RIVER WALK CARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
River Walk Care Center in Porterville, California, has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about the quality of care provided. Ranking #892 out of 1155 facilities in California places it in the bottom half, and #10 out of 16 in Tulare County suggests there are only a few local options that perform better. The facility's trend is stable, with 10 issues identified in both 2024 and 2025, but it has concerning fines totaling $148,878, which is higher than 95% of California facilities, indicating serious compliance issues. Staffing is average with a turnover rate of 39%, and while RN coverage is also average, there have been serious incidents, including a resident not receiving necessary restorative therapy, leading to a decline in mobility, and another resident falling multiple times due to inadequate care plan implementation, resulting in fractures. Families should weigh these significant weaknesses against the average staffing and RN coverage when considering this facility.
- Trust Score
- F
- In California
- #892/1155
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Holding Steady
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 39% turnover. Near California's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $148,878 in fines. Higher than 84% of California facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 22 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for California. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 53 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (39%)
9 points below California average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below California average (3.1)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Near California avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Significant penalties indicating serious issues
The Ugly 53 deficiencies on record
Aug 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to notify the physician when one of two sampled residents (Resident 1) had blue discoloration to his left foot. This failure resulted in the f...
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May 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to follow Physicians Order (PO) for one of three sampled residents (Re...
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Apr 2025
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to follow its policy and procedure for a change of condition for one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) when a S (Situation) B (Backgroun...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) was provided with a detailed discharge summary. This failure had the potential for Resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure physician's orders were followed for one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) when:
1. The physician was not notified when blood ...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0808
(Tag F0808)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the therapeutic menu was followed for one of three sampled residents (Resident 1). This failure resulted in Resident 1...
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Mar 2025
2 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) was provided:
1....
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure physician orders were followed for one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) when treatments were not done as ordered. This failu...
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Mar 2025
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure professional standard of care for one of two sampled residents (Resident 1) when blood glucose (sugar) test (measures ...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure medication administration competency assessment was completed for one of two licensed nurses (Registered Nurse-RN). Th...
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Nov 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide supervision for one of two sampled residents ...
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Oct 2024
8 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to follow its policy and procedure on Care Plans, Comprehensive Person...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow their policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Laundry and Bedding, Soiled, when one of eight sampled residents (Resident 60)...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow their policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Supporting, when oral care was not provided...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow their policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Enter...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to implement pharmacy recommendations for one of 19 sampled residents (Resident 341) after multiple falls. This failure had the potential for ...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0810
(Tag F0810)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow its policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Supporting, for providing services for mainta...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure staff were in-serviced on the elopement binder. This failure had the potential for staff to be unaware of residents that were at ris...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Advanced Directives, when 26 of 30 sampled residents (Resident 292, Resident 63, ...
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Oct 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to treat one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) wit...
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Oct 2023
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure wound treatments were completed for three of three sampled residents (Resident 1, Resident 2, and Resident 3). This failure had the ...
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Jul 2023
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure treatment for one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) gastrostomy site (a surgical opening through the skin of the abdomen to th...
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Jun 2023
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of two sampled resident (Resident 1) was safely moved in bed by one Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while provid...
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Apr 2023
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0602
(Tag F0602)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of four sampled residents (Resident 1) was...
