Violation

California Code § 87309(c)Toxic Substance Storage

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type A, seriousAffects rcfe30 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87309(c) actually says

California Code § 87309(c)

Except as specified in subsection (d), the licensee shall implement reasonable interventions in order to ensure that nutritional supplements, vitamins, alcohol, cigarettes and other potentially toxic substances, such as certain plants, gardening supplies, and auto supplies, are stored so as not to pose a hazard to residents.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

LPAs routinely open cabinets and check closets during their initial walk-through. An unlocked supply closet with bleach next to a resident-accessible hallway triggers a Type A citation on the spot. Install safety locks on all lower cabinets and keep a master list of every hazardous substance in your community, updated monthly. This takes about 30 minutes and can prevent a citation that stays on your public record for years.

By the numbers

30^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
10^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

30 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Toxic Substance Storage

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Store all potentially toxic substances, including vitamins and supplements, where residents cannot access them without supervision.
Keep cleaning supplies, gardening products, and automotive products in locked or secured areas.
Alcohol and cigarettes must be stored safely and not left accessible to residents for whom they pose a risk.
Identify and secure any indoor or outdoor plants that could be toxic if ingested.

What to avoid

Vitamins and nutritional supplements left on nightstands or in unlocked drawers accessible to residents.
Cleaning spray bottles stored in resident-accessible bathrooms or common-area closets.
Alcohol left unattended in common areas after activities or social events.
Indoor or outdoor plants that are toxic if ingested, placed within easy reach of residents.

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Toxic Substance Storage, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Los Angeles	7	--	--
Orange	6	--	--
Fresno	4	--	--
Alameda	4	--	--
Santa Clara	2	--	--
Contra Costa	2	--	--
Ventura	1	--	--
San Diego	1	--	--
Sacramento	1	--	--
Santa Barbara	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is a hazardous substance storage violation in an RCFE?

A hazardous substance storage violation under Title 22, Section 87309(c) occurs when an assisted living facility fails to keep toxic or potentially harmful items safely stored away from residents. This includes everyday items like vitamins, nutritional supplements, alcohol, cigarettes, cleaning products, and certain plants. When these substances are left within reach, residents face a direct risk of accidental ingestion or harmful exposure.

How common are hazardous substance storage citations in California assisted living?

CCLD inspection records show 31 California RCFEs received citations for hazardous substance storage violations under Section 87309(c). This is classified as a Type A violation because it poses a direct and immediate risk to residents. Los Angeles and Orange counties together accounted for 15 of the 32 total citations issued across 10 counties.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for unsafe substance storage?

A Type A citation requires the facility to correct the hazard immediately, often during the inspection itself. CCLD will conduct a follow-up visit to confirm compliance. Type A citations carry higher civil penalties than Type B citations and are visible on the facility's public record, where prospective residents and their families can review them during placement decisions.

How do I fix or prevent a toxic substance storage citation?

Walk through every room, closet, and outdoor area to identify unsecured substances that residents could access. Install locks on all cabinets and closets containing cleaning products, supplements, or alcohol. Remove toxic plants from resident-accessible spaces and replace them with safe alternatives. Assign a staff member to do a weekly storage check and log the results so you have documentation ready for LPA review.

Does a hazardous substance storage citation affect my RCFE license?

Yes. CCLD tracks all Type A citations and evaluates compliance history during license renewal. Multiple citations for unsafe storage conditions signal an ongoing risk to residents and can result in a conditional license or increased inspection frequency. A single serious incident involving resident access to a toxic substance could trigger an enforcement action against your license.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

Share ReadyRule: