Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

Is a facility required to have a telephone if all residents have cell phones?

1. Yes

2. No

The correct answer is: No

A facility is not required to have a telephone if all residents have cell phones because regulations typically consider the availability of communication options that effectively meet the needs of the residents. As long as the residents have sufficient means to communicate in emergencies and maintain contact with family and friends, the absence of a landline telephone does not hinder the facility's compliance with regulations. The focus in such assessments is usually on ensuring that residents have access to communication that supports their safety and well-being. In modern contexts, cell phones often serve as the primary means of communication, rendering the requirement for a traditional telephone unnecessary.