Laurel Heights
RCFE
A Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) is a non-medical residential care home licensed by California CDSS under Health & Safety Code §1560. Residents receive assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meals, and medication management in a home-like setting. RCFEs are not hospitals or skilled nursing facilities — they do not provide round-the-clock medical care.
17340 Oak Leaf Dr. · Morgan Hill, 95037
Quick facts
Quality snapshot
Updated April 25, 2026Compared to 214 California RCFE facilities of similar size, over the last 36 months.
Source: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. View raw inspection records →
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Severity49thWeighted citations per bed
Repeats100thRepeat deficiencies as share of total
Frequency52thDeficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Quality grade· click to show how this was calculated
Weighted citations per bed
Repeat deficiencies as share of total
Deficiencies per inspection
Tick mark at 50% = peer median · higher percentile = better facility
Laurel Heights scores B−. Better than 67% of comparable California RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY facilities. Severity: 49th percentile. Repeats: top 0%. Frequency: 52th percentile.
Each metric is converted to a 0–100 percentile within the peer set (higher = better). The composite grade averages all four. Peer set: CA / rcfe_general / small beds (214 facilities).
Citation severity over time
stableWeighted severity score per month · 24 months
Weighted score (24mo)
0
Finding distribution
2 total · 36 monthsScope × Severity (CMS A–L)
The rules that apply to this facility
California Title 22 requirements for this facility, with the specific regulation and a suggested question for each.
What training are all staff required to complete?22 CCR §87411
All direct-care staff must complete:
- 10 hours initial training within the first four weeks of employment.
- 4 hours annual in-service every year thereafter.
- Administrator certificate from a CDSS-approved program — 80 hours for first-time, 40 hours renewal every 2 years.
Ask on tour: Ask when the last staff training was completed and how it's tracked.
How many staff must be on duty overnight?22 CCR §87415
Based on 6 licensed beds:
One qualified staff member must be on call and physically on premises at all times overnight.
Violation pattern to watch for:A facility that documents a staff member as "on call" but with that person physically off-site — when the law requires on-premises presence — is in violation of this section.
Ask on tour: Ask the facility to walk you through their overnight staffing plan and confirm whether on-call staff are on premises or off-site.
What health conditions can this facility legally accept or refuse?22 CCR §87612–87615
Restricted — allowed with physician order + care plan
- Supplemental oxygen
- Insulin and injectable medications
- Indwelling or intermittent catheters
- Colostomy / ileostomy
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 pressure injuries
- Wound care (non-complex)
- Incontinence
- Contractures
Prohibited — facility must refuse or discharge
- Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injuries
- Feeding tubes (PEG, NG, or J-tube)
- Tracheostomies
- Active MRSA or communicable infections requiring isolation
- 24-hour skilled nursing needs
- Total ADL dependence with inability to communicate needs
A hospice waiver (HSC §1569.73) can allow continued care for residents on hospice who would otherwise fall into a prohibited category.
Ask on tour: Ask whether your loved one's specific care needs are restricted or prohibited, and what the facility's process is if needs change after admission.
What must this facility report to the state — and how fast?22 CCR §87211 / WIC §15630
- ImmediateElopement, fire, epidemic outbreak, or poisoningImmediately
- 2 hoursAbuse with serious bodily injury2-hour phone report + 2-hour written report — to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Adult Protective Services, and law enforcement
- 24 hrsAbuse without serious bodily injuryWithin 24 hours
- Next dayDeath of a residentPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- Next dayInjury requiring medical treatment beyond first aidPhone by next working day; written within 7 days
- WrittenBankruptcy, foreclosure, eviction, or utility shutoff noticeWritten notice to CDSS and residents — $100/day penalty (max $2,000) for failure
Your enforcement lever:Incidents that aren't reported on time are themselves a separate violation. If you believe a reportable event wasn't filed, you can submit a complaint directly to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
How does CDSS enforce these rules?22 CCR §87755–87777 / HSC §1569.58
- 1Notice of DeficiencyWritten citation with a correction deadline. Facility must submit a Plan of Correction.
- 2Civil PenaltyStarts at $50/day for non-serious; $150/day for serious deficiencies — immediately, with no grace period. Repeats escalate to $150 first day + $50/day, then $1,000 first day + $100/day.
- 3Suspension of AdmissionsFacility cannot accept new residents until violations are corrected.
- 4Temporary Suspension or RevocationEmergency suspension for imminent danger; full revocation after administrative hearing.
- 5Exclusion OrderAdministrator and operator can be barred from all CDSS-licensed facilities — not just this one.
See how these rules have been applied to this specific facility:
View state inspection record and citationsState records
California Dept. of Social Services · Community Care Licensing- License number
- 435202422
- License type
- RESIDENTIAL CARE ELDERLY
- License status
- LICENSED
- License expires
- Not yet indexed
- Licensed beds
- 6
- Operator
- Laurel Care, Inc.
