Violation

California Code § 87303(f)(2)Sharps Disposal

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 rcfe27 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 § 87303(f)(2) actually says

California Code § 87303(f)(2)

Syringes and needles are disposed of in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193 concerning blood borne pathogens. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Sections 5193(d)(3)(B) through (D) are paraphrased in pertinent part:

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

25 California RCFEs were cited for this Type A deficiency. LPAs will open medication carts and check resident bathrooms for loose needles during inspections. Keep sealed sharps containers in every medication area to avoid immediate penalties.

By the numbers

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

27 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 Sharps Disposal

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

Common practices

Dispose of syringes and needles in approved sharps containers
Follow Title 8, Section 5193 bloodborne pathogen standards
Ensure containers are puncture-resistant and properly sealed
Train staff on immediate disposal of sharps after use

What to avoid

Leaving uncapped needles in resident rooms or common areas
Overfilling sharps containers past the designated fill line
Using makeshift containers instead of approved medical waste bins

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 Sharps Disposal, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Sacramento	7	--	--
Los Angeles	4	--	--
Riverside	3	--	--
Sonoma	2	--	--
Alameda	2	--	--
Contra Costa	2	--	--
Kern	1	--	--
Fresno	1	--	--
San Diego	1	--	--
Stanislaus	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 sharps disposal requirement for California RCFEs?

Title 22, Section 87303(f)(2) requires assisted living facilities to dispose of syringes and needles according to California bloodborne pathogen rules. Staff must use approved medical waste containers for all sharps. This prevents accidental needle sticks and protects residents from bloodborne infections.

How common are sharps disposal violations in California assisted living?

According to CCLD inspection data, 25 California RCFEs were cited for sharps disposal violations. These are classified as Type A citations because improper handling creates an immediate safety risk. Facilities in Sacramento and Los Angeles accounted for the highest number of these deficiencies.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for improper sharps disposal?

Improper sharps disposal results in a Type A citation, which carries civil penalties. The facility must correct the issue immediately and provide proof of proper disposal containers to the Licensing Program Analyst. A mandatory follow-up inspection will verify that the new safety protocols are in place.

How do I fix or prevent a sharps disposal violation?

Place approved, puncture-resistant sharps containers in all areas where injections are administered. Train staff to dispose of syringes immediately after use and never recap needles. Check containers regularly during medication passes to ensure they do not overflow.

Does a sharps disposal violation affect my RCFE license?

Yes, bloodborne pathogen violations are serious Type A deficiencies tracked by CCLD. Failing to correct your sharps handling procedures can lead to unannounced follow-up inspections and increased scrutiny on your licensing record. It creates a pattern of noncompliance with state health laws.

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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