LIC 602A, Made Simple: How the Form Keeps RCFE Residents Safe and Well‑Monitored

Families in California often face delays and confusion when moving loved ones into assisted living because of the LIC 602A requirement. The form expires after 90 days, must be completed by a licensed clinician, and demands detailed health information. Missed details or outdated reports can block admission and compromise safety.

Topic	Key Information
What is LIC 602A?	A mandatory medical report required for admission to a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in California.
Who completes it?	Licensed physician (MD/DO), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant.
Why is it important?	Confirms whether your loved one can safely live in a non-medical RCFE and outlines daily care needs.
What does it include?	Medical history, medications, ADLs, cognitive/behavioral status, mobility, TB screening, and safety risks.
How long is it valid?	90 days from completion; must be updated with any significant health change.
What families should prepare	List of medications, diagnoses, allergies, TB test results, and emergency contact information.

What LIC 602A Checks and How It Protects Your Loved One

Medical History. Primary and secondary diagnoses, surgeries. Sets the baseline for observation and care priorities.

Medications. Names, doses, schedule, allergies, and ability to self-administer. If self-management isn’t safe, RCFE staff can legally help with storage, reminders, and assistance within their scope.

ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Bathing, dressing/grooming, eating, toileting. These entries become a concrete staffing and support schedule.

Cognition and Behavior. Beyond diagnoses, the form focuses on behavioral expressions—e.g., unsafe wandering, nighttime exits, agitation—because behavior drives real-world incidents.

Mobility. Ambulatory / non-ambulatory (walker, wheelchair) / bed-bound. RCFE may not retain residents who are permanently bed-bound (temporary bed rest up to ~14 days may be allowed with orders).

Infection Safety. TB screening is standard; other tests per clinical picture. Protects other residents and staff.

Hazard Exposure. Access to chemicals, knives, medications; proximity to heat/water sources (stove, fireplace, pools, tubs). Identified risks must be mitigated in the care plan.

How Facilities Turn the Form Into Everyday Safety

• Personalized Care Plan. LIC 602A → specific actions: “shower assistance 3×/week,” “night checks at 1am/4am,” “medications stored by staff,” “door alert,” “visual cues in restroom.”

• Ongoing Monitoring. Any incident (fall, confusion, weight loss, new meds) triggers a review of the plan—and, if needed, an updated 602A.

• Right Level of Care. RCFE = non-medical. If needs grow to skilled nursing, the form helps support a safe, timely transfer.

Timeline for Families to Avoid Admission Delays

4–3 Weeks Out. Book an appointment with an MD/NP/PA specifically for LIC 602A. Ask if TB screening can be done onsite.

2 Weeks Out. Assemble your packet:

• Medication list (name, dose, time; include purpose if possible)

• Diagnoses/surgeries, allergies

• Emergency contact

• TB results (or order)

At the Visit. Request clear entries for ADLs, mobility, cognition/behavioral risks (wandering, kitchen use, chemicals/water/fire). Check legibility, dates, signatures.

After the Visit. Make 2–3 copies; send a scan to the RCFE. Add a 90-day reminder to your calendar.

If Health Changes Before Move-In. Ask the clinician to update 602A; otherwise the RCFE may postpone admission.

LIC 602A Sections and How They Affect Care

LIC 602A Section	What’s Documented	How Care Changes
Medical History	Diagnoses, surgeries	Observation frequency; “red flags” to watch
Medications	Names/doses/times; allergies; self-administration	Storage by staff; reminders; double-checks at med pass
ADLs	Bathing, dressing, eating, toileting	Support schedule by time of day; one- vs two-person assist
Cognition and Behavior	Memory, instructions, wandering, agitation	Night checks; door alerts; calming routines; safe layout
Mobility	Ambulatory / walker / wheelchair / bed-bound	Evacuation plan; grab bars; non-slip surfaces; escorting
Infection Control	TB and other relevant tests	Placement considerations; protective measures
Hazards	Chemicals, knives, meds, stove/fireplaces, pools/tubs	Locked storage; kitchen/bath monitoring; access limits

RCFE are non‑medical settings. Permanently bed‑bound residents are generally not appropriate for RCFE.

Common Red Flags in the Form and Required Safety Measures

Risk Flagged in LIC 602A	Typical Measures in the Care Plan
Night Wandering / Elopement	Scheduled night checks; door alarms; safe wayfinding
Impulsivity / Agitation	De-escalation protocols; known triggers; quiet spaces
Cannot Self-Manage Medications	Staff storage; timed reminders; two-step verification
Stove / Fire / Hot Water Risks	Supervised kitchen use; limit access; appliance safety
Fall History	Footwear review; remove throw rugs; grab bars; escorted walks
Weight Loss / Dehydration	Hydration cues; snacks; weight logs; MD follow-up

When to Update LIC 602A Immediately

• Falls with injury or frequent near‑falls

• New confusion or marked behavior change

• New meds/injections/oxygen or significant side effects

• Unintentional weight loss, poor intake, dehydration

• Loss of independence with any key ADL

• Transition from walking to full‑time wheelchair use

• New risk of wandering/elopement

Mini FAQ

1. Is LIC 602 the same as 602A?
   They’re both clinician reports, but 602A is tailored to RCFE and emphasizes daily supports and safety risks in non‑medical settings.

2. Who Can Sign 602A?
   A California‑licensed MD/DO, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant.

3. How Long Is It Valid?
   Up to 90 days from the date of completion. Plan your move‑in accordingly.

4. What If We Don’t Have a Primary Doctor or Timing Is Tight?
   Consider clinics with rapid appointments, a home visit, or telemedicine—so long as the clinician understands RCFE requirements.

5. Is Wheelchair Use Acceptable in RCFE?
   Yes. Many non‑ambulatory residents are appropriate, provided they are not permanently bed‑bound and the RCFE can ensure safe evacuation and daily assistance.

6. What If the Form Expired Before Move‑In?
   Ask the clinician to update it; RCFE may not accept an out‑of‑date form.

Compliance Matters

RCFEs are accountable for resident safety. Serious incidents can lead to regulatory citations and fines. This is why communities may insist on a complete, legible 602A and request updates when health changes—they’re required to prevent avoidable risks.

Bottom Line

LIC 602A isn’t paperwork for a binder—it’s your safety blueprint. When the form is complete and current, the RCFE can staff correctly, set practical safeguards, and adjust care as needs evolve. Do it early, keep it updated, and you’ve removed half the friction from the move‑in.