LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Heritage Specialty Care

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

200 Clive Drive SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-IA-165310-2611
← Heritage Specialty Care, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Heritage Specialty Care

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Record Period
2023–2026
Source Documents
15
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 13 inspections from November 2023 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 45 findings at Heritage Specialty Care; 44 have a recorded correction and 1 awaits one; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
13
2023–2026, standard and complaint
Findings
45
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
44
Of 45 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
1
1 fine; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 7 findings across 2 inspections720232 inspections2024: 11 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11120243 inspections2025: 18 findings across 6 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 41820256 inspections2026: 9 findings across 2 inspections92026*2 inspections2023: 7 findings across 2 inspections720232 insp.2024: 11 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11120243 insp.2025: 18 findings across 6 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 41820256 insp.2026: 9 findings across 2 inspections92026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023270
20243111
20256184
2026290

What the Record Shows

  • 44 of 45 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window: 1 fine of $14,365, its payment not published.
  • 10 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 28, 2026, recorded 6 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

    Standard health inspection

    6 findings

    • 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 May 8, 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 Jun 12, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F741Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 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 Jun 12, 2026

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

  2. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 26, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 26, 2026
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 26, 2026

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

  3. 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 13, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    5 findings

    • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 23, 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 Sep 23, 2025
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 23, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 23, 2025
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 23, 2025

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

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 19, 2025
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 19, 2025
    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level GActual harmDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction

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

  6. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    4 findings

    • 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 6, 2025
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 6, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 6, 2025
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 6, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $14,365 imposed November 6, 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 May 22, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  7. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 4, 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 Apr 4, 2025
    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 4, 2025

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

  8. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 Mar 6, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2025

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

  9. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 13, 2024
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 13, 2024

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

  10. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 1, 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 Nov 1, 2024

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

  11. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level GActual harmCorrected Sep 11, 2024
    • 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 Sep 11, 2024
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2024
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2024
    • 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 Sep 11, 2024
    • 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2024
    • F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 11, 2024

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

  12. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 21, 2023
    • 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 Dec 21, 2023

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

  13. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    5 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 Dec 21, 2023
    • 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 Dec 21, 2023
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 21, 2023
    • 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 Dec 21, 2023
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 21, 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

    Professional Standards, Cited in Six Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in November 2023, August 2024, November 2024, February 2025, June 2025 and August 2025. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F658 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Quality of Care, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in October 2024, March 2025, June 2025 and March 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 G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424242525252525252626F684 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in November 2023, August 2024, March 2025 and November 2025. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F689 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F677 in November 2023, August 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424242525252525252626F677 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in November 2023, May 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424242525252525252626F812 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in August 2024 and August 2025. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F584 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in November 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F695 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Citation F697, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F697 in August 2024 and March 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F697 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Citation F803, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F803 in August 2024 and May 2025. 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 D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424242525252525252626F803 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Citation F865, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F865 in November 2023 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities. 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.

    23232424242525252525252626F865 across all 13 inspections, oldest to newest
  11. 11

    Significant Medication Errors, No Recorded Correction

    F760 was cited in June 2025. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. The most serious was level G (actual harm). The June 2025 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    23232424242525252525252626F760 across all 13 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 you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?

    Professional Standards: cited in six inspections, most seriously at level G.

  2. 02

    How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?

    Quality of Care: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level G.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?

    Help With Daily Living: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?

    A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  7. 07

    Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?

    Respiratory Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  8. 08

    What changed after F697 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F697: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.

  9. 09

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

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

  10. 10

    What changed after F865 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F865: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.

  11. 11

    What happened after the medication error citation, and how are high-risk drugs double-checked?

    Significant Medication Errors: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level G. The June 12, 2025 citation has no recorded correction date.

  12. 12

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

    Insufficient nursing staff was cited in October 2024.

  13. 13

    What led to the 2025 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $14,365 civil money penalty was imposed November 6, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

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 Nov 2, 2023 · 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 30, 2023 · 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 22, 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 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)

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Nov 20, 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 Feb 4, 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 5, 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 Jun 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)

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 26, 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 6, 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 2, 2026 · 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 28, 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 · 165310

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowNovember 2, 2023 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before November 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.
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.