San Luis Transitional Care

1575 Bishop Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 545-7575
For profit - Corporation 23 Beds COMPASS HEALTH, INC. Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#217 of 1155 in CA
Last Inspection: July 2025

Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.

Overview

San Luis Transitional Care has received a Trust Grade of A, which indicates an excellent reputation and high recommendation among facilities. It ranks #217 out of 1,155 nursing homes in California, placing it in the top half, and #5 out of 7 in San Luis Obispo County, suggesting there are only a few better local options. However, the facility's trend is worsening, with the number of identified issues increasing from 1 in 2024 to 5 in 2025. Staffing is a strength, with a 5/5 star rating and good RN coverage compared to most California facilities, though the turnover rate of 45% is average. While there have been no fines, concerns were found regarding food safety practices and the accessibility of important survey results for residents and their families, as well as inaccuracies in resident assessments that could impact care planning.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In California
#217/1155
Top 18%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Worse
1 → 5 violations
Staff Stability
⚠ Watch
45% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most California facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 110 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of California nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
○ Average
7 deficiencies on record. Average for a facility this size. Mostly minor or procedural issues.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★★★★
5.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2024: 1 issues
2025: 5 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • 5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 45%

Near California avg (46%)

Higher turnover may affect care consistency

Chain: COMPASS HEALTH, INC.

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 7 deficiencies on record

Jul 2025 5 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0577 (Tag F0577)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to have the most recent recertification survey results posted and readily accessible to residents, family members, and to the re...

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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to have the most recent recertification survey results posted and readily accessible to residents, family members, and to the resident's legal representatives.This facility failure denied the opportunity for residents, family members, and resident legal representatives to be aware of the facility's survey results.During a concurrent observation and interview on 7/30/25 at 8:56 a.m. with Administrator Assistant (AA), the survey results or survey binder were not visible in the facility areas that are prominent and accessible to the public and residents. AA stated the survey results were in a binder that is kept inside the Administration office. AA further added, the Administration office is locked after normal business hours. During a concurrent interview and review on 7/30/25 09:34 a.m. with AA, federal requirement 483.10(g)(11) was reviewed. The regulation indicated in part, The facility must (i) Post (referring to survey results) in a place readily accessible to residents, and family members and legal representatives of residents, the results of the most recent survey of the facility. AA acknowledged and confirmed the survey results were not posted in a location that was readily accessible. During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Right to Survey Results/Advocate Agency Information, undated, the P&P indicated in part, Residents may examine the results of the most recent survey of the facility conducted by Federal or State surveyors. This will include any plan of correction in effect. The facility shall make the results of the most recent survey available for examination in a place readily accessible to residents.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Assessment Accuracy (Tag F0641)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS - a tool used to assess all residents in Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing homes) assess...

