PCHA EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS &
RATIONALES: 100 REPRESENTATIVE
QUESTIONS BASED ON 55 PA. CODE
CHAPTER 2600 (2026–2027 STUDY
EDITION)
Question 1: Regulatory Definition
A Personal Care Home in Pennsylvania is defined as a premise providing
accommodations for a fee to how many or more adults who are not
relatives of the operator?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600, a PCH is defined as a premise
providing accommodations for a fee to four or more adults who are not
relatives of the operator and who require assistance or supervision in
activities of daily living (ADLs).
Question 2: Administrator Presence
What is the minimum weekly presence requirement for a Personal Care
Home Administrator?
A) 15 hours per week averaged monthly
B) 20 hours or more per week averaged in each calendar month
,C) 30 hours per week averaged monthly
D) 40 hours per week full-time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per 55 Pa. Code § 2600.56, the administrator shall be present in
the home an average of 20 hours or more per week, in each calendar
month. This ensures sufficient oversight while allowing flexibility for
administrators overseeing multiple responsibilities.
Question 3: Resident Rights
A competent resident decides to leave the facility against medical advice.
What is the administrator's legal responsibility?
A) Call 911 to prevent the resident from leaving
B) Physically restrain the resident until family arrives
C) Document the resident's decision and allow them to leave
D) Contact Adult Protective Services immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residents in personal care homes have the fundamental right to
make their own decisions, including leaving against medical advice if they
are mentally competent. The administrator must document the
decision and allow them to leave. Physically preventing departure could
constitute false imprisonment.
Question 4: Immediate Jeopardy Corrections
During a state survey, a deficiency posing immediate jeopardy is identified.
What is the maximum time frame for the facility to submit a plan of
Correction?
A) 24 hours
B) 48 hours
C) 10 days
D) 15 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For deficiencies posing immediate jeopardy, the facility must
submit a plan of Correction within 48 hours. Non-immediate jeopardy
,deficiencies typically allow 10 days. The 48-hour requirement reflects the
urgency of addressing situations posing immediate risk of serious harm.
Question 5: Fire Safety Notification
If a Personal Care Home's fire safety approval is withdrawn, what are the
notification obligations?
A) Notify the Department in writing within 72 hours
B) Notify the Department orally immediately and in writing within 48 hours
C) Notify residents only
D) Submit a new plan within 30 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per 55 Pa. Code § 2600.14(b), if fire safety approval is withdrawn,
the home must notify the Department orally immediately and in writing
within 48 hours.
Question 6: Water Temperature
What is the maximum allowable water temperature at the outlet of a
bathtub or shower to prevent scalding?
A) 100°F
B) 105°F
C) 110°F
D) 120°F
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 55 Pa. Code § 2600.190(b) states water temperature at the outlet
shall not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scald injuries.
Question 7: Medication Refusal
A resident refuses to take prescribed medication. What action is required by
resident rights regulations?
A) Force the medication to ensure health
B) Document the refusal, notify the physician and responsible party
C) Hide the medication in food
D) Discharge the resident immediately
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse treatment. The administrator
must document the refusal, notify the prescribing physician and
responsible party, and ensure the resident understands potential
consequences. Forcing medication violates resident autonomy.
Question 8: Staffing Requirements
A Personal Care Home employs 20 residents. What is the minimum staffing
requirement for the awake shift?
A) One person on duty
B) Two persons on duty, one of whom must be awake
C) One licensed nurse
D) Three persons regardless of acuity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 55 Pa. Code § 2600.205, if the home serves more than 16
residents, there must be a minimum of two persons on duty, one of
whom must be awake.
Question 9: Training Records Retention
How long must staff training records be retained after an employee leaves?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 6 months
D) 10 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Federal and most state regulations require personnel records
including training documentation be maintained for 3 years after
employment ends for regulatory inspections and potential litigation.
Question 10: Emergency Preparedness
A written emergency preparedness plan must include which element?
