LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Monterey Palms Health Care Center

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

44610 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-CA-555403-2611
← Monterey Palms Health Care Center, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Monterey Palms Health Care Center

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Palm Desert, CA
Record Period
2023–2026
Source Documents
13
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 12 inspections from March 2023 to July 2026, state surveyors documented 40 findings at Monterey Palms Health Care Center; 40 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
12
2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
40
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
40
Of 40 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
0
No fines or payment denials in the window

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 6 findings across 3 inspections620233 inspections2024: 3 findings across 3 inspections320243 inspections2025: 12 findings across 2 inspections1220252 inspections2026: 19 findings across 4 inspections192026*4 inspections2023: 6 findings across 3 inspections620233 insp.2024: 3 findings across 3 inspections320243 insp.2025: 12 findings across 2 inspections1220252 insp.2026: 19 findings across 4 inspections192026*4 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023360
2024330
20252120
20264190

What the Record Shows

  • 40 of 40 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window.
  • 9 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, May 14, 2026, recorded 15 findings (most serious: Level E).
02

Chronology

Inspection History

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. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 14, 2026
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 14, 2026

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

  2. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F800Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 10, 2026

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

  3. 2026

    Standard health inspection

    15 findings

    • 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 Jun 5, 2026
    • F802Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F803Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 2026
    • F806Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F808Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 2026
    • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 2026
    • F810Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
    • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026

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

  4. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2026

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

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 Jun 25, 2025
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 25, 2025

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

  6. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    • F802Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • F803Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • 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 Feb 28, 2025
    • 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 Feb 28, 2025
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • 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 Feb 28, 2025
    • 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 Feb 28, 2025
    • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025

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

  7. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.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)

  8. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 3, 2024

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

  9. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 8, 2024

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

  10. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 27, 2024

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

  11. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 11, 2023

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

  12. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    4 findings

    • 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 Apr 6, 2023
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 6, 2023
    • 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 Apr 6, 2023
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 6, 2023

    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.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

  1. 1

    Quality of Care, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in October 2023, May 2026 and July 2026. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F684 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F761 in March 2023, January 2025 and May 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.

    232323242424252526262626F761 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in March 2023, January 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F812 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Garbage and Refuse, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F814 in March 2024, January 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether garbage and refuse are disposed of properly. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F814 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Needs and Preferences, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F558 in April 2024 and July 2024. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F558 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F755 in June 2025 and May 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.

    232323242424252526262626F755 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Citation F802, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F802 in January 2025 and May 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F802 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Citation F803, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F803 in January 2025 and May 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident. 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.

    232323242424252526262626F803 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Citation F806, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F806 in January 2025 and May 2026. 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 E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    232323242424252526262626F806 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Medical Records, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in June 2025 and July 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept 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.

    232323242424252526262626F842 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
04

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

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

  1. 01

    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 three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  2. 02

    How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?

    Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  3. 03

    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 E.

  4. 04

    How is waste handled around the kitchen and resident areas?

    Garbage and Refuse: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

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

    Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  7. 07

    What changed after F802 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F802: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  8. 08

    What changed after F803 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F803: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  9. 09

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

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

  10. 10

    How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

    Medical Records: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  11. 11

    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.

  12. 12

    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 March 6, 2023; anything earlier is not in it.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

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 Mar 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 Dec 11, 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 Mar 21, 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 Apr 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 Jul 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 Jan 31, 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 Jun 13, 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 Jan 29, 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 May 14, 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 Jun 17, 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 Jul 21, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 555403

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowMarch 6, 2023 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before March 2023 are not in this release.
  • CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite
Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations
CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents
Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits
CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.

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.