Regency Care Center, Norwalk, IA · The Vardell Report

The Essentials

Summary

Across 8 inspections from October 2023 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 39 findings at Regency Care Center; 39 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections: 8; 2023–2026, standard and complaint
Findings: 39; Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected: 39; Of 39 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)

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
Year	Inspections	Findings	Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023	2	8	0
2024	2	6	0
2025	3	12	1
2026	1	13	2

What the Record Shows

39 of 39 findings have a recorded correction date.
CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $109,892, 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, May 12, 2026, recorded 13 findings (most serious: Level G).

What to Ask About

Quality of Care, Cited in Four Inspections
Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Four Inspections
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Medication Error Rate, Cited in Two Inspections
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

Report at a Glance

Facility: Regency Care Center
Address: 815 High Road, Norwalk, IA 50211
CMS Certification Number: 165399
Provider Type: Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds: 101
Ownership: For profit - Corporation
Record Window: October 11, 2023 to October 1, 2026

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.

May 122026
Standard health inspection
13 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- 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 Jun 4, 2026
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 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 Jun 4, 2026
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F745Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2026
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $31,395 imposed May 12, 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 May 12, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Dec 302025
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 7, 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 Jan 7, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Aug 202025
Complaint investigation
6 findings
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Aug 28, 2025
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 29, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 29, 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 Aug 29, 2025
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 29, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 29, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Apr 162025
Standard health inspection
4 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- 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 Apr 29, 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 Apr 29, 2025
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 29, 2025
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 29, 2025
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $78,497 imposed August 20, 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 April 16, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Dec 172024
Complaint investigation
3 findings
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 7, 2025
- F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 24, 2024
- F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 7, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jun 272024
Standard health inspection
3 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- 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 Jul 9, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 9, 2024
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 9, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Nov 92023
Complaint investigation
5 findings
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 28, 2023
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 28, 2023
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 28, 2023
- F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 28, 2023
- 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 Nov 28, 2023
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Oct 112023
Complaint investigation
3 findings
- F557Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 20, 2023
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 20, 2023
- 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 Oct 20, 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.

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

1
Quality of Care, Cited in Four Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in November 2023, June 2024, August 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.
2323242425252526F684 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
2
Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Four Inspections
Inspectors cited F725 in October 2023, November 2023, August 2025 and May 2026. 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 E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
2323242425252526F725 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
3
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F641 in August 2025, December 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. 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.
2323242425252526F641 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
4
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F657 in April 2025, December 2025 and May 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.
2323242425252526F657 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
5
Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F677 in October 2023, December 2024 and May 2026. 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.
2323242425252526F677 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
6
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in November 2023, August 2025 and May 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.
2323242425252526F880 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
7
Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F690 in November 2023 and December 2024. This citation covers continence care, catheter care and preventing urinary tract infections. 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.
2323242425252526F690 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
8
Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F695 in April 2025 and May 2026. 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.
2323242425252526F695 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
9
Medication Error Rate, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F759 in June 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers whether medication errors stayed under 5 percent when inspectors watched medications being given. 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.
2323242425252526F759 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
10
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in June 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
2323242425252526F812 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest

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.

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 four inspections, most seriously at level D.
02
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Nursing Staff Levels: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.
03
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
04
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
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 three inspections, most seriously at level E.
06
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
07
How is continence care scheduled, and how do you prevent urinary infections?
Continence and Catheter Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
08
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.
09
How are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?
Medication Error Rate: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
10
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
11
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $31,395 civil money penalty was imposed May 12, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

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 Oct 11, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Nov 9, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Jun 27, 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 Dec 17, 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 16, 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 20, 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 Dec 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 May 12, 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 · 165399
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowOctober 11, 2023 – October 1, 2026

CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before October 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.