Inspections & citations
4
reports on file
3
total deficiencies
1
Type A (actual harm)
InspectionFebruary 25, 2026No deficiencies
Plain-language summary
This was a routine annual inspection of the facility, and no violations were found. The inspector observed that the facility was clean and safe, with properly secured medications and chemicals, functioning fire safety systems, appropriate temperatures, and staff with required certifications and background clearances. All areas reviewed—including resident rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces—met state requirements.
View full inspector notes
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Maria (Mita) Partoza conducted an unannounced annual required inspection and was greeted by 2 staff (S1 and S2). Administrator (ADM) Nenita Abad was not at the facility during the time of the visit due to prior commitment. Licensee (LIC) Merle Laurel arrived at the facility at 0915 hrs. The facility is licensed for adults 60 and over; 5 may be non-ambulatory. 1 bedridden (room 3) and approved for 2 hospice waiver. LPA observed 6 residents were present, 3 out of 6 was watching TV, 1 out of 6 was outside by the front yard and 2 out of 6 were in the bedroom resting. LPA toured the facility, including common areas, resident rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, driveway, and outdoor spaces and storage areas. Indoor temperature was within acceptable range of 68°F. The kitchen was sanitary and organized; knives and chemicals were locked. Food supply met requirements (2 days perishable, 7 days non-perishable). Kitchen water temperature measured at 1106.1°F. Bathroom water temperature ranged from 105.8°F Bathrooms had grab bars and non-skid mats; resident rooms had adequate storage. Medications were locked and inaccessible to residents; first aid kit was complete. Outdoor areas were free of hazards; laundry appliances were functional, and cleaning supplies were secured. Fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide systems were operational; hallways were clear and well-lit. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 The facility exterior has back deck that is sturdy and smoking area. The outdoor yard is kept sanitary, no hazardous materials and tripping hazard was observed during the visit. LPA reviewed 3 resident and 2 staff records, including medication logs, admission agreements, care plans, personal and incidentals, health screenings, and training. All staff have required clearances and certifications. Based on resident roster 2 out of 6 residents were under the age of 60. The facility conducted fire and earthquake drill on 01/10/2026. The facility is equipped with panel fire alarm system, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher that was inspected on 01/13/2026. No deficiencies were cited during today's visit based on the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22. An exit interview was conducted with LIcensee Merle Laurel and a copy of the report was provided. end of report
InspectionMarch 26, 2025No deficiencies
Plain-language summary
A licensing inspector conducted the facility's annual inspection in April 2026 and found the home in compliance with state regulations. The inspector verified that fire exits were clear, medications and hazardous materials were properly secured, staff were cleared and trained, food storage was adequate, and emergency plans were in place. The administrator was advised to add staff names to emergency drill records and to stock first aid supplies like bandages.
View full inspector notes
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Christine Kabariti arrived unannounced to conduct the facility's required 1 year annual inspection. LPA met with Administrator (ADM), Nenita Abad. During visit, LPA toured the facility with ADM to include the living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 staff bedrooms, garage, 3 resident bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and exterior. All fire exit routes were free and clear of obstruction. All staff present are fingerprint cleared and associated to the facility. Facility temperature maintained at 68 degrees F. Kitchen is equipped with at least 2 days worth of perishables and 7 days worth of non-perishable foods. Medications, sharp objects, chemicals and disinfectants observed locked. Refrigerator temperature maintained at 30 degrees F and freezer temperature maintained at 0 degrees F. Men's bathroom hot water temperature maintained at 111 degrees F. Women's bathroom hot water temperature maintained at 112.4 degrees F. Resident bedrooms equipped with beds, linens, dressers, night stand and adequate lighting. Sliding doors and screen doors observed well maintained. Fire extinguisher last serviced on 1/3/2025. Carbon monoxide detector observed operable. 3 resident records were reviewed and observed complete. 3 residents medications and centrally stored medication records were reviewed and all medications were accounted for. Facility has a PRN medication log for each resident. See LIC809-C. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 3 staff records were reviewed. 2 out of 3 staff has an active first aid certification. 3 out of 3 staff has a health screening, TB result, fingerprint clearance, and training. LPA advised ADM to ensure the amount of training hours completed is stated on the staff training record. Facility has an emergency disaster plan. Disaster drills are being conducted monthly and the the drill was completed in February 2025. LPA advised to include the names of the staff and residents (if applicable), who were part of the disaster drill on the drill log per Health and Safety Code Section 1569.695(c). LPA observed the facility has flash lights and batteries. Facility is equipped with a first aid kit. LPA did not observe the facility has any band-aids or roller bandages. ADM stated a plan to place an order for band-aids or roller bandages today. Documents were requested by 04/04/2025 to include: LIC500, LIC308, liability insurance, qualifications of administrator (certificate), lease agreement, emergency disaster plan, LIC200 (if applicable). LPA advised ADM to review the facility's program plan for updates and to submit the updated program plan to Licensing for review. No deficiencies were cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Advisory note provided. This report was reviewed with Administrator, Nenita Abad and a copy of the report was provided.
