
Report
TheVardellReport
Rock River Nursing & Rehab
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
430 Wilcox St
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
430 Wilcox St
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Life by Vardell Presents
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Across 14 inspections from October 2023 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 115 findings at Rock River Nursing & Rehab; 115 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 4 enforcement actions in the window.
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 24 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 | 41 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 | 42 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
Chronology
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.
7 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
7 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
14 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $91,960 imposed July 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 April 17, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed July 23, 2025. Status: Closed, August 28, 2025. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 17, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
18 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
23 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
7 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
7 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $119,141 imposed April 25, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the complaint investigation of April 25, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed April 25, 2024. Status: Closed, October 21, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the complaint investigation of April 25, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
6 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
18 findings
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
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
Inspectors cited F689 in October 2023, December 2023, September 2024, January 2025, April 2025, July 2025 and May 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 K (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F684 in October 2023, February 2024, June 2024, September 2024, January 2025 and April 2025. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.
Inspectors cited F880 in October 2023, April 2024, June 2024, September 2024 and April 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.
Inspectors cited F580 in December 2023, June 2024, September 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether the resident, their doctor and a family member are told promptly about an injury, a decline or another significant change. 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.
Inspectors cited F610 in April 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and December 2025. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. 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.
Inspectors cited F686 in April 2024, June 2024, April 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F584 in October 2023, September 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.
Inspectors cited F725 in October 2023, September 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. 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.
Inspectors cited F755 in April 2024, September 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. 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.
Inspectors cited F759 in October 2023, September 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether medication errors stayed under 5 percent when inspectors watched medications being given. 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.
Inspectors cited F804 in October 2023, December 2023 and May 2026. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. 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.
Inspectors cited F812 in October 2023, December 2023 and April 2024. 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.
Inspectors cited F553 in September 2024 and April 2025. The agency describes it this way: Allow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of 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.
Inspectors cited F585 in October 2023 and June 2024. This citation covers residents’ right to voice grievances without reprisal, and the home’s process for resolving them. 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.
Inspectors cited F604 in October 2023 and April 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 D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F660 in June 2024 and September 2024. The agency describes it this way: Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs. 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.
Inspectors cited F677 in March 2024 and September 2024. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. 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.
Inspectors cited F678 in December 2023 and April 2024. The agency describes it this way: Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives. 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.
Inspectors cited F726 in September 2024 and January 2025. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. 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.
Inspectors cited F745 in September 2024 and July 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life. 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.
Inspectors cited F757 in April 2025 and May 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary 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.
Inspectors cited F758 in September 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers how psychotropic drugs are used, including dose reductions and limits on as-needed orders. 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.
Inspectors cited F814 in October 2023 and September 2024. This citation covers whether garbage and refuse are disposed of properly. 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.
Inspectors cited F837 in July 2024 and January 2025. The agency describes it this way: Establish 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. 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.
Inspectors cited F942 in January 2025 and July 2025. The agency describes it this way: Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents. 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.
Inspectors cited F943 in January 2025 and July 2025. The agency describes it this way: Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 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.
Inspectors cited F944 in January 2025 and July 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 F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F949 in January 2025 and July 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 F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
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 seven inspections, most seriously at level K.
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 six inspections, most seriously at level J.
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level F.
How quickly will we hear about a fall, an injury or a change in condition, and from whom?
Telling Families About Changes: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.
When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?
Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.
How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?
Pressure Injury Care: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level G.
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Nursing Staff Levels: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level J.
How are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?
Medication Error Rate: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?
Food Quality and Temperature: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
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.
What changed after F553 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F553: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How do we file a grievance, who answers it, and how quickly?
Grievances: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F604 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F604: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F660 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F660: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?
Help With Daily Living: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F678 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F678: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.
What changed after F726 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F726: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
What changed after F745 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F745: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F757 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F757: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How many residents take psychotropic medications, and how often are doses reviewed for reduction?
Psychotropic Medications: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How is waste handled around the kitchen and resident areas?
Garbage and Refuse: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What changed after F837 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F837: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What changed after F942 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F942: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F943 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F943: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F944 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F944: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What changed after F949 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F949: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What led to the 2025 fine, and has it been paid?
A $91,960 civil money penalty was imposed July 23, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds four enforcement actions in the window.
The Evidence
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Wisconsin state survey agency.
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Oct 16, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Dec 12, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Feb 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Mar 7, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Apr 25, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jun 12, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jul 24, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Sep 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jan 15, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Apr 17, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jul 23, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Dec 4, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Feb 6, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection May 6, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 525262
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowOctober 16, 2023 – October 1, 2026
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.