiration date? → 30
19. When must an RCFE notify the licensing agency about a communicable disease outbreak affecting residents? → Within 24 hours of identification of the outbreak
20. Which document must be readily accessible to emergency responders arriving at an RCFE? → Resident roster with medical information and emergency contacts
21. Under California Title 22, what is the required minimum age for a resident to be admitted to an RCFE? → 60 years of age
22. "Waiver" means variance to a specific regulation based on facility wide need or circumstance. 87101 → True
23. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable form of identification for verifying a prospective RCFE employee's eligibility to work in the United States? → Driver's license alone
24. What is the primary regulatory agency responsible for licensing and overseeing RCFEs in California? → California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division
25. Under California RCFE regulations, which of the following services is considered an 'optional service' that may be charged separately from the base rate? → Transportation to medical appointments arranged by the facility
26. A resident in an RCFE is diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation precaution is required? → Airborne precautions
27. What does "DSS" stand for? → Department of Social Services
28. What should staff do if they suspect a resident has been abused or neglected? → Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities
29. What is the minimum frequency required for a facility manager to conduct a formal review of the RCFE's emergency disaster plan? → Annually
30. Which of the following signs is most indicative of elder financial abuse in an RCFE resident? → Unexplained withdrawals from the resident's account or sudden changes in a will