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Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS - a tool used to assess all residents in Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing homes) assessment accurately reflected the assessment for 2 of 8 sampled residents (Resident 11 and Resident 24) when:1. Resident 11's functional limitations in range of motion indicated the resident had no impairment for upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand) or lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot).2. Resident 24's functional limitations in range of motion indicated the resident had upper extremity limitations but no impairment in the lower extremities. These failures had the potential to result in inaccurate care plans, inappropriate interventions, and unmet needs. 1. During a review of Resident #11's admission Record (AR), dated 7/30/25, the AR indicated the diagnoses included a fracture (a break in a bone) of left pubis (pubic bone on the pelvis area), acute pain due to trauma, history of falling and difficulty walking. During a review of Resident 11's Physical Therapy (PT) notes, dated 7/9/25 - 8/07/25, indicated the resident functional mobility assessment as follows:Bed mobility (roll left to right, sit to lying, lying to sitting on side of bed): substantial/maximal assistanceTransfers (sit to stand, chair/bed to chair transfer): Partial/moderate assistanceAmbulation (walk): Dependent During a review of Resident 11's MDS section GG for Functional Abilities, dated 7/11/25, section GG0110 indicated there was no range of motion limitations for upper (arms, hands, and shoulders) and lower (legs, feet, and hips) extremities which were contrary to the PT notes. 7/30/25 10:03 AM During a concurrent interview and review on 7/30/25 at 10:03 a.m. with Director of Nursing (DON), Resident 11's MDS section GG0110 was reviewed. The DON stated MDS section GG0110 was coded incorrectly and confirmed Resident 11 had lower extremity range of motion limitations from the pubic bone fracture and GG0110 should have been coded as a one for lower extremity impairment on one side. 2. During a review of Resident #24's admission Record (AR), dated 7/30/25, the AR indicated the diagnoses included encounter for surgical after care following surgery of the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood, lymph, and lymphatic vessels and glands), embolism (obstruction by a clot of blood or air bubble) and thrombosis (a clot obstructing blood flow) of lower extremity arteries, and unspecified atherosclerosis of right leg arteries. In further review of Resident 24's History and Physical (H&P), dated 7/19/25, the H&P indicated the resident was discharged from the hospital post thromboembolectomy (surgical removal of a blood clot) with staples intact in the right groin/thigh area. During a review of Resident 24's MDS section GG for Functional Abilities, dated 7/20/25, section GG0110 was coded as 1 meaning impairment on one side of upper extremity and the lower extremity was coded as 0 meaning no impairment on either side. During a concurrent interview and record review on 7/30/25 at 3:56 p.m. with DON and Assistant Administrator (AA), Resident #24's MDS section GG0110 dated 7/30/25 was reviewed. The DON stated that Resident 24 does not have upper extremity ROM limitations but does have lower extremity range of motion limitations on one side due to post femoral (relating to femur or thigh) surgery. AA stated the MDS was not coded appropriately - upper extremity should have been coded as zero for no impairment and lower extremity should be coded as one for one side impairment. During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, MDS Policy, dated October 2024, the P&P indicated Staff assigned to complete designated sections of the MDS assessments and tracking forms will do so following the coding guidance and instructions of the MDS 3.0 RAI User's Manual to insure OBRA and PDPM compliance for timeliness and accuracy of assessments.MDS nurses and coordinators will.communicate this to designated facility staff in a timely manner following established procedures. MDS Sections are assigned as follows.GG - Qualified clinicians including MDS nurse, Rehab lead or designee, DON or DON designee.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0761 (Tag F0761)

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 ensure one expired package of Maxorb II alginate woun...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure one expired package of Maxorb II alginate wound dressing (material applied directly onto an open wound to keep the wound clean and promote healing) was discarded and not readily available for staff use. This failure had the potential for residents to receive expired and ineffective wound dressings. During a concurrent observation and interview on [DATE] at 11:20 a.m., with the Director of Nursing (DON), one open package of Maxorb II Alginate wound dressing with an expiration date of [DATE] was observed stored in the treatment cart. DON acknowledged the Maxorb II Alginate wound dressing is expired and should have been discarded. DON stated, it was missed. During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Medication Storage: ID1: Storage of Medications, dated [DATE], the P&P indicated, Outdated, contaminated, or deteriorated medications and those in containers .are immediately removed from stock, disposed of according to procedures for medication disposal .
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 record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure standard and transmission-based precautions were followed to prevent the spread of infections when staff did not follo...

