PA PERSONAL CARE HOME (PCH) ADMINISTRATOR
EXAMINATION 2026/2027
Newly Released | Actual Exam| Guaranteed Pass |Graded A+
100 correct and Verified Questions & Answers With Expert Rationales
Q1: A resident in a Personal Care Home requires assistance with bathing, dressing, and
medication reminders, but is generally independent in mobility. According to 55 Pa. Code
Chapter 2600, this level of care is best described as:
A. Skilled nursing care
B. Personal care
C. Intermediate care
D. Hospice care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.3, "personal care" is defined as assistance
with eating, dressing, hygiene, and ambulating, which matches the resident's needs. Skilled
nursing care requires licensed nursing interventions, which are not permitted in PCHs unless
specific exceptions apply.
Q2: According to 55 Pa. Code §2600.41, what is the minimum requirement for conducting fire
drills in a Personal Care Home?
A. One drill per year on each shift
B. One drill per month on the day shift only
C. One drill on each shift at least once every 3 months
D. One drill per week alternating between night and day shifts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because §2600.41(b) explicitly requires a fire drill to be conducted on each
shift at least once every 3 months to ensure all staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
,Q3: A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the administrator's
responsibility regarding the resident's rights?
A. Force the resident to take the medication for their own health
B. Document the refusal and notify the physician and the resident’s contact person
C. Discharge the resident immediately for non-compliance
D. Administer the medication hidden in food to ensure compliance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.104 (resident rights) and §2600.184,
residents have the right to refuse treatment, and the facility must document the refusal and
follow physician notification protocols rather than forcing medication or deceptive practices.
Q4: [Unfolding Case Scenario Part 1] Mrs. Higgins, a resident with dementia, is found
attempting to leave the building unattended. She states she is "going to catch the bus." What is
the immediate action staff should take?
A. Physically restrain her immediately to prevent elopement
B. Lock all exterior doors permanently to prevent future attempts
C. Approach her calmly, validate her feelings, and redirect her back inside
D. Call the police to report a missing person immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.105 requires using the least restrictive
interventions for behavior management. Physical restraints are prohibited unless specifically
ordered, and redirection is the standard immediate intervention for wandering in dementia
care.
Q5: [Unfolding Case Scenario Part 2] Following Mrs. Higgins' elopement attempt, the facility
implements a monitoring plan. If Mrs. Higgins successfully leaves the grounds and is missing
for over 1 hour, to whom must the administrator report the incident?
A. The facility's lawyer only
B. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the resident's contact person
C. The local police department only
D. The Ombudsman program
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.191 and §2600.42, missing residents who
may be in danger are considered unusual incidents that require immediate notification to the
resident's family/contact and reporting to DHS within 24 hours if there is risk of serious harm.
Q6: According to Pennsylvania regulations, what is the maximum allowable water temperature
at the tap in resident bathing areas to prevent scalding?
A. 100°F
B. 110°F
C. 120°F
D. 130°F
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.43 sets the maximum water temperature at the
tap to 120°F to prevent burns, though a lower temperature (110°F) is often recommended for
vulnerable populations.
Q7: The administrator is reviewing staff files. Which of the following background checks is
required for all employees prior to employment in a PCH?
A. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check only
B. FBI Criminal History Check (fingerprinting) and PA State Police Check
C. A credit check and driver's license verification
D. References from the previous employer only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.62(a) requires all employees to obtain a
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check and an FBI Criminal History Check
(fingerprints) prior to employment to ensure resident safety.
Q8: Which of the following items must be included in the written admission agreement required
by 55 Pa. Code §2600.33?
A. A guarantee that the resident will never be hospitalized
B. The schedule of fees and payment policies
C. The medical diagnosis and prognosis of the resident
D. A waiver of the resident's right to file a grievance
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because §2600.33(c) mandates that the admission agreement include the
schedule of fees, services covered, and refund policies. It cannot waive rights or guarantee
medical outcomes.
Q9: Medication storage in a Personal Care Home must comply with specific regulations. Which
of the following is true regarding controlled substances?
A. They may be stored in the resident's room without locks
B. They must be kept in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet
C. They are not permitted in a Personal Care Home
D. They may be stored in the refrigerator unlocked if the fridge is in a staff area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.183 requires controlled substances to be stored
in a separate, locked, substantially constructed cabinet to prevent diversion and unauthorized
access.
Q10: Under 55 Pa. Code §2600.100, a resident has the right to manage their own financial
affairs. If a resident asks the home to safeguard their cash, how must this be handled?
A. Staff can hold it in the office safe without documentation
B. It must be placed in a locked area, and a receipt must be given to the resident
C. The home cannot accept cash from residents for any reason
D. The administrator is personally liable for the money
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because §2600.103 allows the home to safeguard valuables only if a written
receipt is provided and the items are stored securely, protecting both the resident and the
facility from liability.
