RCFE ADMINISTRATOR EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Question 1 A resident in an RCFE has been diagnosed with moderate
dementia and frequently attempts to leave the facility during the night. The
administrator must ensure that any security measures comply with Title 22.
Which of the following actions is permissible?
A. Installing keyed locks on all exterior doors that require staff assistance to
open B. Using electronic monitoring systems that alert staff when a resident
approaches an exit C. Physically restraining the resident to their bed during
sleeping hours D. Locking the resident in their room at night for their own
safety
B. Using electronic monitoring systems that alert staff when a resident
approaches an exit
RATIONALE: Electronic monitoring systems are permitted as they allow
residents freedom of movement while ensuring safety. Keyed locks on exterior
doors are generally prohibited unless specific waiver conditions are met, and
physical restraints or locking residents in rooms are violations of resident
rights and abuse prohibitions.
Question 2 When admitting a new resident, the pre-admission screening
must determine if the facility can meet the resident's needs. Which of the
following conditions would typically disqualify an individual from admission
to an RCFE?
,A. The resident requires assistance with bathing and dressing B. The resident
has a stage II pressure ulcer that is being treated C. The resident requires
continuous skilled nursing care for a tracheostomy D. The resident is
incontinent and requires diaper changes
C. The resident requires continuous skilled nursing care for a
tracheostomy
RATIONALE: RCFEs are non-medical facilities. Residents requiring
continuous skilled nursing care, such as complex tracheostomy care, exceed
the scope of services an RCFE can legally provide. Assistance with ADLs,
incontinence care, and treatment of minor pressure ulcers are within the
scope of RCFE care.
Question 3 An administrator receives a complaint from a family member
alleging that a staff member shouted at a resident. According to California
regulations, what is the administrator's immediate responsibility?
A. Wait for the licensing analyst to arrive before investigating B. Document
the complaint and investigate immediately to determine validity C. Terminate
the staff member immediately without investigation D. Inform the family that
personal matters are confidential and cannot be discussed
B. Document the complaint and investigate immediately to determine
validity
RATIONALE: Administrators are required to investigate all complaints of
alleged abuse or neglect immediately. Failure to investigate can result in
citations. Termination without due process is not appropriate, and
confidentiality does not prevent addressing safety concerns.
Question 4 Which of the following documents must be kept in a resident’s
file for at least three years after discharge or death?
A. The staff schedule for the month of admission B. The resident’s assessment
and service plan C. The facility’s monthly fire drill log D. The vendor contracts
for food service
, B. The resident’s assessment and service plan
RATIONALE: Resident records, including assessments and service plans,
must be retained for at least three years after discharge or death. Staff
schedules and fire logs have different retention requirements, and vendor
contracts are business records.
Question 5 A resident wishes to manage their own medications. Under what
condition is this allowed in an RCFE?
A. Only if the resident has no cognitive impairment whatsoever B. If the
physician approves and the resident is assessed as capable of self-
administration C. It is never allowed; all medications must be kept by staff D.
Only if the resident signs a waiver releasing the facility from liability
B. If the physician approves and the resident is assessed as capable of self-
administration
RATIONALE: Residents have the right to self-administer medications if a
physician determines it is appropriate and the facility assesses the resident as
capable. This supports resident autonomy while ensuring safety.
Question 6 What is the minimum number of hours of initial training
required for a caregiver who has no prior experience in an RCFE?
A. 10 hours B. 20 hours C. 40 hours D. 80 hours
C. 40 hours
RATIONALE: California Title 22 requires that caregivers with no prior
experience complete at least 40 hours of initial training before working
independently with residents.
Question 7 In the event of a natural disaster, the facility’s emergency plan
must include provisions for:
, A. Evacuation only B. Shelter-in-place only C. Both evacuation and shelter-in-
place scenarios D. Waiting for instructions from local law enforcement before
acting
C. Both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios
RATIONALE: Emergency plans must address various scenarios, including
both evacuation and sheltering in place, to ensure resident safety regardless
of the type of disaster.
Question 8 Which of the following is considered a "Major Substantiated
Complaint" by the Licensing and Certification Division?
A. A single instance of cold food served to a resident B. Allegations of physical
abuse resulting in injury C. A missing signature on a staff time sheet D. A
resident’s preference for a different roommate
B. Allegations of physical abuse resulting in injury
RATIONALE: Allegations of abuse, especially those resulting in injury, are
classified as major substantiated complaints and carry severe penalties,
including potential license revocation. Minor administrative errors or
preferences do not rise to this level.
Question 9 An RCFE with 16 beds must have how many awake staff members
on duty during the night shift if there are residents who need assistance with
toileting?
A. None, as long as call bells are working B. At least one awake staff member
C. Two awake staff members D. Three awake staff members
B. At least one awake staff member
RATIONALE: For facilities with 16-49 beds, at least one awake staff
member must be on duty at night if residents require assistance. If no
assistance is needed, staff may be on-call but must respond within specific
timeframes.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
Question 1 A resident in an RCFE has been diagnosed with moderate
dementia and frequently attempts to leave the facility during the night. The
administrator must ensure that any security measures comply with Title 22.
