The words assisted living and RCFE get used as if they mean different things. In California they point to the same license. The state licenses these homes as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, and assisted living is the everyday name for them.
An RCFE provides housing, meals, supervision, and help with daily activities for residents who are generally 60 or older. It is non-medical care. That is the line that separates it from a skilled nursing facility, which provides ongoing medical and nursing care and is licensed by a different state department.
For a new owner, the practical takeaway is simple. If you plan to offer room, board, and personal care without providing medical treatment, the license you need is the RCFE. Knowing that before you start keeps your application pointed at the right agency and the right requirements. Sorting out which license fits your plan is one of the first things we work through with new owners.