The Vardell Report.Sterling Care Bel Air

Across 5 inspections from July 2019 to March 2026, state surveyors documented 45 findings at Sterling Care Bel Air; 45 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

5

2019–2026, standard and complaint

Findings

45

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

45

Of 45 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

0

No fines or payment denials in the window

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. Mar 122026

   Standard health inspection

   10 findings

   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 2026
   • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 2026
   • 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 Apr 13, 2026
   • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 2026
   • 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 Apr 13, 2026
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 2026
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 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 Apr 13, 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 Apr 13, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 13, 2026

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

2. Oct 172025

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F627Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 9, 2025

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

3. Aug 212025

   Complaint investigation

   11 findings

   • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level GActual harmCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F606Not hire anyone with a finding of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or theft.Level GActual harmCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 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 Oct 1, 2025
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • 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 Oct 1, 2025
   • F551Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • 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 Oct 1, 2025
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 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 Oct 1, 2025

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

4. Dec 132024

   Standard health inspection

   13 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 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 Jan 13, 2025
   • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F809Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • 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 Jan 13, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F572Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F661Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • F770Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 13, 2025
   • 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 Jan 13, 2025

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

5. Jul 22019

   Standard health inspection

   10 findings

   • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • F559Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • 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 Aug 16, 2019
   • 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 16, 2019
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • 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 Aug 16, 2019
   • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019
   • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2019

   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

   A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F584 in July 2019, December 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.

   1924252526F584 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F677 in July 2019, December 2024 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.

   1924252526F677 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Quality of Care, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F684 in December 2024, August 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

   1924252526F684 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F842 in December 2024, August 2025 and March 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.

   1924252526F842 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F656 in July 2019 and March 2026. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. 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.

   1924252526F656 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Citation F726, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F726 in July 2019 and March 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. 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.

   1924252526F726 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Citation F757, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F757 in December 2024 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary 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.

   1924252526F757 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F761 in August 2025 and March 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.

   1924252526F761 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F880 in December 2024 and March 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.

   1924252526F880 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 was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?

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

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

   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 three inspections, most seriously at level E.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

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

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

6. 06

   What changed after F726 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F726: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

7. 07

   What changed after F757 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F757: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

8. 08

   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.

9. 09

   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.

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 July 2, 2019; anything earlier is not in it.

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

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Jul 2, 2019 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Dec 13, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 21, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Oct 17, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Mar 12, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 215312

  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.