New Jersey CALA Exam Prep Guide | Verified Study Questions
& Correct Answers | Latest Update 2025–2026
Aging in Place - correct answerA process whereby individuals remain in their living
environment despite the physical and/mental decline and growing needs for supportive
services that may occur in the course of aging.
ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) - correct answerThe functions or tasks for self-care, which
are performed either independently or with supervision or assistance, such as: dressing,
bathing, toileting, transfer, locomotion, bed mobility, and eating.
Assisted Living - correct answerA coordinated array of supportive personal and health
services 24 hours per day, to residents who have been assessed to need these
services including persons who require nursing home level care. It promotes resident
self direction and participation in decisions that emphasize independence, individuality,
privacy, dignity, and homelike surroundings.
Bounded Choice - correct answerLimits places on a resident's choice as a result of an
assessment, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:36-5.18, which indicates that such resident's
choices or preference place the resident or others at a risk of harm or lead to
consequences which violate the norms of the facility or program or the rights of others.
CPCH (Comprehensive Personal Care Home) - correct answerA facility which is
licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide room and board
and to assure that assisted living services are available when needed, to four or more
adults unrelated to the proprietor. Residential units in this type of facility have no more
than two residents and have a lockable door on the unit entrance.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) - correct answerA facility that has
received a certificate of authority pursuant to the _________ and Financial Disclosure
Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-300 et seq.
Customized Resident Medication Package - correct answerA unit-of-use package
prepared by a pharmacist for a specific resident comprising a series of containers and
containing two or more prescribed sold oral dosage forms, and so designed or labeled
as to indicate the day and time, or period of time, that the contents within each container
are to be taken.
Guardian - correct answerA person appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to
handle the affairs and protect the rights of any resident of the facility who has been
declared a mental incompetent. This does not include a person affiliated with the facility,
its operations or personnel, unless so ordered by the court.
,Health Care Service - correct answerAny service provided to a resident of an assisted
living or comprehensive personal care home that is ordered by a physician and required
to be provided or delegated by a licensed, registered or certified health care
professional.
Hospice - correct answerA program of palliative and supportive services provided to
terminally ill persons and their families in the form of physical, psychological, social, and
spiritual care.
Managed Risk - correct answerThe process of balancing resident choice and
independence with the health and safety of the resident and other persons in the facility
or program. If a resident's preference or decision places the resident or others at risk
and is likely to lead to adverse consequences, such risks or consequences are
discussed with the resident, and, if the resident agrees, a resident representative, and a
formal plan to avoid or reduce negative or adverse outcomes is negotiated, in
accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 8:36-5.18.
Manage Risk Agreement - correct answerThe written formal plan developed in
consideration of shared responsibility, bounded choice and assisted living values and
negotiated between the resident and the facility or program to avoid or reduce the risk of
adverse outcomes which may occur in an assisted living environment.
Medication Administration - correct answerA procedure in which a prescribed
medication or biological is given to a resident by an authorized individual in accordance
with all laws and regulations governing such procedures.
Process of Medication Administration - correct answer1.) Removing an individual dose
from a previously dispensed, properly labeled container (including a unit dose or unit-of-
use container).
2.) Verifying it with the prescriber's orders.
3.) Giving the individual dose to the resident.
4.) Seeing that the resident takes it (if oral).
5.) Recording the required information, including but not limited to the method of
administration, time administered, initials of individuals who administered the
medication, and effect of the medication when "PRN" or as-needed medications are
administered.
Dignity - correct answerThe self-worth of a resident.
Independence - correct answerThe support and enhancement of resident capabilities
and facilitation of resident abilities so that the resident's preferences and choices may
be implemented within a barrier-free environment.
Individuality - correct answerEach resident's unique needs, capabilities, personalities,
backgrounds and preferences.
,MAR (Medication Administration Record) - correct answerAn individual resident record
that contains, but is not limited to: resident name, date of birth, diagnosis(es), age,
physician, name and medication strength, dosage form, route of administration,
frequency, date and time of administration, initials of individual administering the
medication, a section containing the full signature and title of each individual who initials
it, date medication ordered, stop date if appliacable, allergies, and all other
professionally acceptable information that is appropriate.
