Violation

California Code § 87506(c)(1)Records Confidentiality

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

Type B, generalAffects rcfe50 facilities cited in the last 90 days

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to residents. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

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 § 87506(c)(1) actually says

California Code § 87506(c)(1)

The licensee shall be responsible for storing active and inactive records and for safeguarding the confidentiality of their contents. The licensee and all employees shall reveal or make available confidential information only upon the resident's written consent or that of his designated representative.

From the field

What operators tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

45 California RCFEs were cited for records confidentiality lapses, with Los Angeles County alone accounting for 10 citations. LPAs check how and where records are stored during their facility walk-through. If they find resident files in an unlocked drawer or shared without consent documentation, you will receive a Type B citation. Lock all file cabinets and verify consent forms before every information release.

By the numbers

50^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
16^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady; Last 90 days vs. previous 90 days.

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

Check a facility

What other operators do

Common practices to stay clear of Records Confidentiality

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

Common practices

Store all active and inactive resident records in secure locations accessible only to authorized personnel
Obtain written consent from the resident or designated representative before releasing any confidential information
Train all employees on confidentiality obligations and the consequences of unauthorized disclosure
Maintain access logs documenting who views or handles confidential resident records

What to avoid

Leaving resident files on desks or in unlocked cabinets where unauthorized people can see them
Sharing resident information with family members who are not the designated representative and lack written consent
Failing to secure inactive records for residents who have moved out or passed away
Discussing resident details in common areas where other residents or visitors can overhear

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 Records Confidentiality, last 90 days
County	Citations
Los Angeles	10
Orange	6
Sacramento	5
San Diego	4
San Mateo	4
Riverside	3
Santa Barbara	2
San Bernardino	2
Butte	1
Fresno	1

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-07-13Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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

What is a records confidentiality violation under Title 22 § 87506(c)(1)?

Title 22, Section 87506(c)(1) requires your RCFE to store both active and inactive resident records securely and protect their contents from unauthorized disclosure. A violation happens when confidential resident information is shared or made available without the resident's written consent or that of their designated representative. This rule protects each resident's personal privacy and ensures sensitive medical and personal details stay protected from improper access.

How common are records confidentiality violations in California assisted living?

According to public CCLD inspection records, 45 California RCFEs were cited under Section 87506(c)(1), with 51 total citations across 16 counties. Los Angeles County recorded the most with 10 citations, followed by Orange County with 6. These are classified as Type B citations, meaning the violation could become a risk to residents if not corrected. Even though the risk is not immediate, CCLD still requires prompt corrective action from every cited facility.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for records confidentiality?

CCLD will issue a Type B citation requiring a plan of correction to address how records are stored and who has access to them. Type B citations carry civil penalties, though lower than Type A, and the facility must correct the deficiency within the timeframe CCLD specifies. Your community will receive a follow-up inspection to confirm the changes are in place. Repeated violations can escalate enforcement actions against your license over time.

How do I fix or prevent a records confidentiality citation?

Store all active and inactive resident records in locked cabinets or password-protected digital systems that only authorized staff can access. Train every employee on when written consent is required before releasing any resident information. Audit your records access log monthly to confirm no unauthorized person viewed resident files. When a resident designates a representative, document that authorization in the file before sharing any information with that person.

Does a records confidentiality violation affect my RCFE license?

Yes. CCLD tracks all citations, and repeated Type B violations under Section 87506(c)(1) can trigger increased monitoring and more frequent inspections. Under Health and Safety Code section 1569.49, a pattern of uncorrected deficiencies, even Type B, can lead to conditions on your license. If unauthorized disclosure harms a resident, CCLD may escalate the case with more severe enforcement. Each citation becomes part of your facility's public inspection 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.

Every California assisted living facility's citation record is free to read. Browse facilities by county or look one up by name.

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