The Vardell Report.Saugus Center

Across 5 inspections from April 2024 to April 2026, state surveyors documented 71 findings at Saugus Center; 71 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections

5

2024–2026, standard and complaint

Findings

71

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

71

Of 71 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

2

2 fines; 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. Apr 232026

   Standard health inspection

   19 findings

   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F840Employ or obtain outside professional resources to provide services in the nursing home when the facility does not employ a qualified professional to furnish a required service.Level ENo 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected 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
   • 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 Jun 5, 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 5, 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 Jun 5, 2026
   • 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 Jun 5, 2026
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.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
   • F772Have an agreement with an approved laboratory to obtain services, if on-site laboratory services aren't provided.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 2026
   • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 5, 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 5, 2026

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

2. Jun 162025

   Standard health inspection

   25 findings

   • F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 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 Jul 17, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 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 Jul 17, 2025
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F688Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F744Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • 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 Jul 17, 2025
   • F770Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F805Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025
   • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 17, 2025

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $56,407 imposed June 16, 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 June 16, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

3. Apr 12025

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 29, 2025
   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 29, 2025

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

4. Jul 92024

   Standard health inspection

   23 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F790Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 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 Jul 25, 2024
   • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 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 25, 2024
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 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 Jul 25, 2024
   • F691Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F740Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024
   • 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 Jul 25, 2024
   • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 25, 2024

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

5. Apr 12024

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 2, 2024
   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 2, 2024

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $9,539 imposed April 1, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the complaint investigation of April 1, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

   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

   Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F689 in April 2024, July 2024, June 2025 and April 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 J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2424252526F689 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Care Plans, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F656 in April 2024, July 2024 and June 2025. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. 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.

   2424252526F656 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F658 in July 2024, June 2025 and April 2026. 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.

   2424252526F658 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Respiratory Care, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F695 in July 2024, June 2025 and April 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.

   2424252526F695 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F761 in July 2024, June 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. 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.

   2424252526F761 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F880 in July 2024, June 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.

   2424252526F880 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F550 in July 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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.

   2424252526F550 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F641 in July 2024 and June 2025. 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.

   2424252526F641 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F684 in July 2024 and June 2025. 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.

   2424252526F684 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in July 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). 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.

    2424252526F686 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Significant Medication Errors, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F760 in April 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. 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.

    2424252526F760 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
12. 12

    Medical Records, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in July 2024 and April 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.

    2424252526F842 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
13. 13

    Citation F887, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F887 in June 2025 and April 2026. The agency describes it this way: Educate 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. 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.

    2424252526F887 across all 5 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

   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 J.

2. 02

   How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?

   Care Plans: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level G.

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 E.

4. 04

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

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

5. 05

   How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?

   Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

6. 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 F.

7. 07

   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 E.

8. 08

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

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

9. 09

   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 D.

10. 10

    How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?

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

11. 11

    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 D.

12. 12

    How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

    Medical Records: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

13. 13

    What changed after F887 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F887: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

14. 14

    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 July 2024.

15. 15

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

    A $56,407 civil money penalty was imposed June 16, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

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

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

  Massachusetts state survey agency

  Inspection Apr 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)

  Massachusetts state survey agency

  Inspection Jul 9, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

  Massachusetts state survey agency

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

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

  Massachusetts state survey agency

  Inspection Jun 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)

  Massachusetts state survey agency

  Inspection Apr 23, 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 · 225147

  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.