30-hour - correct answerA MATCEP or Medication Aide Training Competency and
Evaluation Program is a department approved minimum ____________ training course
conducted by a Department approved registered professional nurse and registered
pharmacist, to instruct CNA, CHHA, or PCAs, in the administration of medications to
residents, within assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes and
assisted living programs.
Nursing Home-Level Care - correct answerAn individual requires this as defined by
N.J.A.C. 8:85-2.1. It is provided to individuals who have chronic medical condition(s)
resulting in moderate to severe impairments in physical, behavioral, cognitive, and/or
psychosocial functioning. It is determined by a registered professional nurse and
identified in a plan of care.
Pain Management - correct answerIn accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:43E-6, means the
assessment of pain and, if appropriate, treatment in order to assure the needs of
patients or residents of health care facilities who experience problems with pain are
met. Treatment of pain may include the use of medication or application of other
modalities and medical devices such as, but not limited to, heat or cold, massage,
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, and neurolytic
techniques such as radiofrequency coagulation and cryotherapy.
Privacy - correct answerA resident's degree of control over a specific physical area
and/or time; levels of intimacy with family and others; and communication and contact
with others outside the facility or program environment.
Shared Responsibility - correct answerResidents (and if the resident wishes the
resident's family) and providers of assisted living services share responsibility for
planning and decision making affecting residents. To participate fully in this, residents
shaw be provided with clear and understandable information about the possible
consequences of their decision-making, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C.
8:35-5.18(a)2.
Total Bed Complement - correct answerAnother term for resident census.
Unit Dose Drug Distribution System - correct answerA system in which medications are
delivered to the residents areas in single unit packaging, and which meets the following
criteria:
, 1.) Each medication shall be individually wrapped and labeled with the generic or trade
(brand) name and strength of medication, lot number or reference code, expiration date,
and manufacturer's name, and shall be ready for administration to the resident.
2.) Cautionary instructions shall appear on the resident's record of medication
administration, and the system shall include provisions for noting additional information,
including but no limited to, special times or routes of administration and storage
conditions.
3.) Commercial repackages shall comply with 21 CFR 201.1, incorporated herein by
reference, as amended and supplemented, and N.J.A.C. 8:39.
Unit-of-Use - correct answerA system of in which medications are delivered to the
resident areas either in single unity packaging, bingo or punch cards, blister or strip
packs, or other system where each medication is physically separate. Individually
labeled unit dose medications may be combined in a "bingo or punch card" to create a
unit-of-dose drug distribution system.
20 percent - correct answerAn assisted living facility shall indicate within 36 months of
after licensure, at least ______________ of the facility's residents shall be individuals
with nursing home-level care. This percentage shall be computed based upon the
number of residents days per calendar year and may include direct admissions as well
as maintained residents with nursing home-level of care needs.
Biennially - correct answerEach assisted living, comprehensive personal care home,
and assisted living program will be assessed and inspected __________________.
Survey Visits - correct answerThis may be made to a facility at any time by authorized
staff of the Department . Such may include, but not limited to, the review of all facility
documents and resident records and conferences with residents.
Facility Licensure - correct answerA licensure shall be granted for a period of one year
or less as determined by the Department.
Facility Licensure Renewal - correct answerThe license, unless suspended or revoked,
shall be renewed annually on the original license date, or within 30 days thereafter as of
the original licensure date. The facility will receive a request for renewal fee 30 days
prior to the expiration of the license. A renewal license will not be issued unless the
licensure fee is received by the Department.
Surrender of Facility License - correct answerThe facility shall notify each resident, the
resident's physician, and any guarantors of payment at least 30 days prior to the
voluntary surrender of a license, or as directed under an order of revocation, refusal to
renew, or suspension of license. In such cases, the license shall be returned to the
Long-Term Care Licensing Program of the Department within 7 working days after the
voluntary surrender, revocation, non-renewal, or suspension of license.
