The Vardell Report.Fort Bayard Medical Center

Across 8 inspections from June 2023 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 63 findings at Fort Bayard Medical Center; 58 have a recorded correction and 5 await one; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections

8

2023–2026, complaint and standard

Findings

63

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

58

Of 63 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

2

1 fine; payment not published, 1 closed

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 132026

   Complaint investigation

   5 findings

   • 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 moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • 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 moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F603Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
   • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.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. Apr 82026

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • 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 May 23, 2026

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

3. Nov 172025

   Standard health inspection

   21 findings

   • F851Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F603Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • 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 Jan 26, 2026
   • F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 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 Jan 26, 2026
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • 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 26, 2026
   • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • 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 26, 2026
   • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026
   • F887Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 26, 2026

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

4. Jul 102025

   Complaint investigation

   4 findings

   • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 24, 2025
   • F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 24, 2025
   • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 24, 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 Aug 24, 2025

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

5. Jan 242025

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 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 Apr 1, 2025

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

6. Aug 92024

   Standard health inspection

   12 findings

   • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024
   • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024
   • 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 Oct 25, 2024
   • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024
   • 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 Oct 25, 2024
   • 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 Oct 25, 2024
   • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024
   • F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 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 Oct 25, 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 Oct 25, 2024
   • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024

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

7. Jun 112024

   Complaint investigation

   5 findings

   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 26, 2024
   • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level HActual harmCorrected Jul 26, 2024
   • F661Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 26, 2024
   • F711Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 26, 2024
   • F660Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 26, 2024

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

8. Jun 12023

   Standard health inspection

   13 findings

   • 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • F882Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 8, 2023
   • 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • F625Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 8, 2023
   • 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • 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 Sep 8, 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 8, 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 Sep 8, 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • F943Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 8, 2023
   • 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 Sep 8, 2023
   • 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 Sep 8, 2023

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $83,501 imposed June 11, 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 1, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.

   Enforcement Action

   Denial of payment imposed June 11, 2024. Status: Closed, July 26, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of June 1, 2023, 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.

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

1. 1

   Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F550 in June 2023, August 2024, November 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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.

   2324242525252626F550 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Four Inspections

   Inspectors cited F657 in June 2023, August 2024, January 2025 and November 2025. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. 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.

   2324242525252626F657 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Citation F604, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F604 in August 2024 and January 2025. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. 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.

   2324242525252626F604 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Citation F605, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F605 in July 2025 and November 2025. The agency describes it this way: Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function. 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.

   2324242525252626F605 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   The First 48 Hours, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F655 in June 2023 and August 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 E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2324242525252626F655 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F656 in June 2023 and November 2025. 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.

   2324242525252626F656 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F880 in August 2024 and November 2025. 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.

   2324242525252626F880 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Telling Families About Changes, No Recorded Correction

   F580 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers whether the resident, their doctor and a family member are told promptly about an injury, a decline or another significant change. 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.

   2324242525252626F580 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Protection From Abuse and Neglect, No Recorded Correction

   F600 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. 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.

   2324242525252626F600 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Citation F603, No Recorded Correction

    F603 was cited in November 2025 and August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room). 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.

    2324242525252626F603 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Citation F697, No Recorded Correction

    F697 was cited in November 2025 and August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. 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.

    2324242525252626F697 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
12. 12

    Medical Records, No Recorded Correction

    F842 was cited in June 2023, July 2025, November 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. 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.

    2324242525252626F842 across all 8 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 staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?

   Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.

2. 02

   How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?

   Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E.

3. 03

   What changed after F604 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F604: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

4. 04

   What changed after F605 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F605: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

5. 05

   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 E.

6. 06

   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.

7. 07

   Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?

   Infection Control: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.

8. 08

   How quickly will we hear about a fall, an injury or a change in condition, and from whom?

   Telling Families About Changes: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

9. 09

   What happened after the abuse or neglect citation, and what changed in training or supervision?

   Protection From Abuse and Neglect: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

10. 10

    What changed after F603 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F603: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The August 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

11. 11

    What changed after F697 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F697: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

12. 12

    How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

    Medical Records: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E. The August 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.

13. 13

    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.

14. 14

    What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?

    An $83,501 civil money penalty was imposed June 11, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

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 Jun 1, 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 Jun 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)

  New Mexico state survey agency

  Inspection Aug 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)

  New Mexico state survey agency

  Inspection Jan 24, 2025 · 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 Jul 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)

  New Mexico state survey agency

  Inspection Nov 17, 2025 · 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 8, 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 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 · 325120

  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.