
Report
TheVardellReport
Watertown Health Care Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
121 Hospital Dr.
Watertown, WI 53098

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
121 Hospital Dr.
Watertown, WI 53098
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 19 inspections from August 2023 to August 2026, state surveyors documented 102 findings at Watertown Health Care Center; 98 have a recorded correction and 4 await one; CMS lists 7 enforcement actions in the window.
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 38 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| 2026 | 6 | 53 | 5 |
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.
4 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
8 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
9 findings
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)
24 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
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)
4 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)
15 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
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)
5 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
4 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)
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)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
4 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
6 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $36,508 imposed January 19, 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 August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $8,989 imposed March 4, 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 August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $15,939 imposed June 4, 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 August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $40,072 imposed June 4, 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 August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed June 4, 2024. Status: Closed, October 8, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $176,721 imposed October 17, 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 August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed October 17, 2024. Status: Closed, December 28, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of August 2, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
Inspectors cited F550 in August 2023, August 2024, November 2024 and May 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.
Inspectors cited F880 in November 2024, December 2025, March 2026 and July 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. The most serious of these was recorded at level L (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F585 in November 2024, March 2026 and June 2026. 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 F609 in April 2024, June 2024 and January 2026. This citation covers whether suspected abuse, neglect or theft is reported to the authorities on time, with the results of the home’s investigation. 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 October 2024, May 2026 and June 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 F554 in July 2024 and November 2024. This citation covers whether a resident who keeps and takes their own medication has been assessed as safe to do so. 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 F583 in December 2025 and June 2026. The agency describes it this way: Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential. 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 F584 in August 2023 and July 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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 F628 in March 2026 and July 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. 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 F641 in November 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. 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 F677 in May 2026 and July 2026. 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 F692 in March 2026 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.
Inspectors cited F694 in August 2023 and November 2024. The agency describes it this way: Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed. 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 F695 in December 2025 and May 2026. 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.
Inspectors cited F755 in March 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees 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 F757 in August 2023 and March 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 F759 in January 2024 and November 2024. 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 F760 in November 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether residents are free from significant medication errors. 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 F774 in March 2026 and May 2026. The agency describes it this way: Help the resident with transportation to and from laboratory services outside of the facility. 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 F804 in November 2024 and June 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 August 2023 and March 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.
Inspectors cited F883 in August 2023 and March 2026. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. 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.
F600 was cited in June 2024 and August 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. The most serious was level J (immediate jeopardy). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F610 was cited in August 2026. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F684 was cited in June 2024, August 2024, November 2024, May 2026 and August 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. The most serious was level J (immediate jeopardy). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F689 was cited in March 2024, April 2024, July 2024, July 2024, August 2024, November 2024, March 2026, June 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 was level K (immediate jeopardy). The August 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?
Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.
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 L.
How do we file a grievance, who answers it, and how quickly?
Grievances: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?
Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in three 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 three inspections, most seriously at level G.
How do you decide whether a resident may keep and take their own medications?
Residents Taking Their Own Medication: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F583 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F583: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
What changed after F628 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F628: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
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.
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.
What changed after F694 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F694: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.
Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?
Respiratory Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
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 are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?
Medication Error Rate: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
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 D.
What changed after F774 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F774: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
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 F.
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.
What changed after F883 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F883: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
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 J. The August 27, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?
Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The August 27, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
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 J. The August 27, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
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 nine inspections, most seriously at level K. The August 27, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
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 August 2024.
What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?
A $176,721 civil money penalty was imposed October 17, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds seven 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 Aug 2, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jan 19, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Mar 4, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Apr 23, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jun 4, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jun 19, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jul 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jul 16, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Aug 20, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Oct 17, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Nov 14, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Feb 19, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Dec 1, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jan 14, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Mar 12, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection May 18, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jun 9, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Jul 8, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Wisconsin state survey agency
Inspection Aug 27, 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 · 525333
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowAugust 2, 2023 – October 1, 2026
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
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