InspectionMarch 24, 2024Type A2 deficiencies
Inspector: Manuel Monter
Plain-language summary
During an unannounced annual inspection, inspectors found a container of Lysol cleaning product left in a resident's shared bedroom bathroom; the administrator said it belonged to a resident and was accidentally not returned to storage. The facility's medication, knives, and cleaning products were otherwise properly locked and inaccessible to residents, water temperatures were in the safe range, fire safety equipment was present and tested, and food supplies were appropriate, though some deficiencies were cited during the visit.
View full inspector notes
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Manuel Monter conducted an unannounced annual inspection visit, and met with Administrator (ADM) Nenita Abad. During the visit, LPA observed 6 residents and 2 staff. LPA toured the facility inside out with ADM which included the Living room, kitchen, dining room, 3 restrooms and 3 residents bedrooms. The staff area of the facility was also inspected. The front yard and backyard were inspected. There was no obstruction to block the walkways. While touring resident bedroom #3's private bathroom, LPA observed a laundry detergent container, with the name "Lysol." (Photographs were taken.) ADM stated the laundry detergent belongs to R4 and forgot to put it back in the garage. (Note: bedroom #3 is a shared bedroom for R4 and R5.) Two-day perishable food supplies and seven day nonperishable food supplies were observed. LPA observed the medication storage area, knives storage area, and cleaning product storage area as locked and inaccessible to residents in care. Room temperature was at 70 degrees F. LPA measured hot water temperature with a thermometer in all 3 facility bathrooms and water temperature was measured to range from 138-139 degrees F. (LPA took photos and videos of thermometer) Fire extinguisher was serviced in January 24, 2024. The facility was equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors was tested by ADM, and were functional. LPA observed facility first aid kit and facility fire/earthquake drill log. The facility's last drill was on February 12, 2024. LPA reviewed facility records for 3 staff and 3 residents. LPA reviewed 3 resident medications and centrally stored medication records. LPA conducted interviews with 1 staff and 2 residents. Deficiencies are being cited during today's visit. This report was reviewed with Administrator (ADM) Nenita Abad and a copy of the signed report was provided. Appeal Rights were provided.
Regulation
(e) Water supplies and plumbing fixtures shall be maintained as follows: (2) Faucets used by residents for personal care such as shaving and grooming shall deliver hot water. Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate the temperature of hot water used by residents to attain a temperature of not less than 105 degre…
Inspector finding
Based on observation and LPA's measurement with a thermometer, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. 3 Out of 3 bathrooms water temperature was measured to range from 138-139 degrees F. This poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 03/25/2024 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 ADM agrees to submit a Plan of Correction by POC date to ensure that water temperatures in the sinks of all resident bathrooms are between 105 F to 120 F. A…
Regulation
(a) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, firearms and other items which could pose a danger if readily available to clients shall be stored where inaccessible to clients.
Inspector finding
Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. While touring resident bedroom #3's private bathroom, LPA observed a laundry detergent container, with the name "Lysol", accessible to residents R4 and R5. This poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 03/29/2024 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 ADM stated she will send a written plan of action stating how she will ensure disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, …
ComplaintMarch 10, 2022Type B1 deficiency
Inspector: Christine Dolores
Plain-language summary
During a routine annual inspection, inspectors found the facility maintained good hygiene and sanitation practices, with hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and protective equipment available throughout. Two maintenance issues were noted: a screen door in a resident room that didn't slide easily and a detached screen door in the kitchen that was leaning against the wall, both cited as deficiencies. The facility was advised to create a better system for managing protective equipment supplies and to review its cleaning and isolation procedures.
View full inspector notes
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Christine Dolores conducted an unannounced annual required inspection and met with Administrator Nenita Abad. During visit, LPA toured the facility inside and outside to include the central entry point, bathrooms, resident rooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and backyard. All exit routes were free and clear of obstruction. Bathrooms observed to be supplied with hygiene products and paper supplies. Hand washing signs were posted in bathrooms. Trash can was observed with lid. Hand sanitizer available to residents and visitors. LPA observed supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All staff observed to be wearing a face mask. The following posters were observed to include visitors sign, wash your hands, and social distancing. Facility disinfect and sanitize high touch surfaces daily and as needed. During visit, LPA advised facility to create a PPE supply cart and to review facility's mitigation plan in regards to screening, isolating, quarantine, testing, cleaning, and disinfecting. LPA will provide Administrator COVID-19 resources. At 03:41 p.m., LPA observed the screen door in the resident's room to not slide open and close easily. At 03:46 p.m., LPA observed a screen door in the kitchen area unattached and leaning against the wall. A deficiency cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22. Advisory note provided. This report was reviewed with Administrator Nenita Abad and a copy of this report and appeal rights was provided.
Regulation
(c) All window screens shall be clean and maintained in good repair.
Inspector finding
Based on observation and interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by not ensuring window screen in resident's room can open and close easily and screen door in kitchen to be in disrepair which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 03/17/2022 Plan of Correction 1 2 3 4 Licensee will repair window screen in resident's room and window screen in the kitchen area by following-up with the repair man to repair windo…
Federal summary
CMS Care CompareNot a CMS-certified facility
California RCFEs (residential care facilities for the elderly) are licensed by the state, not by CMS. CMS data only applies to skilled nursing facilities or to CCRCs that operate a licensed SNF wing.
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