LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

3155 Ave C
Billings, MT 59102

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-MT-275140-2611
← Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Billings, MT
Record Period
2024–2026
Source Documents
9
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This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 7 inspections from April 2024 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 38 findings at Aspen Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center; 38 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
7
2024–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
38
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
38
Of 38 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
2
2 fines; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2024: 6 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1620242 inspections2025: 14 findings across 3 inspections1420253 inspections2026: 18 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 3182026*2 inspections2024: 6 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1620242 insp.2025: 14 findings across 3 inspections1420253 insp.2026: 18 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 3182026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2024261
20253140
20262183

What the Record Shows

  • 38 of 38 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $91,549, their payment not published.
  • 6 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, March 26, 2026, recorded 16 findings (most serious: Level G).
02

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.

  1. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 Aug 21, 2026
    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 21, 2026

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

  2. 2026

    Standard health inspection

    16 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F563Honor the resident's right to receive visitors of his or her choosing, at the time of his or her choosing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 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 Apr 2, 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 Apr 2, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 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 2, 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 2, 2026
    • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 2, 2026

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $43,891 imposed March 26, 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 March 26, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  3. 2025

    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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2025
    • F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    • F622Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 19, 2025
    • 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 19, 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 May 19, 2025
    • 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 May 19, 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 19, 2025
    • 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 May 19, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 19, 2025

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

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    5 findings

    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • 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 28, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025
    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 28, 2025

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

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Nov 24, 2024

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

  7. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    5 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 20, 2024
    • F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 20, 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 May 20, 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 May 20, 2024
    • 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 May 20, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $47,658 imposed October 21, 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 April 11, 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.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

  1. 1

    The First 48 Hours, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F655 in January 2025, April 2025, March 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers the baseline care plan for a new resident’s immediate needs, due within 48 hours of admission. 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.

    24242525252626F655 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F677 in January 2025, April 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. 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.

    24242525252626F677 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Reporting Suspected Abuse, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F609 in April 2024 and March 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.

    24242525252626F609 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F656 in April 2025 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.

    24242525252626F656 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in October 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). 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.

    24242525252626F686 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Significant Medication Errors, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F760 in January 2025 and March 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.

    24242525252626F760 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
04

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.

  1. 01

    What happens in the first 48 hours after admission, and who writes the first care plan?

    The First 48 Hours: cited in four 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 E.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    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 G.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    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 September 2025.

  8. 08

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

    A $43,891 civil money penalty was imposed March 26, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

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

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

    Montana state survey agency

    Inspection Apr 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)

    Montana state survey agency

    Inspection Oct 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Montana state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 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)

    Montana 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)

    Montana state survey agency

    Inspection Sep 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)

    Montana state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 26, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Montana 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 · 275140

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowApril 11, 2024 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before April 2024 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.