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Based on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure standard and transmission-based precautions were followed to prevent the spread of infections when staff did not follow handwashing protocol per infection control standards to provide hand hygiene to five of eight sampled residents (Residents 25, 24, 2, 9 and 7) before residents began eating their lunch.These facility failures had the potential to transmit and spread infection to residents, visitors, and staff.During an observation on 7/28/25 at 12:11 p.m., Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA 1) placed a lunch tray on Resident #25's bedside table and did not offer hand sanitizer or hand washing before the resident started eating. Subsequently, observed Registered Dietitian (RD) distribute Resident 7's meal tray and did not offer hand sanitizer or hand washing. During an interview on 7/28/25 at 12:30 p.m. with Resident #24, the resident stated staff normally do not offer handwashing before or after meals. During an observation on 7/30/2025 at 12:05 p.m. during meal tray distribution, RD distributed meal trays to Residents #2 and #9. The residents began eating their meals and RD walked out of the rooms without offering hand hygiene. During an interview on 7/30/2025 at 12:15 p.m. with RD, the RD acknowledged hand sanitizer and hand washing was not offered to Residents #2 and #9 when meal tray was distributed. During a concurrent observation and interview on 7/30/2025 at 12:33 p.m. with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA 2), CNA 2 wheeled Resident #24 to room upon arrival to the facility from a doctor's appointment. CNA 2 positioned the resident to eat lunch, removed the meal tray lid, and offered to heat the food as the meal tray had been sitting on the bedside table for approximately 20-30 minutes. Resident 24 lifted the hamburger bun with uncleaned right hand and with the other hand touched the meat patty and said, You don't need to warm it up, it still feels warm. CNA 2 acknowledged hand washing or hand sanitizer was not offered before Resident 24 touched the food. During a review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled Standard Precautions, dated 2001, the P&P indicated in part, a. Hand hygiene refers to handwashing with soap (anti-microbial or non-antimicrobial) or the use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR), which does not require access to water.b. Hand hygiene is performed with ABHR or soap and water.g. Personnel assist the residents with hand hygiene before meals, after toileting and when indicated.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Room Equipment (Tag F0908)

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 maintain one of one evaporative cooler (a device for c...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to maintain one of one evaporative cooler (a device for cooling air) located in the kitchen, in safe operating condition when the manufacturer's recommended preventive maintenance was not performed. This failure had the potential for the unit to transmit mold, mildew, bacteria, and other allergens on resident's food and affect the facility's indoor air quality resulting in respiratory issues or exacerbating existing health conditions for residents and staff.During a concurrent observation and interview on 7/30/25 at 4:48 p.m. with Maintenance Director (MD), an evaporative cooler was observed to be located on a kitchen window that was blowing air directly on clean dishes and towards the stove cooking area. MD stated the filters are changed every six months but could not provide maintenance records for the evaporative unit. MD stated the filter cleaning/replacement is not documented. During a concurrent interview and record review on 7/31/25 at 09:15 a.m., with MD, the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems, undated, and the manufacturer maintenance instructions (MMI) titled Bonaire [NAME] 4500E Owner's Manual, undated, were reviewed. The P&P indicated in part, Policy: It is the policy of this facility to properly maintain and service the heating, cooling, and ventilation system(s) as to ensure a comfortable environment for our patients as free as possible of air pollutants and odors .Procedure: Air filters and Air Record - check all air filters monthly .Record inspection, cleaning, and/or replacement, and the date in the Maintenance Log and Air Filter Log. The MMI indicated in part, Gently hose down pads from both sides to remove any buildup of salts, dust and pollen.Check the water distributor, making sure it is clear and free from blockage.Keep the water tank clean and free from sediment and algae growth.Check that the fan spins freely and that there is no build up on the blades. Check the motor for corrosion and spray with an anti-corrosive agent if necessary . MD acknowledged and confirmed the facility is not performing the preventive maintenance that is listed on the Bonaire [NAME] MMI.
Jun 2024 1 deficiency
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 follow proper sanitation and food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses for eleven out of eleven residents, when foo...

