LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Amethyst Health of Wausau

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

1010 E Wausau Ave
Wausau, WI 54403

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-WI-525405-2611
← Amethyst Health of Wausau, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Amethyst Health of Wausau

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Wausau, WI
Record Period
2023–2026
Source Documents
11
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 9 inspections from August 2023 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 52 findings at Amethyst Health of Wausau; 52 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
9
2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
52
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
52
Of 52 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
2
1 fine; payment not published, 1 closed

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 15 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 21520231 inspection2024: 4 findings across 2 inspections420242 inspections2025: 24 findings across 5 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 42420255 inspections2026: 9 findings across 1 inspection92026*1 inspection2023: 15 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 21520231 insp.2024: 4 findings across 2 inspections420242 insp.2025: 24 findings across 5 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 42420255 insp.2026: 9 findings across 1 inspection92026*1 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20231152
2024240
20255244
2026190

What the Record Shows

  • 52 of 52 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 1 fine of $21,496, its payment not published; denial of payment imposed November 6, 2025, ended February 1, 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, September 4, 2025, recorded 10 findings (most serious: Level F).
02

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.

  1. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    9 findings

    • 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 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 Sep 17, 2026
    • F925Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 2026
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 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 Sep 17, 2026
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 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 Sep 17, 2026
    • F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 17, 2026

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

  2. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    5 findings

    • F602Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Feb 1, 2026
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Feb 1, 2026
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Feb 1, 2026
    • F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Feb 1, 2026
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 21, 2025

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 24, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    • F801Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 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 Oct 10, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
    • F637Assess the resident when there is a significant change in conditionLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
    • F640Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 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 Oct 10, 2025
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
    • F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
    • F694Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Denial of payment imposed November 6, 2025. Status: Closed, February 1, 2026. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of September 4, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    6 findings

    • F569Notify each resident of certain balances and convey resident funds upon discharge, eviction, or death.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2025
    • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 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 Sep 19, 2025
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2025
    • 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 Sep 19, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2025

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

  6. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 5, 2025

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

  7. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    3 findings

    • 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 20, 2024
    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 20, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 20, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $21,496 imposed May 23, 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 August 1, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  8. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F837Establish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 30, 2024

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

  9. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    15 findings

    • F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level GActual harmCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • 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 Sep 7, 2023
    • F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • 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 Sep 7, 2023
    • 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 Sep 7, 2023
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • 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 Sep 7, 2023
    • F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 2023
    • F825Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 7, 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 CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 7, 2023

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

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

  1. 1

    Quality of Care, Cited in Five Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in August 2023, August 2025, September 2025, September 2025 and August 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

    232424252525252526F684 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Infection Control, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in August 2023, August 2024, August 2025 and September 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.

    232424252525252526F880 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in August 2023, April 2025 and September 2025. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). 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.

    232424252525252526F686 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in August 2023, August 2024 and August 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.

    232424252525252526F689 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in August 2023, September 2025 and August 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.

    232424252525252526F812 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Citation F607, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F607 in August 2023 and November 2025. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. 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.

    232424252525252526F607 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F657 in August 2025 and September 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 D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    232424252525252526F657 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F690 in August 2023 and September 2025. This citation covers continence care, catheter care and preventing urinary tract infections. 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.

    232424252525252526F690 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F755 in August 2023 and August 2025. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. 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.

    232424252525252526F755 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
04

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.

  1. 01

    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 five inspections, most seriously at level G.

  2. 02

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

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

  3. 03

    How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?

    Pressure Injury Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  4. 04

    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 three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  5. 05

    May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?

    Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.

  6. 06

    What changed after F607 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F607: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  7. 07

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

    Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  8. 08

    How is continence care scheduled, and how do you prevent urinary infections?

    Continence and Catheter Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  9. 09

    How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?

    Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  10. 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. 11

    What led to the 2025 denial of payment, and what would you want a family to know about it?

    Denial of payment was imposed November 6, 2025; it ended February 1, 2026. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Wisconsin state survey agency.

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 9, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection May 30, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Apr 15, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Sep 4, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Sep 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)

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Nov 6, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Wisconsin state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 17, 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 · 525405

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowAugust 9, 2023 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before August 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.