Why the Administrator of a Congregate Living Health Facility (CLHF) Must Be Present Full-Time

Why the Administrator of a Congregate Living Health Facility (CLHF) Must Be Present Full-Time

Operating a Congregate Living Health Facility (CLHF) requires meticulous coordination of resident care, staffing, compliance, and emergency response. In California, the administrator’s on-site presence five days a week, eight hours each day, is not only best practice but also essential for regulatory compliance under Title 22.

Regulatory Foundation: Title 22 Requirements

1. Presence and Oversight

   • According to 22 CCR § 87405(a), a CLHF must have a qualified, currently certified administrator on the premises “a sufficient number of hours to permit adequate attention to the management and administration of the facility.” When the administrator is absent, a qualified substitute must be designated on-site to assume those responsibilities (Legal Information Institute).

2. Flexibility for Additional Hours When Needed

   • The Department has the authority to require additional hours if

     

     documentation shows that the facility’s needs demand it (Westlaw Government).

3. Quality Training and Qualifications

   • Administrators must meet specific qualifications based on facility type and size, along with documented training—40 hours at minimum—including areas like health conditions, facility management, and infectious disease awareness (California Department of Social Services).

   • They must complete an 80-hour Initial Certification Training Program (at least 60 hours face-to-face) and pass the required exam, plus 40 hours of continuing education every two years (AHCA/NCAL).

Why Full-Time Presence Matters: Key Practical and Compliance Benefits

1. Ensures Regulatory Compliance Around the Clock

• Full-time presence facilitates ongoing adherence to Title 22 standards, allowing the administrator to manage licensing, audits, documentation, and inspections proactively.

• When not on-site, the facility must rely on a substitute—introducing risk unless properly qualified and informed (Legal Information Institute).

2. Immediate Response to Emergencies and Resident Needs

• CLHF residents often face unpredictable health scenarios. An on-site administrator ensures quick decisions and appropriate escalation—especially critical during evenings or peak activity periods.

• Authorities may require additional administrator hours if resident needs, facility layout, or operations justify it (Westlaw Government).

3. Smooth Operational Management

• Overseeing staff scheduling, supplies, care coordination, and vendor relations demands real-time oversight.

• Delayed decision-making due to absence can compromise resident safety, service quality, and cost control.

4. Maintains Staff Development and Accountability

• Continuous availability enables timely supervision, support, and training—essential given mandated training for new and existing staff.

• Ensures that care goals, policies, and standards are consistently reinforced.

5. Sustains Operational and Financial Stability

• With billing, budgeting, admissions, and reimbursements requiring daily attention, having a dedicated administrator significantly reduces the likelihood of operational gaps or revenue losses.

6. Builds Trust with Residents and Families

• A consistent presence conveys leadership, accountability, and reliability—essential for families placing their loved ones in care.

• Strengthens the facility’s reputation for transparency and involvement.

Conclusion

California’s Title 22 regulations clearly mandate that CLHFs maintain a certified administrator on-site for adequate hours—and the Department may demand even more depending on documented needs (Legal Information Institute). A full-time, visible administrator ensures compliance, promotes safety, supports staff, sustains smooth operations, and builds confidence among families and regulators alike.