Which of the following actions is permissible?
A. Installing keyed locks on all exterior doors that require staff assistance to
open B. Using electronic monitoring systems that alert staff when a resident
approaches an exit C. Physically restraining the resident to their bed during
sleeping hours D. Locking the resident in their room at night for their own
safety
B. Using electronic monitoring systems that alert staff when a resident
approaches an exit
RATIONALE: Electronic monitoring systems are permitted as they allow
residents freedom of movement while ensuring safety. Keyed locks on exterior
doors are generally prohibited unless specific waiver conditions are met, and
physical restraints or locking residents in rooms are violations of resident
rights and abuse prohibitions.
Question 2 When admitting a new resident, the pre-admission screening
must determine if the facility can meet the resident's needs. Which of the
following conditions would typically disqualify an individual from admission
to an RCFE?
,A. The resident requires assistance with bathing and dressing B. The resident
has a stage II pressure ulcer that is being treated C. The resident requires
continuous skilled nursing care for a tracheostomy D. The resident is
incontinent and requires diaper changes
C. The resident requires continuous skilled nursing care for a
tracheostomy
RATIONALE: RCFEs are non-medical facilities. Residents requiring
continuous skilled nursing care, such as complex tracheostomy care, exceed
the scope of services an RCFE can legally provide. Assistance with ADLs,
incontinence care, and treatment of minor pressure ulcers are within the
scope of RCFE care.
Question 3 An administrator receives a complaint from a family member
alleging that a staff member shouted at a resident. According to California
regulations, what is the administrator's immediate responsibility?
A. Wait for the licensing analyst to arrive before investigating B. Document
the complaint and investigate immediately to determine validity C. Terminate
the staff member immediately without investigation D. Inform the family that
personal matters are confidential and cannot be discussed
B. Document the complaint and investigate immediately to determine
validity
RATIONALE: Administrators are required to investigate all complaints of
alleged abuse or neglect immediately. Failure to investigate can result in
citations. Termination without due process is not appropriate, and
confidentiality does not prevent addressing safety concerns.
Question 4 Which of the following documents must be kept in a resident’s
file for at least three years after discharge or death?
A. The staff schedule for the month of admission B. The resident’s assessment
and service plan C. The facility’s monthly fire drill log D. The vendor contracts
for food service
, B. The resident’s assessment and service plan
RATIONALE: Resident records, including assessments and service plans,
must be retained for at least three years after discharge or death. Staff
schedules and fire logs have different retention requirements, and vendor
contracts are business records.
Question 5 A resident wishes to manage their own medications. Under what
condition is this allowed in an RCFE?
A. Only if the resident has no cognitive impairment whatsoever B. If the
physician approves and the resident is assessed as capable of self-
administration C. It is never allowed; all medications must be kept by staff D.
Only if the resident signs a waiver releasing the facility from liability
B. If the physician approves and the resident is assessed as capable of self-
administration
RATIONALE: Residents have the right to self-administer medications if a
physician determines it is appropriate and the facility assesses the resident as
capable. This supports resident autonomy while ensuring safety.
Question 6 What is the minimum number of hours of initial training
required for a caregiver who has no prior experience in an RCFE?
A. 10 hours B. 20 hours C. 40 hours D. 80 hours
C. 40 hours
RATIONALE: California Title 22 requires that caregivers with no prior
experience complete at least 40 hours of initial training before working
independently with residents.
Question 7 In the event of a natural disaster, the facility’s emergency plan
must include provisions for:
, A. Evacuation only B. Shelter-in-place only C. Both evacuation and shelter-in-
place scenarios D. Waiting for instructions from local law enforcement before
acting
C. Both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios
RATIONALE: Emergency plans must address various scenarios, including
both evacuation and sheltering in place, to ensure resident safety regardless
of the type of disaster.
Question 8 Which of the following is considered a "Major Substantiated
Complaint" by the Licensing and Certification Division?
A. A single instance of cold food served to a resident B. Allegations of physical
abuse resulting in injury C. A missing signature on a staff time sheet D. A
resident’s preference for a different roommate
B. Allegations of physical abuse resulting in injury
RATIONALE: Allegations of abuse, especially those resulting in injury, are
classified as major substantiated complaints and carry severe penalties,
including potential license revocation. Minor administrative errors or
preferences do not rise to this level.
Question 9 An RCFE with 16 beds must have how many awake staff members
on duty during the night shift if there are residents who need assistance with
toileting?
A. None, as long as call bells are working B. At least one awake staff member
C. Two awake staff members D. Three awake staff members
B. At least one awake staff member
RATIONALE: For facilities with 16-49 beds, at least one awake staff
member must be on duty at night if residents require assistance. If no
assistance is needed, staff may be on-call but must respond within specific
timeframes.
