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❱ Physician’s Report for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)

The Physician’s Report for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE or 602) form is a required document used as part of the assessment process when individuals are being considered for residency in an assisted living community or board & care home. Typically this document is completed by the prospective resident’s primary care doctor, or in some cases, by the attending physician at a skilled nursing or similar facility. This form is not required for independent living communities or
to receive in-home care.

The Physician’s Report for RCFE includes details about the individual’s medical history, current health status, medications, special dietary requirements, mobility limitations, cognitive functioning, and any specific care needs or assistance required for activities of daily living. It may also contain information regarding chronic illnesses, allergies, and any recent hospitalizations or surgeries.

This report is used to determine whether the community or home can adequately meet the unique care needs of the individual seeking placement and to determine the level of care required. Additionally, the information provided on this form helps in developing a customized care plan for the resident, ensuring their safety, well-being, and overall quality of life within the community or home. The other component of this report is the in-person assessment, which is typically conducted by the administrator or nurse at the chosen facility.

To access the Physician’s Report for RCFE and initiate the process of placing a loved one into an assisted living community or home, download the form below.

How to Fill Out a California 602a Form

How to Get a Physicians Report 602 Form?

A Physicians Report 602 form is a required document to be admitted to a state-licensed senior care facility in California. You can download the form from the California Department of Social Services website.

Who can fill out a California 602a Form?

Only a Physician can fill out the RCFE 602 form. It is typically completed by the primary care physician or attending physician who will confirm a diagnosis, verify a tuberculosis (TB) test, and certify other healthcare needs and health issues that will be passed on to the Residential Care Facility. If you are thinking about placing someone in assisted living it is best to start the process as soon as possible and make sure that tell the physician that the appointment is specifically to complete the physicians report 602 form.

What is the California 602 Form?

The California 602 form, or RCFE 602, is a required document utilized by Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) to gain comprehensive insight into a senior’s specific care requirements.

Physician’s Report 602 ensures that prospective residents meet their admission criteria and that the community is equipped to deliver the necessary care. This form empowers the admissions team to accurately assess the needs of potential residents.

California’s 602a Form includes:

Facility Information: Including the facility’s name, address, phone number, and license number.

Senior’s Identifying Information: Includes the senior’s name, birthdate, age, and an authorization for the release of medical information.

Senior’s Diagnostic Information: Details regarding any medical conditions, age, height, weight, and whether skilled nursing care may be required.

Tuberculosis Test: Seniors must not have an active tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis before admission. A TB skin test or chest X-ray is completed by the physician to confirm the absence of active infection.

Medications and Treatments: Prescribed medications and treatments, along with their respective doses, are outlined.

Ambulatory Status: Describes the senior’s mobility level, including their ability to transfer independently to and from a bed, and whether they are non-ambulatory or bedridden for fire clearance purposes.

Physical Health Status: Physician’s assessment of the senior’s overall physical health, including impairments and required assistive devices.

Mental Health Status: Evaluation of the senior’s mental health, communication abilities, and cognitive state.

Capacity for Self-Care: Assesses the senior’s ability to perform daily activities such as grooming, feeding, medication management, and leaving the facility unassisted.

The results of this evaluation enable RCFE facilities to determine the level of care required by the senior. If the applicant meets the facility’s licensed care criteria, they may be admitted. Those needing more extensive assistance may require admission to a medical facility, such as a skilled nursing facility.

What is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)?

In California, a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) operates under state licensing to offer nonmedical daily living support, supervision, and memory care within an appropriate environment, whether in a large community or small board and care home, adhering to specific licensing criteria.

The licensing of RCFEs in California falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division oversees a dedicated Senior Care Licensing Program responsible for licensing and monitoring all RCFEs and continuing care retirement communities within the state.

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