Violation

California Code § 87307(d)(5)Night Lighting

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

Type B, generalAffects rcfe28 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 § 87307(d)(5) actually says

California Code § 87307(d)(5)

Night lights shall be maintained in hallways and passages to nonprivate bathrooms.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

28 California RCFEs were cited for missing or broken night lights, and Riverside County alone accounted for 14 of those. LPAs check hallway lighting during early morning walk-throughs. Have your closing shift test every hall and passage light nightly, and keep spare bulbs in a labeled bin near the utility closet. A two-minute check each night prevents a Type B citation that stays on your public inspection record.

By the numbers

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

28 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 Night Lighting

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

Common practices

Keep night lights on in all hallways and passages to shared bathrooms
Use bulbs that are bright enough to illuminate the path without glare
Replace burned-out or missing fixtures immediately

What to avoid

Relying on overhead lighting that staff turns off at night instead of dedicated night lights
Leaving dead bulbs in fixtures and assuming staff will replace them eventually
Ignoring passages to shared bathrooms in memory care or smaller wings of the community

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 Night Lighting, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Riverside	14	--	--
Orange	4	--	--
Santa Clara	3	--	--
Los Angeles	2	--	--
Fresno	1	--	--
Ventura	1	--	--
Mendocino	1	--	--
Contra Costa	1	--	--
San Bernardino	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 the night lighting violation in California assisted living?

Title 22, Section 87307(d)(5) requires California RCFEs to maintain night lights in all hallways and passages leading to nonprivate bathrooms at all times. These lights help residents safely reach bathrooms at night, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. LPAs check hallways during evening and early morning hours to verify compliance.

How common is the night lighting citation in California assisted living?

According to California CCLD inspection records, 28 California RCFEs received citations for this deficiency. It is classified as Type B, meaning it poses a potential risk to residents if not corrected. Riverside County led with 14 citations, accounting for half of all recorded violations statewide.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for missing night lights?

A Type B citation under Section 87307(d)(5) requires the operator to submit a plan of correction and install or repair the lighting. Type B citations carry civil penalties and appear on the facility's public inspection history. CCLD may conduct a follow-up to confirm the lights are working.

How do I fix or prevent a night lighting citation?

Walk every hallway and passage to a shared bathroom after dark and confirm each night light is working. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately and keep spare bulbs on hand. LPAs often inspect during early morning or evening visits, so make nightly light checks part of the closing shift routine.

Does a night lighting violation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B citation will not suspend your license, but fall-related hazards draw increasing attention from CCLD inspectors over time. Repeated deficiencies in the same area can lead to follow-up inspections and escalated enforcement actions. Working night lights are a simple safeguard that protects both your residents and your compliance record.

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.

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