California
Any person or entity providing care and supervision to elderly residents must hold an RCFE license, regardless of the number of residents. RCFEs are facilities where at least 75 percent of residents are 60 or older, with younger residents allowed when their needs are compatible. Adults under 60 are generally served in separately licensed adult residential facilities. Both are nonmedical settings licensed by CDSS rather than the Department of Public Health.
License categories
Residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE)Adult residential facility (ARF)
Key laws
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1569 et seq.
California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Act
22 CCR Div. 6, Ch. 8 (§ 87100 et seq.) and Ch. 6 (§ 85000 et seq.)
RCFE and Adult Residential Facility regulations (CDSS regulation manuals) — official text
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 1500 et seq.
California Community Care Facilities Act (ARFs)
Key requirements
- RCFE administrator certification: at least 80 hours of coursework (including at least 60 hours of instruction) and a state exam within 60 days; 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal
- ARF administrators must also complete a Department-approved initial certification program, pass a written test, and complete 40 hours of CE every 2 years
- Criminal record clearance (California and FBI) required under CCLD rules
- Fees: $140 administrator application/renewal and $100 exam
Sources
- https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/senior-care-licensing
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/adult-care-licensing
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/rcfe
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Community-Care/Administrator-Certification
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/letters-regulations/legislation-and-regulations/community-care-licensing-regulations/residential
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/getinfo/pdf/rcfe1.PDF
- https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ord/entres/getinfo/pdf/arf.pdf
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/health-and-safety-code/hsc-sect-1569-616/