
Report
TheVardellReport
Briarcrest Nursing Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
5648 East Gotham Street
Bell Gardens, CA 90201

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
5648 East Gotham Street
Bell Gardens, CA 90201
Life by Vardell Presents
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Across 32 inspections from October 2023 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 103 findings at Briarcrest Nursing Center; 103 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 4 enforcement actions in the window.
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 36 | 2 |
| 2025 | 11 | 27 | 2 |
| 2026 | 9 | 37 | 0 |
Chronology
Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
17 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
5 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
15 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
4 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
17 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $34,061 imposed June 25, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed June 25, 2024. Status: Closed, September 12, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $44,623 imposed March 1, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed March 1, 2025. Status: Closed, April 16, 2025. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
Inspectors cited F656 in March 2024, March 2025, June 2025, August 2025, January 2026, May 2026 and June 2026. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F689 in January 2024, March 2024, November 2024, March 2025, March 2025, January 2026 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F880 in January 2024, March 2024, February 2025, March 2025, May 2025, June 2026 and July 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F684 in June 2024, December 2024, April 2025 and November 2025. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F693 in October 2023, January 2024, December 2024 and July 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F842 in June 2024, August 2025, March 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F580 in March 2024, March 2026 and June 2026. This citation covers whether the resident, their doctor and a family member are told promptly about an injury, a decline or another significant change. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F583 in March 2024, January 2026 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F677 in March 2025, June 2026 and July 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F686 in March 2024, March 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F695 in March 2024, July 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F755 in March 2024, May 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F812 in October 2023, March 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F550 in March 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F552 in August 2024 and June 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F558 in March 2024 and March 2025. This citation covers whether the home reasonably accommodates each resident’s needs and preferences. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F609 in December 2024 and November 2025. This citation covers whether suspected abuse, neglect or theft is reported to the authorities on time, with the results of the home’s investigation. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F610 in December 2024 and November 2025. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F645 in March 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers the required screening for mental illness or intellectual disability before admission (PASARR). None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F658 in June 2026 and July 2026. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F688 in March 2024 and March 2025. This citation covers care that keeps or improves a resident’s movement and mobility. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F761 in March 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F806 in July 2024 and May 2025. The agency describes it this way: Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?
Care Plans: cited in seven inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed in fall prevention and supervision after the last citation, and how do you check that it is still working?
Accident Hazards and Supervision: cited in seven inspections, most seriously at level J.
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in seven inspections, most seriously at level F.
How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?
Quality of Care: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F693 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F693: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.
How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?
Medical Records: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.
How quickly will we hear about a fall, an injury or a change in condition, and from whom?
Telling Families About Changes: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F583 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F583: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?
Help With Daily Living: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?
Pressure Injury Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?
Respiratory Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?
Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F552 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F552: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How do you adjust rooms, schedules and routines to a resident’s needs and preferences?
Needs and Preferences: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?
Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?
Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
Was the required pre-admission screening done for every resident, and how is it tracked?
Pre-Admission Screening: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?
Professional Standards: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What do you do to keep residents moving, and who provides range-of-motion care?
Mobility and Range of Motion: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?
Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F806 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F806: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Insufficient nursing staff was cited in March 2024.
What led to the 2025 fine, and has it been paid?
A $44,623 civil money penalty was imposed March 1, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds four enforcement actions in the window.
The Evidence
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the California state survey agency.
California state survey agency
Inspection Oct 17, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Nov 9, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jan 8, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jan 24, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Mar 7, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jun 25, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jul 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Aug 13, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Aug 20, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Nov 13, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Dec 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Dec 30, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Feb 6, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Mar 1, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Mar 13, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Apr 21, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection May 6, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection May 22, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection May 24, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jun 25, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Aug 7, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Aug 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Nov 14, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jan 5, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jan 21, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Mar 26, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Apr 1, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection May 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jun 4, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jul 16, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Jul 20, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
California state survey agency
Inspection Aug 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 056220
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowOctober 17, 2023 – October 1, 2026
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.