EXAMINATION 2026/2027
Newly Released | Actual Exam| Guaranteed Pass |Graded A+
100 correct and Verified Questions & Answers With Expert Rationales
Q1: A resident in a Personal Care Home requires assistance with bathing, dressing, and
medication reminders, but is generally independent in mobility. According to 55 Pa. Code
Chapter 2600, this level of care is best described as:
A. Skilled nursing care
B. Personal care
C. Intermediate care
D. Hospice care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.3, "personal care" is defined as assistance
with eating, dressing, hygiene, and ambulating, which matches the resident's needs. Skilled
nursing care requires licensed nursing interventions, which are not permitted in PCHs unless
specific exceptions apply.
Q2: According to 55 Pa. Code §2600.41, what is the minimum requirement for conducting fire
drills in a Personal Care Home?
A. One drill per year on each shift
B. One drill per month on the day shift only
C. One drill on each shift at least once every 3 months
D. One drill per week alternating between night and day shifts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because §2600.41(b) explicitly requires a fire drill to be conducted on each
shift at least once every 3 months to ensure all staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
,Q3: A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the administrator's
responsibility regarding the resident's rights?
A. Force the resident to take the medication for their own health
B. Document the refusal and notify the physician and the resident’s contact person
C. Discharge the resident immediately for non-compliance
D. Administer the medication hidden in food to ensure compliance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.104 (resident rights) and §2600.184,
residents have the right to refuse treatment, and the facility must document the refusal and
follow physician notification protocols rather than forcing medication or deceptive practices.
Q4: [Unfolding Case Scenario Part 1] Mrs. Higgins, a resident with dementia, is found
attempting to leave the building unattended. She states she is "going to catch the bus." What is
the immediate action staff should take?
A. Physically restrain her immediately to prevent elopement
B. Lock all exterior doors permanently to prevent future attempts
C. Approach her calmly, validate her feelings, and redirect her back inside
D. Call the police to report a missing person immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.105 requires using the least restrictive
interventions for behavior management. Physical restraints are prohibited unless specifically
ordered, and redirection is the standard immediate intervention for wandering in dementia
care.
Q5: [Unfolding Case Scenario Part 2] Following Mrs. Higgins' elopement attempt, the facility
implements a monitoring plan. If Mrs. Higgins successfully leaves the grounds and is missing
for over 1 hour, to whom must the administrator report the incident?
A. The facility's lawyer only
B. The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the resident's contact person
C. The local police department only
D. The Ombudsman program
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Correct because under 55 Pa. Code §2600.191 and §2600.42, missing residents who
may be in danger are considered unusual incidents that require immediate notification to the
resident's family/contact and reporting to DHS within 24 hours if there is risk of serious harm.
Q6: According to Pennsylvania regulations, what is the maximum allowable water temperature
at the tap in resident bathing areas to prevent scalding?
A. 100°F
B. 110°F
C. 120°F
D. 130°F
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.43 sets the maximum water temperature at the
tap to 120°F to prevent burns, though a lower temperature (110°F) is often recommended for
vulnerable populations.
Q7: The administrator is reviewing staff files. Which of the following background checks is
required for all employees prior to employment in a PCH?
A. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check only
B. FBI Criminal History Check (fingerprinting) and PA State Police Check
C. A credit check and driver's license verification
D. References from the previous employer only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.62(a) requires all employees to obtain a
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check and an FBI Criminal History Check
(fingerprints) prior to employment to ensure resident safety.
Q8: Which of the following items must be included in the written admission agreement required
by 55 Pa. Code §2600.33?
A. A guarantee that the resident will never be hospitalized
B. The schedule of fees and payment policies
C. The medical diagnosis and prognosis of the resident
D. A waiver of the resident's right to file a grievance
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because §2600.33(c) mandates that the admission agreement include the
schedule of fees, services covered, and refund policies. It cannot waive rights or guarantee
medical outcomes.
Q9: Medication storage in a Personal Care Home must comply with specific regulations. Which
of the following is true regarding controlled substances?
A. They may be stored in the resident's room without locks
B. They must be kept in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet
C. They are not permitted in a Personal Care Home
D. They may be stored in the refrigerator unlocked if the fridge is in a staff area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 55 Pa. Code §2600.183 requires controlled substances to be stored
in a separate, locked, substantially constructed cabinet to prevent diversion and unauthorized
access.
Q10: Under 55 Pa. Code §2600.100, a resident has the right to manage their own financial
affairs. If a resident asks the home to safeguard their cash, how must this be handled?
A. Staff can hold it in the office safe without documentation
B. It must be placed in a locked area, and a receipt must be given to the resident
C. The home cannot accept cash from residents for any reason
D. The administrator is personally liable for the money
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because §2600.103 allows the home to safeguard valuables only if a written
receipt is provided and the items are stored securely, protecting both the resident and the
facility from liability.