& Correct Answers | Latest Update 2025–2026
Aging in Place - correct answerA process whereby individuals remain in their living
environment despite the physical and/mental decline and growing needs for supportive
services that may occur in the course of aging.
ADLs (Activity of Daily Living) - correct answerThe functions or tasks for self-care, which
are performed either independently or with supervision or assistance, such as: dressing,
bathing, toileting, transfer, locomotion, bed mobility, and eating.
Assisted Living - correct answerA coordinated array of supportive personal and health
services 24 hours per day, to residents who have been assessed to need these
services including persons who require nursing home level care. It promotes resident
self direction and participation in decisions that emphasize independence, individuality,
privacy, dignity, and homelike surroundings.
Bounded Choice - correct answerLimits places on a resident's choice as a result of an
assessment, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:36-5.18, which indicates that such resident's
choices or preference place the resident or others at a risk of harm or lead to
consequences which violate the norms of the facility or program or the rights of others.
CPCH (Comprehensive Personal Care Home) - correct answerA facility which is
licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services to provide room and board
and to assure that assisted living services are available when needed, to four or more
adults unrelated to the proprietor. Residential units in this type of facility have no more
than two residents and have a lockable door on the unit entrance.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) - correct answerA facility that has
received a certificate of authority pursuant to the _________ and Financial Disclosure
Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-300 et seq.
Customized Resident Medication Package - correct answerA unit-of-use package
prepared by a pharmacist for a specific resident comprising a series of containers and
containing two or more prescribed sold oral dosage forms, and so designed or labeled
as to indicate the day and time, or period of time, that the contents within each container
are to be taken.
Guardian - correct answerA person appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to
handle the affairs and protect the rights of any resident of the facility who has been
declared a mental incompetent. This does not include a person affiliated with the facility,
its operations or personnel, unless so ordered by the court.
,Health Care Service - correct answerAny service provided to a resident of an assisted
living or comprehensive personal care home that is ordered by a physician and required
to be provided or delegated by a licensed, registered or certified health care
professional.
Hospice - correct answerA program of palliative and supportive services provided to
terminally ill persons and their families in the form of physical, psychological, social, and
spiritual care.
Managed Risk - correct answerThe process of balancing resident choice and
independence with the health and safety of the resident and other persons in the facility
or program. If a resident's preference or decision places the resident or others at risk
and is likely to lead to adverse consequences, such risks or consequences are
discussed with the resident, and, if the resident agrees, a resident representative, and a
formal plan to avoid or reduce negative or adverse outcomes is negotiated, in
accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 8:36-5.18.
Manage Risk Agreement - correct answerThe written formal plan developed in
consideration of shared responsibility, bounded choice and assisted living values and
negotiated between the resident and the facility or program to avoid or reduce the risk of
adverse outcomes which may occur in an assisted living environment.
Medication Administration - correct answerA procedure in which a prescribed
medication or biological is given to a resident by an authorized individual in accordance
with all laws and regulations governing such procedures.
Process of Medication Administration - correct answer1.) Removing an individual dose
from a previously dispensed, properly labeled container (including a unit dose or unit-of-
use container).
2.) Verifying it with the prescriber's orders.
3.) Giving the individual dose to the resident.
4.) Seeing that the resident takes it (if oral).
5.) Recording the required information, including but not limited to the method of
administration, time administered, initials of individuals who administered the
medication, and effect of the medication when "PRN" or as-needed medications are
administered.
Dignity - correct answerThe self-worth of a resident.
Independence - correct answerThe support and enhancement of resident capabilities
and facilitation of resident abilities so that the resident's preferences and choices may
be implemented within a barrier-free environment.
Individuality - correct answerEach resident's unique needs, capabilities, personalities,
backgrounds and preferences.
,MAR (Medication Administration Record) - correct answerAn individual resident record
that contains, but is not limited to: resident name, date of birth, diagnosis(es), age,
physician, name and medication strength, dosage form, route of administration,
frequency, date and time of administration, initials of individual administering the
medication, a section containing the full signature and title of each individual who initials
it, date medication ordered, stop date if appliacable, allergies, and all other
professionally acceptable information that is appropriate.
