Residential care facilities for the elderly: housing protections.

Senator Wahab's residential care facility legislation extends eviction notice periods and establishes new discharge planning requirements for California's elderly care homes. The measure modifies existing Health and Safety Code provisions to require 60-day notices for residents of one year and 90-day notices for those residing two years or longer, replacing the current 30-day standard. Department-approved three-day notices remain permissible in certain cases.

The bill requires facilities to document their discharge planning efforts when issuing eviction notices. This documentation must detail the resident's post-eviction needs and preferences, along with a list of alternative housing options within 30 miles that match the resident's care requirements and financial means. Facilities must specify available services and licensing status for each potential placement. The local long-term care ombudsman must receive copies of all eviction notices.

New enforcement provisions prohibit facilities from denying entry to residents during the notice period and until eviction proceedings conclude. Violations incur a $10,000 civil penalty plus $1,000 per day of continued non-compliance, while refusal of entry constitutes a misdemeanor offense. The bill maintains existing requirements for facilities to notify residents' designated responsible persons and provide information about complaint procedures through licensing authorities.