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TheVardellReport
Susquehanna Health and Wellness Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
745 Old Chickies Hill Road
Columbia, PA 17512
Report
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The Vardell Report.Susquehanna Health and Wellness Center
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Columbia, PA
- Record Period
- 2024–2026
- Source Documents
- 7
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 5 inspections from August 2024 to June 2026, state surveyors documented 36 findings at Susquehanna Health and Wellness Center; 35 have a recorded correction and 1 awaits one; CMS lists 9 enforcement actions in the window.
- Inspections
- 5
- 2024–2026, standard and complaint
- Findings
- 36
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 35
- Of 36 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 9
- 9 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 18 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 10 | 1 |
What the Record Shows
- 35 of 36 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists 9 enforcement actions in the window: 9 fines totaling $105,688, their payment not published.
- 3 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 17, 2026, recorded 9 findings (most serious: Level D).
What to Ask About
- Respiratory Care, Cited in Three Inspections
- Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Three Inspections
- Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections
- Citation F636, Cited in Two Inspections
- Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
- Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections
- Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections
- Nutrition and Hydration, Cited in Two Inspections
- Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Two Inspections
- Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
- Significant Medication Errors, No Recorded Correction
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Susquehanna Health and Wellness Center
- Address
- 745 Old Chickies Hill Road, Columbia, PA 17512
- CMS Certification Number
- 395400
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 173
- Ownership
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Record Window
- August 22, 2024 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
Standard health inspection
9 findings
- 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 Aug 11, 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 Aug 11, 2026
- F636Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2026
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2026
- 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 Aug 11, 2026
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2026
- F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2026
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level GActual harmPast Non-Compliance
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Standard health inspection
7 findings
- F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2025
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 2025
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 30, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
18 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- 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 Oct 9, 2024
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- 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 Oct 9, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 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 Oct 9, 2024
- F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- 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 Oct 9, 2024
- 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 Oct 9, 2024
- 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 Oct 9, 2024
- F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F559Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F636Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F638Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- 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 Oct 9, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 9, 2024
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $13,778 imposed October 23, 2023. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,643 imposed November 13, 2023. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,634 imposed November 20, 2023. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,892 imposed December 11, 2023. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,545 imposed January 2, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,893 imposed January 8, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $14,679 imposed January 30, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $4,893 imposed February 20, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 2024.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $48,731 imposed March 29, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey, and no survey before the penalty date is in this release; listed with the earliest, August 22, 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
Respiratory Care, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F695 in August 2024, March 2025 and July 2025. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. 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.
2425252626F695 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F761 in August 2024, July 2025 and June 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. 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.
2425252626F761 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F550 in August 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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.
2425252626F550 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 4
Citation F636, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F636 in August 2024 and June 2026. The agency describes it this way: Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months. 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.
2425252626F636 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 5
Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F656 in August 2024 and July 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.
2425252626F656 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 6
Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in August 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.
2425252626F684 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 7
Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F689 in August 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. 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.
2425252626F689 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 8
Nutrition and Hydration, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F692 in July 2025 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents get enough food and fluids to stay healthy. 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.
2425252626F692 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 9
Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F804 in August 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. 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.
2425252626F804 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 10
Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in August 2024 and July 2025. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention 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.
2425252626F880 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest - 11
Significant Medication Errors, No Recorded Correction
F760 was cited in August 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. The most serious was level G (actual harm). The March 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Past Non-Compliance.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
2425252626F760 across all 5 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
Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?
Respiratory Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 02
How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?
Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 03
How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?
Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 04
What changed after F636 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F636: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 05
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.
- 06
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 two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 07
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 two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 08
How are weight and fluid intake tracked, and what happens when a resident starts losing weight?
Nutrition and Hydration: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 09
May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?
Food Quality and Temperature: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 10
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 E.
- 11
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. The March 31, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
- 12
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 July 2025.
- 13
What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?
A $48,731 civil money penalty was imposed March 29, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds nine 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 Aug 22, 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 Mar 5, 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 Jul 25, 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 Mar 31, 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 Jun 17, 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 · 395400
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowAugust 22, 2024 – October 1, 2026
- CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before August 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.
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