Violation

California Code § 87506(e)Records Retention

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 rcfe36 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 § 87506(e) actually says

California Code § 87506(e)

Original records or photographic reproductions shall be retained for a minimum of three (3) years following termination of service to the resident.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

34 California RCFEs were cited for records retention violations. Orange County alone had 10. Set a calendar reminder for each resident's three-year retention deadline and never destroy files early. LPAs pull discharge records during inspection, and missing files trigger an immediate Type B citation.

By the numbers

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

36 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 Records Retention

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

Common practices

Retain original resident records or photographic reproductions
Maintain records for a minimum of three years after service termination
Ensure records are accessible for LPA review during inspections
Include all required documentation such as assessments, care plans, and service agreements

What to avoid

Destroying records before the three-year retention period ends
Storing records in disorganized or inaccessible locations
Failing to keep photographic reproductions when originals are damaged
Not tracking discharge dates to calculate retention deadlines accurately

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 Retention, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Orange	10	--	--
Riverside	4	--	--
Sacramento	3	--	--
San Bernardino	3	--	--
Sonoma	2	--	--
Alameda	2	--	--
San Diego	2	--	--
Los Angeles	2	--	--
Contra Costa	2	--	--
Solano	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 records retention violation under Section 87506(e)?

A records retention violation occurs when an assisted living facility fails to keep original resident records for the required three-year period after a resident's departure. Title 22, Section 87506(e) mandates this minimum retention window. Destroying records too early prevents CCLD from verifying care was properly provided and compromises continuity of information.

How common are records retention violations in California assisted living?

According to California CCLD inspection records, 34 RCFEs were cited for records retention deficiencies, with 42 total citations across 12 counties. Orange County led with 10 cited facilities, followed by Riverside with 4. This is classified as a Type B citation, meaning it poses a potential risk to residents rather than an immediate one.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for records retention violations?

CCLD issues a Type B citation for records retention failures, which requires a written plan of correction. While Type B citations carry lower penalties than Type A, they remain on your public inspection record. Multiple documentation citations can signal broader compliance problems and invite additional scrutiny during your next annual inspection.

How do I fix or prevent a records retention citation?

Create a records retention schedule that keeps all resident files for at least three years after discharge. Store records in a secure, organized location, whether physical or electronic. Assign a staff member to track retention periods and authorize destruction only after the three-year window closes. LPAs review a sample of records during every inspection.

Does a records retention violation affect my RCFE license?

A single Type B citation for records retention is unlikely to threaten your license directly. However, CCLD reviews citation history during license renewal, and a pattern of documentation failures can trigger a non-compliance review. Maintaining complete records demonstrates operational integrity and protects your facility during investigations or family complaints.

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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