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Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to follow proper sanitation and food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses for eleven out of eleven residents, when food debris and a cup of apple sauce were observed under the kitchen stove. This failure had the potential to result in food contamination by attracting insects and rodents that can spread pathogenic microorganisms (germs which can cause diseases) to residents through food prepared in the facility kitchen. Findings: During a review of the facility's census (a periodic count of the facility's population), titled, (Name of facility), dated June 10, 2024, the facility census indicated there were eleven residents admitted to the facility. During a concurrent observation and interview on June 10, 2024, at 8:13 AM with the Registered Dietitian (RD- experts in the disciplines of food and nutrition) and Kitchen [NAME] (KC) inside the facility kitchen, there were food debris and a cup of apple sauce observed under the kitchen stove. The KC stated the floor should be kept clean and free from debris or food items. During a concurrent observation and interview with the Dietary Supervisor (DS) on June 11, 2024, at 11:45 AM, inside the kitchen during tray line (a system of food preparation used in facilities), the DS was observed preparing lunch trays for residents. The DS stated food services for all residents were prepared in the kitchen. During an interview on June 12, 2024, at 10:07 AM with the RD, the RD stated the kitchen area should always be kept clean, including the undersides of equipment. The RD stated the food debris and cup of apple sauce under the stove had the potential to attract insects, rodents, and pests. During a concurrent interview and record review on June 12, 2024, at 11:08 AM, with the Assistant Administrator (AA), the facility's policy and procedure (P&P) titled, Cleaning and Sanitation of Dining and Food Service Areas, modified 2022, was reviewed. The P&P indicated, Policy: The food and nutrition service staff will maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the dining and food service areas . The AA stated the expectation the kitchen will be maintained clean was not met and the facility policy was not followed. A review of the Food and Drug Administration Federal Food Code 2022, 4-402.12 titled, Fixed Equipment, Elevation or Sealing, indicated, The inability to adequately or effectively clean areas under equipment could create a situation that may attract insects and rodents and accumulate pathogenic microorganisms that are transmissible through food.
Oct 2019 1 deficiency
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 the cleaning and disinfection of the blood glucose (BG) meter (a device to test for blood sugar level) was done per facility policy....

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Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the cleaning and disinfection of the blood glucose (BG) meter (a device to test for blood sugar level) was done per facility policy. This facility failure had the potential to cause blood-borne illness as a result of cross contamination. Findings: The facility policy and procedure titled Infection Prevention and Control revised 3/1/18, indicated, in part . The infection prevention and control must include, at the minimum, the following elements: They will be tested with glucose solution daily and cleaned per manufacture's recommendations. Review of the manufacturer's instructions (MFUs) for the BG meter indicated, in part . The EvenCare G3 Meter should be cleaned and disinfected between each patient. To clean the meter, use a moist (not wet) cloth lint-free cloth dampened with a mild detergent. To disinfect your meter, clean the meter surface with one of the approved disinfecting wipes. Allow the surface of the meter to remain wet at room temperature for: at least 30 seconds for Medline Micro - Kill Bleach, at least 1 minute for Dispatch and Clorox Healthcare, at least 2 minutes for Medline Micro - Kill. During an interview and concurrent record review of the MFUs for the BG meter with a licensed nurse (LN 1), on 9/30/19 at 2:56 p.m., LN 1 confirmed the MFUs have not been followed by LN 1. LN 1 had been performing the disinfection, but not the cleaning of the BG meter. During an interview and concurrent record review of the MFUs for the BG meter with a licensed nurse (LN 2), on 10/1/19 at 9:19 a.m., LN 2 confirmed the MFUs have not been followed by LN 2. LN 2 could not verbalize the correct cleaning or disinfection procedures for the BG meter. During an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON), on 10/1/19 at 11:10 a.m., the DON confirmed the MFUs for cleaning and disinfecting the BG meters should be followed.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

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

Strengths
  • • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in California.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most California facilities.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is San Luis Transitional Care's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns San Luis Transitional Care an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within California, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.

How is San Luis Transitional Care Staffed?

CMS rates San Luis Transitional Care's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 45%, 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 San Luis Transitional Care?

State health inspectors documented 7 deficiencies at San Luis Transitional Care during 2019 to 2025. These included: 7 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates San Luis Transitional Care?

San Luis Transitional Care is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by COMPASS HEALTH, INC., a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 23 certified beds and approximately 12 residents (about 52% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in San Luis Obispo, California.

How Does San Luis Transitional Care Compare to Other California Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in California, San Luis Transitional Care's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (45%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting San Luis Transitional Care?

Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?"

Is San Luis Transitional Care Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, San Luis Transitional Care 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 San Luis Transitional Care Stick Around?

San Luis Transitional Care has a staff turnover rate of 45%, 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 San Luis Transitional Care Ever Fined?

San Luis Transitional Care has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.

Is San Luis Transitional Care on Any Federal Watch List?

San Luis Transitional Care 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.