Tours describe what a community hopes to provide. The admission agreement explains the legal and financial arrangement. California provides an admission agreement guide for RCFEs, but each facility’s contract deserves a careful read. Ask questions before signing or paying a deposit, not after the first unexpected charge.
Take the agreement home
Do not let a room-hold deadline replace review. Request a complete sample early and seek professional advice for terms you do not understand.
Match the agreement to the care plan
The contract should identify the basic services and the charges for additional support. Compare it with the pre-admission assessment and needs-and-services plan. If the assessment says two-person transfers but the agreement prices only minimal assistance, resolve the mismatch.
Verbal statements about “everything included” should appear in the written terms or an attachment. Ask who has authority to modify the agreement.
Map every fee
Separate the base housing charge, care level, medication assistance, supplies, transportation, escorts, special diets, community fees and optional services. Ask how the residence determines a new care level and how much notice it gives before a rate change.
For CalAIM-related moves, identify room and board separately from any plan-authorized service. The facility and health plan should each explain their part in writing.
- Monthly base rate and due date
- Care-level fees and assessment method
- One-time community or move-in charges
- Deposit and refund rules
- Late, pharmacy, transportation and supply fees
- Notice period for rate changes
Read transfer and discharge language closely
The agreement should explain the conditions and process for transfer or eviction, including notice. Ask what happens if care needs increase, payment is late, the resident is hospitalized or a room is held during an absence.
Compare the contract with California resident-rights information. A contract does not erase protected rights.
Plan for absence, death and move-out
Understand how charges continue during hospitalization, how personal property is handled and when refunds are issued. Ask who may receive information and funds if the resident cannot act.
These questions can feel uncomfortable. They are easier to answer before a crisis and protect both the resident and family.
Create a final written summary
After questions are resolved, write a one-page summary of monthly costs, included care, excluded care, notice rules and primary contacts. Keep it with the signed agreement and later amendments.
For the clinical companion document, read the LIC 602A physician’s report guide.
Sources & important note
Zeal reviewed the primary sources below while preparing this article. Policies, benefits and individual circumstances can change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency, health plan and licensed provider.
- CDSS: LIC 604A Admission Agreement Guide for RCFEs
- CDSS: LIC 613C-2 Personal Rights of RCFE Residents
- DHCS: Community Supports Policy Guide, Volume 1
Editorially reviewed September 2026.