The Vardell Report.Driftwood Healthcare Center - Santa Cruz

Across 12 inspections from August 2022 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 54 findings at Driftwood Healthcare Center - Santa Cruz; 54 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

12

2022–2026, complaint and standard

Findings

54

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

54

Of 54 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

0

No fines or payment denials in the window

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.

1. Aug 252026

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F646Notify the appropriate authorities when residents with MD or ID services has a significant change in condition.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 2026

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

2. Jul 152026

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 12, 2026
   • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 12, 2026

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

3. Dec 122025

   Standard health inspection

   6 findings

   • F700Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026
   • F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026
   • F805Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026
   • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026
   • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 9, 2026

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

4. Aug 222025

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 2025

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

5. Oct 22024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 31, 2024

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

6. Jun 242024

   Standard health inspection

   25 findings

   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F700Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F741Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F745Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F758Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F919Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F806Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F809Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024
   • F909Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2024

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

7. Mar 192024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 27, 2024

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

8. Mar 42024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 13, 2024

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

9. Jan 182024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level GActual harmCorrected Jan 30, 2024

   Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

10. Oct 92023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 30, 2023

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

11. Oct 62023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 30, 2023

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

12. Aug 192022

    Standard health inspection

    13 findings

    • F801Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F802Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F758Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022
    • F806Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2022

    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.

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1. 1

   Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F689 in October 2023, March 2024, March 2024 and October 2024. 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 G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   222323242424242425252626F689 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Pharmacy Services, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F755 in August 2022, January 2024, June 2024 and December 2025. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   222323242424242425252626F755 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Care Plans, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F656 in October 2023, June 2024 and July 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.

   222323242424242425252626F656 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F812 in August 2022, June 2024 and December 2025. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F812 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F880 in August 2022, June 2024 and December 2025. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F880 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Citation F700, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F700 in June 2024 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F700 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Citation F756, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F756 in August 2022 and June 2024. The agency describes it this way: Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F756 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Psychotropic Medications, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F758 in August 2022 and June 2024. This citation covers how psychotropic drugs are used, including dose reductions and limits on as-needed orders. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F758 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Medication Error Rate, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F759 in August 2022 and June 2024. This citation covers whether medication errors stayed under 5 percent when inspectors watched medications being given. 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.

   222323242424242425252626F759 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F761 in June 2024 and December 2025. 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.

    222323242424242425252626F761 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Citation F806, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F806 in August 2022 and June 2024. 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.

    222323242424242425252626F806 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

1. 01

   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 four inspections, most seriously at level G.

2. 02

   How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?

   Pharmacy Services: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level G.

3. 03

   How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?

   Care Plans: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?

   Infection Control: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.

6. 06

   What changed after F700 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F700: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

7. 07

   What changed after F756 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F756: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

8. 08

   How many residents take psychotropic medications, and how often are doses reviewed for reduction?

   Psychotropic Medications: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

9. 09

   How are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?

   Medication Error Rate: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

10. 10

    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.

11. 11

    What changed after F806 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F806: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

12. 12

    How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?

    No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.

13. 13

    Has the home been fined or had payments denied before this record begins?

    CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window. The record starts August 19, 2022; anything earlier is not in it.

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the California state survey agency.

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 19, 2022 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Oct 6, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Oct 9, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Jan 18, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Mar 4, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Mar 19, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Jun 24, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Oct 2, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 22, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Dec 12, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Jul 15, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  California state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 25, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 055109

  Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗

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.