30-hour - correct answerA MATCEP or Medication Aide Training Competency and
Evaluation Program is a department approved minimum ____________ training course
conducted by a Department approved registered professional nurse and registered
pharmacist, to instruct CNA, CHHA, or PCAs, in the administration of medications to
residents, within assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes and
assisted living programs.
Nursing Home-Level Care - correct answerAn individual requires this as defined by
N.J.A.C. 8:85-2.1. It is provided to individuals who have chronic medical condition(s)
resulting in moderate to severe impairments in physical, behavioral, cognitive, and/or
psychosocial functioning. It is determined by a registered professional nurse and
identified in a plan of care.
Pain Management - correct answerIn accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:43E-6, means the
assessment of pain and, if appropriate, treatment in order to assure the needs of
patients or residents of health care facilities who experience problems with pain are
met. Treatment of pain may include the use of medication or application of other
modalities and medical devices such as, but not limited to, heat or cold, massage,
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, and neurolytic
techniques such as radiofrequency coagulation and cryotherapy.
Privacy - correct answerA resident's degree of control over a specific physical area
and/or time; levels of intimacy with family and others; and communication and contact
with others outside the facility or program environment.
Shared Responsibility - correct answerResidents (and if the resident wishes the
resident's family) and providers of assisted living services share responsibility for
planning and decision making affecting residents. To participate fully in this, residents
shaw be provided with clear and understandable information about the possible
consequences of their decision-making, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C.
8:35-5.18(a)2.
Total Bed Complement - correct answerAnother term for resident census.
Unit Dose Drug Distribution System - correct answerA system in which medications are
delivered to the residents areas in single unit packaging, and which meets the following
criteria:
, 1.) Each medication shall be individually wrapped and labeled with the generic or trade
(brand) name and strength of medication, lot number or reference code, expiration date,
and manufacturer's name, and shall be ready for administration to the resident.
2.) Cautionary instructions shall appear on the resident's record of medication
administration, and the system shall include provisions for noting additional information,
including but no limited to, special times or routes of administration and storage
conditions.
3.) Commercial repackages shall comply with 21 CFR 201.1, incorporated herein by
reference, as amended and supplemented, and N.J.A.C. 8:39.
Unit-of-Use - correct answerA system of in which medications are delivered to the
resident areas either in single unity packaging, bingo or punch cards, blister or strip
packs, or other system where each medication is physically separate. Individually
labeled unit dose medications may be combined in a "bingo or punch card" to create a
unit-of-dose drug distribution system.
20 percent - correct answerAn assisted living facility shall indicate within 36 months of
after licensure, at least ______________ of the facility's residents shall be individuals
with nursing home-level care. This percentage shall be computed based upon the
number of residents days per calendar year and may include direct admissions as well
as maintained residents with nursing home-level of care needs.
Biennially - correct answerEach assisted living, comprehensive personal care home,
and assisted living program will be assessed and inspected __________________.
Survey Visits - correct answerThis may be made to a facility at any time by authorized
staff of the Department . Such may include, but not limited to, the review of all facility
documents and resident records and conferences with residents.
Facility Licensure - correct answerA licensure shall be granted for a period of one year
or less as determined by the Department.
Facility Licensure Renewal - correct answerThe license, unless suspended or revoked,
shall be renewed annually on the original license date, or within 30 days thereafter as of
the original licensure date. The facility will receive a request for renewal fee 30 days
prior to the expiration of the license. A renewal license will not be issued unless the
licensure fee is received by the Department.
Surrender of Facility License - correct answerThe facility shall notify each resident, the
resident's physician, and any guarantors of payment at least 30 days prior to the
voluntary surrender of a license, or as directed under an order of revocation, refusal to
renew, or suspension of license. In such cases, the license shall be returned to the
Long-Term Care Licensing Program of the Department within 7 working days after the
voluntary surrender, revocation, non-renewal, or suspension of license.
