LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Northcrest Specialty Care

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

2001Health Street
Waterloo, IA 50703

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-IA-165165-2611
← Northcrest Specialty Care, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Northcrest Specialty Care

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Waterloo, IA
Record Period
2024–2026
Source Documents
8
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 7 inspections from January 2024 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 33 findings at Northcrest Specialty Care; 33 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
7
2024–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
33
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
33
Of 33 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)
2024: 14 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11420243 inspections2025: 8 findings across 2 inspections820252 inspections2026: 11 findings across 2 inspections112026*2 inspections2024: 14 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11420243 insp.2025: 8 findings across 2 inspections820252 insp.2026: 11 findings across 2 inspections112026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20243141
2025280
20262110

What the Record Shows

  • 33 of 33 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window.
  • 6 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 12, 2026, recorded 7 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

    4 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 Sep 16, 2026
    • F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 16, 2026
    • 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 16, 2026
    • F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 16, 2026

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

  2. 2026

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F919Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2026
    • 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 Mar 14, 2026
    • 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 Mar 14, 2026
    • 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 Mar 14, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2026
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2026
    • F926Have policies on smoking.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2026

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • 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

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

  4. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    7 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 Mar 1, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 1, 2025
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 1, 2025
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 1, 2025
    • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 1, 2025
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 1, 2025
    • 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 1, 2025

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

  5. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Oct 14, 2024

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

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 11, 2024

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

  7. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    12 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F565Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 29, 2024
    • F585Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 29, 2024
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 29, 2024
    • 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 Feb 29, 2024
    • F919Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 29, 2024
    • 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 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 Feb 29, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 29, 2024
    • 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 Feb 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 Feb 29, 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 Feb 29, 2024
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Feb 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

    Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F641 in January 2024, January 2025 and February 2026. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. 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.

    24242425252626F641 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in January 2024 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.

    24242425252626F550 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in January 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    24242425252626F584 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Citation F636, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F636 in January 2024 and February 2026. The agency describes it this way: Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months. 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.

    24242425252626F636 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Help With Daily Living, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F677 in January 2024 and June 2025. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. 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.

    24242425252626F677 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in October 2024 and January 2025. 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.

    24242425252626F684 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in January 2024 and August 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.

    24242425252626F689 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

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

    24242425252626F880 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Citation F919, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F919 in January 2024 and February 2026. The agency describes it this way: Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area. 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.

    24242425252626F919 across all 7 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

    Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?

    Accurate Assessments: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    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 D.

  4. 04

    What changed after F636 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F636: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    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 two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    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 D.

  8. 08

    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 E.

  9. 09

    What changed after F919 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F919: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  10. 10

    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.

  11. 11

    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 January 30, 2024; 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 Iowa state survey agency.

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

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 30, 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 Apr 11, 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 1, 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 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)

    Iowa state survey agency

    Inspection Jun 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 Feb 12, 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 Aug 17, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 165165

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowJanuary 30, 2024 – October 1, 2026

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

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.