Report
TheVardellReport
Birchwood Health Care Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
604 1St Street NE
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Report
← Birchwood Health Care Center, free profile
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The Vardell Report.Birchwood Health Care Center
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Forest Lake, MN
- Record Period
- 2023–2026
- Source Documents
- 11
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 9 inspections from December 2023 to June 2026, state surveyors documented 38 findings at Birchwood Health Care Center; 38 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 5 enforcement actions in the window.
- Inspections
- 9
- 2023–2026, standard and complaint
- Findings
- 38
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 38
- Of 38 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 5
- 4 fines; payment not published, 1 closed
Findings by Year
- Findings
- Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | 21 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
What the Record Shows
- 38 of 38 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists 5 enforcement actions in the window: 4 fines totaling $139,646, their payment not published; denial of payment imposed May 6, 2026, ended July 30, 2026.
- 7 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
- The latest standard inspection, June 12, 2026, recorded 7 findings (most serious: Level J).
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Birchwood Health Care Center
- Address
- 604 1St Street NE, Forest Lake, MN 55025
- CMS Certification Number
- 245200
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 100
- Ownership
- Non profit - Corporation
- Record Window
- December 6, 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.
- 2026
Standard health inspection
7 findings
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jun 11, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 28, 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 Jul 28, 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 Jul 28, 2026
- F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 28, 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 Jul 28, 2026
- F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 28, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- 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 11, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Nov 9, 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 9, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Standard health inspection
5 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2025
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2025
- F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2025
- 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2025
- F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 27, 2025
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $10,519 imposed November 13, 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 10, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $90,790 imposed May 6, 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 April 10, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed May 6, 2026. Status: Closed, July 30, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 10, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
14 findings
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- 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 Mar 11, 2024
- 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- 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 Mar 11, 2024
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 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 Mar 11, 2024
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Mar 11, 2024
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $29,234 imposed February 9, 2024. 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 February 9, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
6 findings
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Feb 3, 2024
- 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 Feb 3, 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 Feb 3, 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 Feb 3, 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 Feb 3, 2024
- 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 3, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- 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 Feb 3, 2024
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $9,103 imposed January 4, 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 January 4, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2023
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- 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 27, 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
Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Five Inspections
Inspectors cited F689 in January 2024, January 2024, February 2024, November 2025 and May 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.
232424242525252626F689 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in February 2024, December 2025 and June 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.
232424242525252626F880 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F550 in February 2024 and June 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.
232424242525252626F550 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 4
Help With Daily Living, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F677 in February 2024 and April 2025. 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.
232424242525252626F677 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 5
Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in February 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.
232424242525252626F684 across all 9 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
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 five inspections, most seriously at level J.
- 02
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.
- 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.
- 04
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.
- 05
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 J.
- 06
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 February 2024.
- 07
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $90,790 civil money penalty was imposed May 6, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds five 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 Minnesota state survey agency.
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Dec 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)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Jan 4, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Jan 10, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Feb 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)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Apr 10, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Nov 13, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Dec 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection May 6, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Jun 12, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Penalties, Provider Data CatalogView Dataset ↗
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Provider Information, Provider Data CatalogView Dataset ↗
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 245200
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowDecember 6, 2023 – October 1, 2026
- CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before December 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.