Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

What document is required after the death of a resident?

1. A death certificate

2. A written report to the licensing agency

3. A notification to the media

4. A review of the resident's file

The correct answer is: A written report to the licensing agency

In the context of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), the correct document required after the death of a resident is a death certificate. This is a vital record that provides official confirmation of the death, outlining important details such as the date, time, and cause of death. It serves multiple legal and administrative purposes, including settling estates, arrangements for burial, and fulfilling legal reporting requirements. While there are other notifications and reports that may be needed following a resident's death, such as informing the family and possibly the licensing agency, the immediate and essential document that formally recognizes the event is the death certificate. This document is important not only for family affairs but also for the facility’s record-keeping and compliance with regulatory obligations. Therefore, in situations concerning the passing of a resident, obtaining and providing the death certificate is a fundamental responsibility of the facility.