Mike’s A Handbook of Issues is an RCFE’s best friend; a vade-mecum or “a constant companion.” His Handbook provides RCFE administrators with a step-by-step analysis as to why DSS’ deficiencies are frequently incorrect or false. His Handbook can be used to write appeals, too. Mike’s 420-page defense manual addresses issues such as labeling of food; paramedics taking resident records; annual staff/resident TB testing; administrator work hours; feeding assistance to residents; reporting resident hospitalizations and 911 calls; death reports; “charting;” vitamins and alcohol orders; emergency food supplies; needs and services plans; bedridden; blood sugar checks; trimming resident nails; liquid soap; blood pressure checks; care plans; and so much more. It’s on sale through August for just $69. Follow the link to order: https://rfce4you.com/product/the-handbook-of-issuesan-rcfe-defense-manual/.
RCFE, ARF, NHAP, RN/LVN Education
National Care Professionals Institute (NCPI) provides ARF, RCFE, and NHA administrator education courses, and teaches professional caregiver courses, and is certified to provide RN/LVN Ceus. Our daughter Kallie and our son-in-law, Carlos,operate NCPI, and are state-approved to teach those courses and the 80-hour RCFE initial administrator course. They have caregiver training in English and Spanish and teach first aid and CPR. NCPI also creates new RCFE license applications. NCPI can customize caregiver training if required by DSS. Call (619) 322-9578 for information or go to www.nationalcareprofessionals.com.
Industry Updates and Legislation
DSS sent an email advising licensees and administrators about new forms and a revised form. The new forms are directly related to the Medical Foster Homes for Veterans, and the revised form is LIC602A, Medical Assessment for RCFEs. That form is provided by DSS as a “courtesy,” not a mandatory-use form. The update relates to the 2025 inclusion of “behavioral expressions” related to major neurocognitive disorders or NCDs. DSS is seeking medical input into a resident’s behavioral expression, but it is not likely a physician would know if a resident were at risk of elopement or unsafe wandering. The illegal definition of bedridden remains on the form despite clearly written law about staffing, turning and reposition. If you have my RCFE medical assessment form, it has been updated and emailed in late July.
DSS released updated Titled 22 sections for the RCFE Policy and Procedure Manual. The revised regulations were completed on May 18, 2026, but not released until July 20. The regulations update the sections on penalties, 87761, and appeals, 87763. The penalties increased to $100 per day if deficiencies are not corrected by a cited correction date; and details on civil penalties under the Welfare and Institutions Code related to death and abuse caused by the facility. The revised appeal process allows a facility to appeal a deficiency within 15 business days (but the law limits it to 10 days), and a regional manager must respond to appeals within 60 days.
SB991 by Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) is now in the state’s committee on appropriations, the “show me the money” committee. If it is determined the cost to the state is too high or there is no budgeted money, it is not likely to advance. This bill would require DSS to determine when a deficiency constitutes abuse and appropriately cite and fine a facility. Senator Menjivar can be contacted at (818) 901-5588.
SB1410 by Monique Limón (D-Oxnard) is also in appropriations committee and is likely to advance. The bill simply requires ARF licensees to have their email on record with DSS and inform DSS within 12 business days if the email has changed. If passed, the implementation would occur in 2027. Senator Limon can be reached at (805) 988-1940.
AB2420 by Jessica Caloza (D-City of Industry) was briefly revived, but it is no longer up for discussion, for now. If it is resurrected, it would allow cannabis sellers to “donate” products to seniors, 65 and older, or to a “senior caregiver.” Assembly Member Caloza can be reached at (213) 483-5252.AB2348 was amended by Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). The bill has been advanced to the appropriations committee, the committee that controls the money. It is part of the state’s attempt to update or revise the utopian CalAIM program that has just hemorrhaged money since its inception. Assembly Member Bonta may be reached at (510) 286-1670.