LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

728 14th Avenue North
Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-IA-165156-2611
← Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Fort Dodge, IA
Record Period
2024–2026
Source Documents
10
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 8 inspections from March 2024 to February 2026, state surveyors documented 46 findings at Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation; 46 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
8
2024–2026, standard and complaint
Findings
46
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
46
Of 46 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
2
2 fines; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2024: 16 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11620242 inspections2025: 13 findings across 5 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 31320255 inspections2026: 17 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 2172026*1 inspection2024: 16 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11620242 insp.2025: 13 findings across 5 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 31320255 insp.2026: 17 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 2172026*1 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20242161
20255133
20261172

What the Record Shows

  • 46 of 46 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $166,043, their payment not published.
  • 8 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, February 26, 2026, recorded 17 findings (most serious: Level G).
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

    Standard health inspection

    17 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 3, 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 Mar 3, 2026
    • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 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 Mar 3, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 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 Mar 3, 2026
    • 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 Mar 3, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F693Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F774Help the resident with transportation to and from laboratory services outside of the facility.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026
    • F887Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 3, 2026

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $30,745 imposed February 26, 2026. 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 February 26, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  2. 2025

    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 Nov 20, 2025

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    5 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Oct 2, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 2, 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 Oct 2, 2025
    • 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 Oct 2, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 2, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 10, 2025
    • 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 10, 2025

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

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2025
    • F710Obtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2025

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

  6. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    3 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 31, 2025
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 31, 2025
    • F825Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 31, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $135,298 imposed August 27, 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 January 15, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  7. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 19, 2024
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2024

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

  8. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    14 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • F925Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 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 Mar 29, 2024
    • 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 Mar 29, 2024
    • F943Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 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 Mar 29, 2024
    • F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • F625Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • 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 Mar 29, 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 Mar 29, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 29, 2024
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.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)

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 Five Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in March 2024, March 2025, May 2025, August 2025 and February 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

    2424252525252526F684 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in July 2024, August 2025 and February 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.

    2424252525252526F550 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in March 2024, January 2025 and August 2025. 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.

    2424252525252526F658 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    The First 48 Hours, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F655 in March 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers the baseline care plan for a new resident’s immediate needs, due within 48 hours of admission. 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.

    2424252525252526F655 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F657 in March 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. 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.

    2424252525252526F657 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in November 2025 and February 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 G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    2424252525252526F689 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F725 in March 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. 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.

    2424252525252526F725 across all 8 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 five inspections, most seriously at level J.

  2. 02

    How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?

    Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  3. 03

    How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?

    Professional Standards: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  4. 04

    What happens in the first 48 hours after admission, and who writes the first care plan?

    The First 48 Hours: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?

    Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  6. 06

    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 two inspections, most seriously at level G.

  7. 07

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

    Nursing Staff Levels: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  8. 08

    What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $30,745 civil money penalty was imposed February 26, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

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

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 7, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Jul 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)

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 15, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 27, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection May 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)

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 27, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Nov 17, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Feb 26, 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 · 165156

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowMarch 7, 2024 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before March 2024 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.
Whether fines were paid
CMS publishes the fines imposed, not whether or when they were paid.

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.