Florida Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Core Competency
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Florida Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Core Competency Test.
Each question includes an answer and an italicized rationale aligned with Florida Statutes Chapter
429, Florida Administrative Code Rule 59A-36, and AHCA standards. No domain or section labels
appear in the questions.
Exam facts (from rules 59A-36.011 and 429.52): The test has 100 multiple-choice questions, a passing
score is 75% , and candidates must pass within 90 days of employment. Administrators need 12
continuing education hours every 2 years.
Batch 1 (Qs 1–20) – Admission, Resident Rights & Discharge
1. A 19-year-old individual with a developmental disability applies for admission to a standard assisted
living facility in Florida. What is the facility’s most appropriate response?
A) Accept the applicant because there is no age restriction for standard ALFs.
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B) Deny admission unless the individual obtains a special waiver for younger adults.
C) Automatically accept based on disability status without review.
D) Require the applicant to be at least 18 years old without exception.
Answer: B
Florida residents must generally be at least 21 years old to be admitted to an ALF, although younger
individuals can be considered through a formal waiver process.
2. A family member asks you, “What document guarantees my mother’s right to privacy and dignity in
this facility?” Which document would you point to as the primary authority?
A) The Facility Activity Calendar
B) The Resident Bill of Rights (Section 429.28, F.S.)
C) The Facility’s Fire Evacuation Plan
D) The Employee Handbook
Answer: B
The Resident Bill of Rights (Florida Statute 429.28) explicitly lists protections for privacy, dignity, freedom
from restraint, and other fundamental rights.
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3. Your facility serves a resident who has not had a health assessment (Form 1823) for more than three
years. How soon must you obtain an updated assessment?
A) Immediately, because Florida requires an updated Form 1823 every 3 years or upon significant
change.
B) Within 6 months, since the rule is flexible.
C) Only if the family requests one.
D) Never, because the initial assessment is permanent.
Answer: A
AHCA requires an updated 1823 health assessment every 3 years, or immediately if the resident
experiences a significant change in physical or mental status.
4. You need to involuntarily discharge a resident because the resident’s care needs have exceeded your
facility’s capabilities. What is the minimum written notice you must provide unless an emergency
exception applies?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 45 days
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D) 60 days
Answer: C
Florida law requires at least 45 days’ written notice for involuntary discharge, unless the resident poses
an immediate danger to self or others.
5. A resident who self-administers medications moves into your facility and wants to keep a pill
organizer in his room. Is this permitted?
A) No, all medications must be kept in a locked central storage area.
B) Yes, a resident who self-administers may use a pill organizer.
C) Only if a physician signs an order allowing the organizer.
D) No, because pill organizers are considered unsafe.
Answer: B
Residents who self-administer may use a pill organizer; the facility must ensure that the practice does not
create an unreasonable risk.
6. Your facility’s new maintenance worker was hired on January 5. By May 31, he has already taken the
Alzheimer’s Level 1 class. What additional training does he need at this point?