The Vardell Report.Salem Lutheran Home

Across 8 inspections from May 2024 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 39 findings at Salem Lutheran Home; 39 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

8

2024–2026, standard and complaint

Findings

39

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

39

Of 39 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

1

1 fine; payment not published

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 132026

   Standard health inspection

   8 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 Sep 11, 2026
   • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 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 11, 2026
   • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2026
   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 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 11, 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 11, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2026

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

2. May 222026

   Complaint investigation

   8 findings

   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 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 5, 2026
   • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 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 Jun 5, 2026

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

3. Dec 152025

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • 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 22, 2025

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

4. Oct 82025

   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 Oct 10, 2025

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

5. Jun 262025

   Standard health inspection

   7 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • 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 11, 2025
   • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 11, 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 Jul 11, 2025
   • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 11, 2025
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 11, 2025
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 11, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 11, 2025

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $15,260 imposed May 22, 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 June 26, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

6. Oct 222024

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 1, 2024
   • F602Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.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)

7. Aug 112024

   Standard health inspection

   10 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 5, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 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 Sep 5, 2024
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 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 Sep 5, 2024
   • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 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 Sep 5, 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 Sep 5, 2024
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 2024
   • F758Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 5, 2024

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

8. May 152024

   Complaint investigation

   2 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 31, 2024
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 31, 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.

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

1. 1

   Infection Control, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F880 in May 2024, August 2024, June 2025 and August 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.

   2424242525252626F880 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F842 in August 2024, May 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. 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.

   2424242525252626F842 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F550 in December 2025 and May 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.

   2424242525252626F550 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Reporting Suspected Abuse, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F609 in June 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether suspected abuse, neglect or theft is reported to the authorities on time, with the results of the home’s investigation. 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.

   2424242525252626F609 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Coordinating Mental Health Screening, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F644 in August 2024 and June 2025. This citation covers whether assessments are coordinated with the state’s pre-admission screening for mental illness and intellectual disability (PASARR), and referrals made. 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.

   2424242525252626F644 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Professional Standards, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F658 in August 2024 and October 2024. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. 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.

   2424242525252626F658 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F725 in May 2024 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 D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2424242525252626F725 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Significant Medication Errors, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F760 in May 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. 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.

   2424242525252626F760 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F761 in May 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. 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.

   2424242525252626F761 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in August 2024 and August 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.

    2424242525252626F812 across all 8 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

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

   Infection Control: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.

2. 02

   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 E.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?

   Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

5. 05

   How do you arrange services for residents with a mental illness or an intellectual disability?

   Coordinating Mental Health Screening: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

6. 06

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

   Professional Standards: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

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

   Significant Medication Errors: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.

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 D.

10. 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 F.

11. 11

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

    A $15,260 civil money penalty was imposed May 22, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

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 May 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)

  Iowa state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 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 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 Jun 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 Oct 8, 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 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 May 22, 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 13, 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 · 165155

  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.