A) Staff vacation schedules
B) Procedures for evacuation, sheltering, communication, and resident
accounting
RATIONALES: 100 REPRESENTATIVE
QUESTIONS BASED ON 55 PA. CODE
CHAPTER 2600 (2026–2027 STUDY
EDITION)
Question 1: Regulatory Definition
A Personal Care Home in Pennsylvania is defined as a premise providing
accommodations for a fee to how many or more adults who are not
relatives of the operator?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600, a PCH is defined as a premise
providing accommodations for a fee to four or more adults who are not
relatives of the operator and who require assistance or supervision in
activities of daily living (ADLs).
Question 2: Administrator Presence
What is the minimum weekly presence requirement for a Personal Care
Home Administrator?
A) 15 hours per week averaged monthly
B) 20 hours or more per week averaged in each calendar month
,C) 30 hours per week averaged monthly
D) 40 hours per week full-time
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per 55 Pa. Code § 2600.56, the administrator shall be present in
the home an average of 20 hours or more per week, in each calendar
month. This ensures sufficient oversight while allowing flexibility for
administrators overseeing multiple responsibilities.
Question 3: Resident Rights
A competent resident decides to leave the facility against medical advice.
What is the administrator's legal responsibility?
A) Call 911 to prevent the resident from leaving
B) Physically restrain the resident until family arrives
C) Document the resident's decision and allow them to leave
D) Contact Adult Protective Services immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residents in personal care homes have the fundamental right to
make their own decisions, including leaving against medical advice if they
are mentally competent. The administrator must document the
decision and allow them to leave. Physically preventing departure could
constitute false imprisonment.
Question 4: Immediate Jeopardy Corrections
During a state survey, a deficiency posing immediate jeopardy is identified.
What is the maximum time frame for the facility to submit a plan of
Correction?
A) 24 hours
B) 48 hours
C) 10 days
D) 15 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For deficiencies posing immediate jeopardy, the facility must
submit a plan of Correction within 48 hours. Non-immediate jeopardy
,deficiencies typically allow 10 days. The 48-hour requirement reflects the
urgency of addressing situations posing immediate risk of serious harm.
Question 5: Fire Safety Notification
If a Personal Care Home's fire safety approval is withdrawn, what are the
notification obligations?
A) Notify the Department in writing within 72 hours
B) Notify the Department orally immediately and in writing within 48 hours
C) Notify residents only
D) Submit a new plan within 30 days
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per 55 Pa. Code § 2600.14(b), if fire safety approval is withdrawn,
the home must notify the Department orally immediately and in writing
within 48 hours.
Question 6: Water Temperature
What is the maximum allowable water temperature at the outlet of a
bathtub or shower to prevent scalding?
A) 100°F
B) 105°F
C) 110°F
D) 120°F
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 55 Pa. Code § 2600.190(b) states water temperature at the outlet
shall not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scald injuries.
Question 7: Medication Refusal
A resident refuses to take prescribed medication. What action is required by
resident rights regulations?
A) Force the medication to ensure health
B) Document the refusal, notify the physician and responsible party
C) Hide the medication in food
D) Discharge the resident immediately
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse treatment. The administrator
must document the refusal, notify the prescribing physician and
responsible party, and ensure the resident understands potential
consequences. Forcing medication violates resident autonomy.
Question 8: Staffing Requirements
A Personal Care Home employs 20 residents. What is the minimum staffing
requirement for the awake shift?
A) One person on duty
B) Two persons on duty, one of whom must be awake
C) One licensed nurse
D) Three persons regardless of acuity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 55 Pa. Code § 2600.205, if the home serves more than 16
residents, there must be a minimum of two persons on duty, one of
whom must be awake.
Question 9: Training Records Retention
How long must staff training records be retained after an employee leaves?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 6 months
D) 10 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Federal and most state regulations require personnel records
including training documentation be maintained for 3 years after
employment ends for regulatory inspections and potential litigation.
Question 10: Emergency Preparedness
A written emergency preparedness plan must include which element?
A) Staff vacation schedules
B) Procedures for evacuation, sheltering, communication, and resident
accounting
