The Vardell Report.Sterling Care Riverside

Across 4 inspections from December 2018 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 49 findings at Sterling Care Riverside; 41 have a recorded correction and 8 await one; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

4

2018–2026, complaint and standard

Findings

49

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

41

Of 49 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 122026

   Complaint investigation

   8 findings

   • 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F551Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • 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 moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction

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

2. Aug 252025

   Standard health inspection

   12 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • 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 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.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
   • 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 Oct 1, 2025
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F727Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
   • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.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
   • 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 Oct 1, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.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)

3. Apr 62023

   Standard health inspection

   17 findings

   • 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 May 10, 2023
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • 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 May 10, 2023
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F886Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • 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 May 10, 2023
   • 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 May 10, 2023
   • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F645PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual DisabilitiesLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F711Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 10, 2023
   • 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 May 10, 2023

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $4,194 imposed December 11, 2023. 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 6, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

4. Dec 212018

   Standard health inspection

   12 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 Jan 28, 2019
   • 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 Jan 28, 2019
   • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • 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 Jan 28, 2019
   • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • 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 Jan 28, 2019
   • F790Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2019
   • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jan 28, 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

   Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F812 in December 2018, April 2023 and August 2025. 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.

   18232526F812 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F550 in December 2018 and August 2025. 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.

   18232526F550 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F584 in April 2023 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.

   18232526F584 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F641 in April 2023 and August 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.

   18232526F641 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Help With Daily Living, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F677 in December 2018 and April 2023. 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.

   18232526F677 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F684 in December 2018 and April 2023. 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.

   18232526F684 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Post nurse staffing information every day, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F732 in December 2018 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Post nurse staffing information every day. 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.

   18232526F732 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Medical Records, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F842 in April 2023 and August 2025. 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.

   18232526F842 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Citation F551, No Recorded Correction

   F551 was cited in August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

   18232526F551 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Citation F559, No Recorded Correction

    F559 was cited in August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F559 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Grievances, No Recorded Correction

    F585 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to voice grievances without reprisal, and the home’s process for resolving them. The most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F585 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
12. 12

    Pressure Injury Care, No Recorded Correction

    F686 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F686 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
13. 13

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, No Recorded Correction

    F689 was cited in August 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F689 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
14. 14

    Significant Medication Errors, No Recorded Correction

    F760 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F760 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
15. 15

    Infection Control, No Recorded Correction

    F880 was cited in December 2018, April 2023, August 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F880 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
16. 16

    Keep all essential equipment working safely, No Recorded Correction

    F908 was cited in August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Keep all essential equipment working safely. The most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.

    18232526F908 across all 4 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

   May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?

   Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.

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 E.

4. 04

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

   Accurate Assessments: 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 D.

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 E.

7. 07

   What changed after F732 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Post nurse staffing information every day: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

8. 08

   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.

9. 09

   What changed after F551 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F551: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

10. 10

    What changed after F559 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F559: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

11. 11

    How do we file a grievance, who answers it, and how quickly?

    Grievances: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level F. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

12. 12

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

    Pressure Injury Care: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

13. 13

    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. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

14. 14

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

    Significant Medication Errors: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

15. 15

    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. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

16. 16

    What changed after F908 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Keep all essential equipment working safely: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level F. The August 12, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

17. 17

    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.

18. 18

    What led to the 2023 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $4,194 civil money penalty was imposed December 11, 2023. 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 Maryland state survey agency.

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

  Maryland state survey agency

  Inspection Dec 21, 2018 · 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 Apr 6, 2023 · 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 25, 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 Aug 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 · 215233

  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.