The Vardell Report.Palomar Heights Post Acute

Across 13 inspections from March 2022 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 55 findings at Palomar Heights Post Acute; 55 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections

13

2022–2026, standard and complaint

Findings

55

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

55

Of 55 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

2

1 fine; payment not published, 1 closed

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 212026

   Standard health inspection

   12 findings

   • 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 21, 2026
   • 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 Sep 21, 2026
   • 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 Sep 21, 2026
   • F628Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 2026
   • F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 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 Sep 21, 2026
   • F676Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 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 Sep 21, 2026
   • F810Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 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 Sep 21, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 2026
   • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 21, 2026

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

2. May 212026

   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 Jun 19, 2026

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

3. Apr 162026

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F627Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 16, 2026
   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 16, 2026

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

4. Feb 172026

   Complaint investigation

   2 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 17, 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 Mar 17, 2026

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

5. May 302025

   Standard health inspection

   20 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 Jul 3, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • 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 Jul 3, 2025
   • 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 3, 2025
   • 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 Jul 3, 2025
   • F637Assess the resident when there is a significant change in conditionLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F640Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 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 Jul 3, 2025
   • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • 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 Jul 3, 2025
   • F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • 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 3, 2025
   • 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 Jul 3, 2025
   • F849Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 3, 2025

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

6. Oct 162024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 16, 2024

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

7. Oct 92024

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • 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 Nov 9, 2024
   • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 9, 2024

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

8. Jun 212024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Jul 19, 2024

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

9. Mar 152024

   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 Mar 29, 2024

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

10. Feb 152024

    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 Mar 15, 2024

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

11. Dec 272023

    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 Jan 16, 2024

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

12. Nov 272023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 27, 2023

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

13. Mar 172022

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    • F638Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022
    • F640Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022
    • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022
    • 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 Apr 17, 2022
    • 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 Apr 17, 2022
    • 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 Apr 17, 2022
    • 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 Apr 17, 2022
    • F636Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022
    • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2022

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $8,176 imposed June 21, 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 17, 2022, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Enforcement Action

    Denial of payment imposed June 21, 2024. Status: Closed, July 19, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of March 17, 2022, the nearest before the penalty date.

    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 February 2024, October 2024, May 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F689 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Care Plans, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F656 in December 2023, May 2025 and August 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F656 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F842 in May 2025, February 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F842 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F550 in May 2025 and August 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F550 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Treatment Choices and Advance Directives, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F578 in May 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to accept or refuse treatment and to make an advance directive. 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F578 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Citation F640, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F640 in March 2022 and May 2025. The agency describes it this way: Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F640 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F684 in March 2022 and June 2024. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F684 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F755 in 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F755 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F761 in May 2025 and February 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.

   22232324242424242526262626F761 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in May 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.

    22232324242424242526262626F880 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Citation F883, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F883 in October 2024 and August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. 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.

    22232324242424242526262626F883 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
12. 12

    Keep all essential equipment working safely, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F908 in March 2022 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: Keep all essential equipment working safely. 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.

    22232324242424242526262626F908 across all 13 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 D.

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

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

   Medical Records: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   How are a resident’s advance directive and treatment wishes recorded and shared with every shift?

   Treatment Choices and Advance Directives: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

6. 06

   What changed after F640 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F640: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

7. 07

   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 two inspections, most seriously at level G.

8. 08

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

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

9. 09

   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.

10. 10

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

    Infection Control: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

11. 11

    What changed after F883 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F883: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

12. 12

    What changed after F908 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Keep all essential equipment working safely: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

13. 13

    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.

14. 14

    What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?

    An $8,176 civil money penalty was imposed June 21, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

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 17, 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 Nov 27, 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 27, 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 Feb 15, 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 15, 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 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 Oct 9, 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 16, 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 May 30, 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 Feb 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 Apr 16, 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 21, 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 21, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Penalties, Provider Data Catalog

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

  Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 555764

  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.