National Care Professionals Institute (NCPI) provides ARF, RCFE, and NHA administrator education courses, and teaches professional caregiver courses. 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 can customize caregiver training if required by DSS. Call (619) 322-9578 for information or go to www.nationalcareprofessionals.com. NCPI also creates new RCFE license applications. Check their link to new applications: https://nationalcareprofessionals.com/product/complete-rcfe-application-part-a-b/.
Industry Updates and Legislation
California has not yet adopted its 2026-27 budget, so final numbers to fund the Department of Social Services have not been established. The proposed draft for May 2026-27 shows an increase in funding over the 2025-26 budget by over $4 million but it additionally shows a decrease in staffing by 158 positions from the previous fiscal year. More money, less staff. How would that play out when it comes to services across the spectrum of DSS’ oversight in programs such as Community Care Licensing, SSI/SSP, Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services, “Alternative Payment Programs,” and “Migrant Child Care.” Further information can be found at ebudget.ca.gov.
As of the date of this newsletter publication, DSS’ website does not show any pending revisions to the RCFE or ARF Title 22 regulations, and the numerous proposed bills in the state’s legislature are not advancing. The Legislature may be delaying the approval of many bills until after the primary elections—held on June 2. (As of this publication, California has not released the final results of that vote. There are many claiming the state is seeking to delay declaring winners if a Republican is leading or is in close second. The Trump Administration is investigating the counting of “mail-in” ballots as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a full ban on this practice.
Thus far, no significant advances have been recorded for SB991, a bill written by Caroline Menjivar (D-Burbank, San Fernando Valley) and Steve Bennett (D-Ventura). It may be on hold until the state finds money, known as in “suspense.” The bill would allow DSS analysts to pursue or determine if elder abuse accusations can be pursued against facility operators. Ms. Menjivar can be contacted at (818) 901-5588 , and Mr. Bennett is at (805) 485-4745. Top of Form
The same is true for AB2702, written by Heath Flora (R-San Joaquin Valley). This bill, if passed and signed by the governor, would allow RCFEs to develop a facility on land owned by a religious institution once specific criteria is met. The “Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly on Faith-Based Lands Act of 2026” was not continued by Mr. Flora. He can be called at (209) 599-2112.
AB2598, authored by Assembly Member Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) is still viable as it has advanced to the Committee on Rules. The bill had previously sought to levy fines against RCFEs for not notifying next of kin when a resident dies, but the bill will continue to focus on acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, only, and not go after elder care homes. Ms. Krell can be called at (916) 324-4676.
AB2420, introduced by Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles), would enact legislation to authorize cannabis retailers to donate cannabis or cannabis products to persons 65 years of age and older and to provide a tax exemption for cannabis or cannabis products that are donated to persons 65 years of age and older. The bill has not advanced as Ms. Caloza cancelled future hearings. She can be called at (213) 483-5252.