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TheVardellReport
Aztec Healthcare
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
500 Care Lane
Aztec, NM 87410
Report
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The Vardell Report.Aztec Healthcare
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Aztec, NM
- Record Period
- 2022–2026
- Source Documents
- 10
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 8 inspections from January 2022 to April 2026, state surveyors documented 37 findings at Aztec Healthcare; 37 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 6 enforcement actions in the window.
- Inspections
- 8
- 2022–2026, complaint and standard
- Findings
- 37
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 37
- Of 37 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 6
- 5 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 16 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 | 11 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
What the Record Shows
- 37 of 37 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists 6 enforcement actions in the window: 5 fines totaling $312,443, their payment not published; denial of payment imposed September 18, 2025, ended January 15, 2026.
- 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, June 7, 2024, recorded 6 findings (most serious: Level G).
What to Ask About
- Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections
- Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
- Residents Taking Their Own Medication, Cited in Two Inspections
- Treatment Choices and Advance Directives, Cited in Two Inspections
- Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections
- The First 48 Hours, Cited in Two Inspections
- Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
- Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections
- Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Aztec Healthcare
- Address
- 500 Care Lane, Aztec, NM 87410
- CMS Certification Number
- 325071
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 112
- Ownership
- For profit - Corporation
- Record Window
- January 7, 2022 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
Complaint investigation
3 findings
- 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 JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Apr 10, 2026
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 26, 2026
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 26, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Dec 1, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F676Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 1, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
6 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 Jun 22, 2024
- F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 22, 2024
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 22, 2024
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 22, 2024
- F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 22, 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 Jun 22, 2024
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $52,337 imposed June 7, 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 June 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $15,931 imposed December 18, 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 June 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $17,610 imposed September 18, 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 June 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed September 18, 2025. Status: Closed, January 15, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of June 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $213,815 imposed January 28, 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 June 7, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $12,750 imposed April 9, 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 June 7, 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
2 findings
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 8, 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 Mar 8, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2023
Standard health inspection
5 findings
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 12, 2023
- 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 Mar 12, 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 Mar 12, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 12, 2023
- F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 12, 2023
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2022
Standard health inspection
16 findings
- F800Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- 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 Feb 18, 2022
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- 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 Feb 18, 2022
- 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 Feb 18, 2022
- F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
- F805Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 18, 2022
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
Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F658 in January 2022, June 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. 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.
2223242424242626F658 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in January 2022, March 2024 and April 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.
2223242424242626F880 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Residents Taking Their Own Medication, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F554 in January 2022 and June 2024. This citation covers whether a resident who keeps and takes their own medication has been assessed as safe to do so. 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.
2223242424242626F554 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 4
Treatment Choices and Advance Directives, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F578 in January 2022 and April 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to accept or refuse treatment and to make an advance directive. 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.
2223242424242626F578 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 5
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F641 in January 2022 and January 2026. 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.
2223242424242626F641 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 6
The First 48 Hours, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F655 in February 2023 and March 2024. This citation covers the baseline care plan for a new resident’s immediate needs, due within 48 hours of admission. 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.
2223242424242626F655 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 7
Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F656 in January 2022 and June 2024. 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 E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
2223242424242626F656 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 8
Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F686 in February 2023 and January 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.
2223242424242626F686 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest - 9
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in January 2022 and February 2023. 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.
2223242424242626F812 across all 8 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
How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?
Professional Standards: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 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 F.
- 03
How do you decide whether a resident may keep and take their own medications?
Residents Taking Their Own Medication: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 04
How are a resident’s advance directive and treatment wishes recorded and shared with every shift?
Treatment Choices and Advance Directives: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.
- 05
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 06
What happens in the first 48 hours after admission, and who writes the first care plan?
The First 48 Hours: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 07
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 E.
- 08
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.
- 09
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
- 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
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $12,750 civil money penalty was imposed April 9, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds six 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 New Mexico state survey agency.
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Jan 7, 2022 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Feb 10, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Mar 5, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Jun 7, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Sep 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)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Dec 18, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Jan 28, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
New Mexico state survey agency
Inspection Apr 9, 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 · 325071
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowJanuary 7, 2022 – October 1, 2026
- CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before January 2022 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.