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Oct 2022
17 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to accurately complete the annual Pre-admission Screening Assessment and Resident Review (PASARR-federal requirement to help ensure that indiv...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a baseline care plan was developed and implemented for one of one edentulous [no natural teeth] residents (Resident 41...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure two of 39 sampled residents (Resident 23 and Resident 71) had comprehensive care plans developed and implemented for t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0676
(Tag F0676)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide hearing aids or other devices to maintain resident's communication abilities for one of one sampled residents identifi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure an alternative means of communication for one of one sampled non-English speaking residents (Resident 41). This failur...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0687
(Tag F0687)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on an observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide foot care for one of two sampled residents (Resident 53). This failure resulted in Resident 53 having untrimmed to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. During a review of Resident 54's MDS, dated [DATE], the MDS indicated, Resident 54 required extensive one-person physical ass...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0696
(Tag F0696)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to develop and implement a plan of care for one of one sampled resident's (Resident 23) prosthetic (artificial device to replace ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide effective pain management for one of one sampled residents (Resident 23). This failure resulted in Resident 23's unman...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure staff provided non-pharmological interventions for one of one sampled residents (Resident 33) on a psychotropic medication (medicati...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0790
(Tag F0790)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a dental follow-up and services were provided to one of one sampled residents (Resident 41) with dentures. This failure...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure an accurate Treatment Administration Record (TAR), for one of one sampled residents (Resident 71). This failure resulted in the inco...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to:
1. Label and date irrigation syringes for two of two sampled residents (Resident 80 and Resident 33) with gastrostomy tube (...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. During an interview on 10/17/22, at 12:20 PM, with Resident 53, Resident 53 stated, staff are loud and sometimes scream at ea...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure five of five sampled residents (Resident 6, Resident 23, Resident 3, Resident 39 and Resident 51) were free from verba...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. During an observation on 10/17/22, at 1:34 PM, in Resident 71's room, Resident 71's legs were swollen from the knees down and...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to monitor the temperature in the dry food storage room. This failure had the potential to decrease quality and palatability in ...
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Mar 2019
12 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure effective nail care was provided for one of 38 sampled residents (Resident 31). This failure had the potential to resu...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure appropriate informed consent was obtained prior to the adjus...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to evaluate one of 38 sampled residents (Resident 130) for the ability to self administer a prescribed medication after she requested to do so...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure baseline care plans were provided to residents within 48 hou...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0685
(Tag F0685)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to follow up on a missing pair of prescription glasses for one of 38 sampled residents (Resident 41). This failure had the potential to result...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure oxygen was being provided as ordered by the physician for one of 38 sampled residents (Resident 54). This failure had ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to have an effective Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) performance evaluation and annual in-service program when:
1. Two of four sampled CNAs (...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure:
1. A biological agent was removed from floor supply after it expired.
2. One medication was labeled correctly.
This...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure two of two housekeepers (HKR 1 and HKR 2) were following the appropriate methods to disinfect resident rooms belonging to residents ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to provide a sufficient amount of washcloths for many of the 84 residents residing in the facility. This failure had the potential to result in ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
During a concurrent interview with the AA, on 3/27/19, at 2:16 PM, and review of the clinical records for Resident 24, Resident 230, Resident 71, Resident 53, Resident 51, and Resident 75, the records...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0807
(Tag F0807)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to consistently provide water to four of seven confidential residents (Confidential Resident A, Confidential Resident C, Confidential Resident...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 39% turnover. Below California's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 4 harm violation(s), $148,878 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 53 deficiencies on record, including 4 serious (caused harm) violations. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $148,878 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in California. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (15/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is River Walk's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns RIVER WALK CARE CENTER an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within California, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is River Walk Staffed?
CMS rates RIVER WALK CARE CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 39%, compared to the California average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. RN turnover specifically is 60%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at River Walk?
State health inspectors documented 53 deficiencies at RIVER WALK CARE CENTER during 2019 to 2025. These included: 4 that caused actual resident harm and 49 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates River Walk?
RIVER WALK CARE CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 99 certified beds and approximately 87 residents (about 88% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in PORTERVILLE, California.
How Does River Walk Compare to Other California Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in California, RIVER WALK CARE CENTER's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (39%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting River Walk?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is River Walk Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, RIVER WALK CARE CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in California. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at River Walk Stick Around?
RIVER WALK CARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 39%, which is about average for California nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was River Walk Ever Fined?
RIVER WALK CARE CENTER has been fined $148,878 across 3 penalty actions. This is 4.3x the California average of $34,568. Fines at this level are uncommon and typically indicate a pattern of serious deficiencies, repeated violations, or failure to correct problems promptly. CMS reserves penalties of this magnitude for facilities that pose significant, documented risk to resident health or safety. Families should request specific documentation of what issues led to these fines and what systemic changes have been implemented.
Is River Walk on Any Federal Watch List?
RIVER WALK CARE CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.