Report
TheVardellReport
Little Sisters of the Poor
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
1028 Benton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Report
← Little Sisters of the Poor, free profile
Life by Vardell Presents
The Vardell Report.Little Sisters of the Poor
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Record Period
- 2023–2026
- Source Documents
- 9
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 7 inspections from December 2023 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 48 findings at Little Sisters of the Poor; 48 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 4 enforcement actions in the window.
- Inspections
- 7
- 2023–2026, complaint and standard
- Findings
- 48
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 48
- Of 48 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 4
- 4 fines; payment not published
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 | 9 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 23 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 | 11 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
What the Record Shows
- 48 of 48 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists 4 enforcement actions in the window: 4 fines totaling $59,057, 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, January 22, 2026, recorded 3 findings (most serious: Level G).
What to Ask About
- Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Five Inspections
- Quality of Care, Cited in Three Inspections
- Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Two Inspections
- Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
- Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
- Citation F941, Cited in Two Inspections
- Citation F944, Cited in Two Inspections
- Provide training in compliance and ethics, Cited in Two Inspections
- Citation F949, Cited in Two Inspections
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Little Sisters of the Poor
- Address
- 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- CMS Certification Number
- 396116
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 48
- Ownership
- Non profit - Corporation
- Record Window
- December 8, 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
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Sep 11, 2026
- F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Standard health inspection
3 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 Mar 5, 2026
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Mar 5, 2026
- 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 Mar 5, 2026
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $8,236 imposed January 22, 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 January 22, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $9,110 imposed January 22, 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 January 22, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
6 findings
- F941Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 18, 2025
- F944Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 18, 2025
- F946Provide training in compliance and ethics.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 18, 2025
- F949Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 18, 2025
- 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 Oct 6, 2025
- F942Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 18, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- 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 moreCorrected Jun 13, 2025
- F745Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 13, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
3 findings
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected May 16, 2025
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 16, 2025
- F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 16, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
23 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
- F575Post a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all pertinent State agencies and advocacy groups and a statement that the resident may file a complaint with the State Survey Agency.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F577Allow residents to easily view the nursing home's survey results and communicate with advocate agencies.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 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 Jan 24, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F941Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
- F944Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F945Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F946Provide training in compliance and ethics.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F947Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F949Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
- F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
- F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2025
- 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 Jan 24, 2025
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $16,039 imposed November 27, 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 November 27, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $25,672 imposed April 16, 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 November 27, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2023
Standard health inspection
9 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 Jan 12, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- 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 moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F693Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F836Ensure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
- F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 12, 2024
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 November 2024, April 2025, December 2025, January 2026 and August 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.
23242525252626F689 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Quality of Care, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in December 2023, November 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.
23242525252626F684 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F600 in May 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. 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.
23242525252626F600 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 4
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in November 2024 and January 2026. 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.
23242525252626F812 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 5
Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in December 2023 and November 2024. 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.
23242525252626F880 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 6
Citation F941, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F941 in November 2024 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members. 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.
23242525252626F941 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 7
Citation F944, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F944 in November 2024 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement 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.
23242525252626F944 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 8
Provide training in compliance and ethics, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F946 in November 2024 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide training in compliance and ethics. 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.
23242525252626F946 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 9
Citation F949, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F949 in November 2024 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment. 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.
23242525252626F949 across all 7 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
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 three inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 03
What happened after the abuse or neglect citation, and what changed in training or supervision?
Protection From Abuse and Neglect: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.
- 04
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.
- 05
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.
- 06
What changed after F941 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F941: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 07
What changed after F944 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F944: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 08
What changed after F946 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Provide training in compliance and ethics: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 09
What changed after F949 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F949: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 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?
An $8,236 civil money penalty was imposed January 22, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds four 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 Pennsylvania state survey agency.
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Dec 8, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Nov 27, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Apr 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)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection May 21, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Dec 3, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Jan 22, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Aug 26, 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 · 396116
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowDecember 8, 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.