Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

True or False: Awake night staff is always required in facilities licensed for 15 or less residents.

1. True

2. False

3. Only during weekends

4. Depends on resident needs

The correct answer is: False

In residential care facilities for the elderly, the requirement for awake night staff varies based on specific regulations and guidelines. For facilities licensed for 15 or fewer residents, the law does not mandate that awake staff be present at all times. The staffing requirements can depend on various factors, such as the specific needs of the residents, the nature of the services provided, and the overall operational policies of the facility. Having awake night staff can be beneficial for responsive care and safety, but it is not an absolute requirement for smaller facilities as outlined in the regulations. Instead, facilities may have alternative staffing arrangements, including on-call staff or use of technology to monitor residents during the night. This flexibility allows facilities to customize their staffing based on the needs of their residents. The other options suggest specific requirements that either misinterpret the regulations or impose conditions that are not universally applicable. This highlights the importance of understanding the regulatory framework surrounding staffing in residential care facilities, particularly for smaller homes, to ensure compliance and quality of care.