MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center has received a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some concerns. It ranks #64 out of 127 facilities in Oregon, placing it in the bottom half, but is the top choice among three facilities in Umatilla County. The facility is showing signs of improvement, reducing issues from eight in 2024 to four in 2025, but still recorded serious incidents, including a resident who experienced internal bleeding due to improper transfer assistance. Staffing is a strong point, with a perfect rating of 5/5 stars and a turnover rate of 42%, which is better than the state average. Notably, there have been no fines assessed, which is a positive sign, and the center has more registered nurse coverage than 93% of other facilities in Oregon, ensuring a higher level of oversight in patient care. However, the center has faced issues such as failing to notify families promptly about COVID-19 cases and insufficient nursing staff to meet residents' needs at times.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Oregon
- #64/127
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 42% turnover. Near Oregon's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Oregon facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 63 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Oregon nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 32 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (42%)
6 points below Oregon average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Oregon average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Oregon avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 32 deficiencies on record
Aug 2025
4 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
Based on interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to follow care planned interventions related to transfers for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for safety. As a resul...
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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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to protect the resident's right to be free from abuse for 1 of 4 sampled residents (#11) reviewed for abuse. This placed resi...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to report an injury of unknown origin to the appropriate State agency within state mandated timelines for 1 of 3 sampled resi...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to respond to a change of condition related to anticoagulant use for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for change of c...
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Jun 2024
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0553
(Tag F0553)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were given the right to participate in the development of their person-centered care plan for 1 of 1 samp...
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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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to protect the residents' right to be free from physical abuse by another resident for 2 of 3 sampled residents (#s 7 and 17)...
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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 interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to accurately assess residents for falls for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#6) reviewed for falls. This placed residents at risk f...
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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** 3. Resident 26 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses including depression.
Review of the medical record reveale...
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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 observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to assist in vision care needs for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#2) reviewed for vision. This placed residents at ri...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
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 it was determined the facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and ser...
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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 it was determined the facility failed to ensure records were accurate for 2 of 5 sampled residents (#s 6 and 10) reviewed for unnecessary medications. This placed ...
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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 F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure there was sufficient nursing staff available to provide the necessary care and services to meet reside...
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Apr 2023
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0553
(Tag F0553)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to complete quarterly care conferences and include residents and their representatives in their care planning process for 1 o...
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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 F0602
(Tag F0602)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure misappropriation of medications for 2 of 2 sampled residents (#s 12 and 13) reviewed for misappropriat...
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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 interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure assessments accurately reflected the residents' status for 2 of 5 sampled residents (#s 21 and 22) reviewed for unn...
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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 interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure a copy of a baseline care plan was provided to a resident for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#25) reviewed for dental se...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
3. Resident 228 was admitted to the facility in 4/2021 with diagnoses including a traumatic subdural hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain and the skull caused by a head injury).
A review of Resident...
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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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure medications were ordered timely for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#3) reviewed for medication refills. This placed resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to withhold a blood pressure medication according to physician ordered parameters for 1 of 5 sampled residents (#1) reviewed ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Dental Services
(Tag F0791)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to provide dental services for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#2) reviewed for dental care needs. This placed residen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
2. Resident 10 was admitted to the facility in 11/2017 with diagnoses including stroke.
Review of Resident 10's medical record revealed her/his 2/9/23 Care Conference document was incomplete. The only...
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Jan 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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
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 it was determined the facility failed to ensure staff performed appropriate PP...
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Nov 2022
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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure bathing was provided for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#1) reviewed for ADL's. This placed residents at ri...
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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 F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to staff an RN for 8 consecutive hours per day 7 days per week for 7 out of 61 days reviewed for staffing. This placed reside...
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Feb 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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 it was determined the facility failed to identify, assess and treat an injury ...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to provide appropriate treatment of a pressure ulcer for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#11) reviewed for pressure ul...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to communicate a new area of pain and a...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure adequate indication and clini...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to obtain medications timely to ensure the provision ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure a medication pass error rate of less than 5%. There were four errors in 29 opportunities resulting in ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE), store and handle utensils in a sanitary manner in 1 of 1 ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0885
(Tag F0885)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to inform residents, resident representatives and families by five PM the next calendar day following the occurrence of a sus...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What safeguards are in place to prevent abuse and neglect?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Oregon facilities.
- • 42% turnover. Below Oregon's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: Federal abuse finding, 1 harm violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 32 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Oregon, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center Staffed?
CMS rates MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 42%, compared to the Oregon average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center?
State health inspectors documented 32 deficiencies at MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER during 2022 to 2025. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm and 31 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center?
MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER 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 EMPRES OPERATED BY EVERGREEN, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 70 certified beds and approximately 30 residents (about 43% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in MILTON FREEWATER, Oregon.
How Does Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center Compare to Other Oregon Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oregon, MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) matches the state average, staff turnover (42%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect residents from abuse or neglect?" "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 substantiated abuse finding on record.
Is Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER has documented safety concerns. The facility has 1 substantiated abuse finding (meaning confirmed case of resident harm by staff or other residents). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Oregon. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center Stick Around?
MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 42%, which is about average for Oregon 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 Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center Ever Fined?
MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER 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 Milton Freewater Health & Rehabilitation Center on Any Federal Watch List?
MILTON FREEWATER HEALTH & REHABILITATION 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.