The Vardell Report.Southwest Montana Veterans Home

Across 3 inspections from May 2023 to June 2025, state surveyors documented 18 findings at Southwest Montana Veterans Home; 18 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

3

2023–2025, standard

Findings

18

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

18

Of 18 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. Jun 192025

   Standard health inspection

   9 findings

   • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 2025
   • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 2025
   • F700Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 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 21, 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 21, 2025
   • 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 Jul 21, 2025
   • F742Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 2025
   • F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 21, 2025

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

2. Jun 62024

   Standard health inspection

   3 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • 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 9, 2024
   • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 9, 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 9, 2024

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

3. May 112023

   Standard health inspection

   6 findings

   • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 1, 2023
   • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 1, 2023
   • F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 1, 2023
   • 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 Jun 1, 2023
   • F758Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 1, 2023
   • F813Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 1, 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.

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

1. 1

   Coordinating Mental Health Screening, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F644 in June 2024 and June 2025. This citation covers whether assessments are coordinated with the state’s pre-admission screening for mental illness and intellectual disability (PASARR), and referrals made. 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.

   232425F644 across all 3 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

   How do you arrange services for residents with a mental illness or an intellectual disability?

   Coordinating Mental Health Screening: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

   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 May 11, 2023; anything earlier is not in it.

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 May 11, 2023 · 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 Jun 6, 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 Jun 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

• Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 275156

  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.