COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Columbia Basin Care Facility has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some significant concerns. It ranks #52 out of 127 facilities in Oregon, placing it in the top half, but is #3 out of 3 in Wasco County, meaning there are two better local options. The facility's trend is worsening, as it has increased its number of issues from 11 in 2023 to 16 in 2024. Staffing is a relative strength with a 4/5 rating, but the turnover rate is concerning at 70%, significantly higher than the state's average. The facility has faced $58,220 in fines, which is higher than 82% of Oregon facilities, indicating compliance issues. Specific incidents include a serious finding where a resident was not adequately supervised, leading to potential altercations with other residents. Additionally, there were concerns about food safety, with raw meat improperly stored above eggs, risking cross-contamination. Lastly, there were issues with documentation and evaluation of residents' care plans, which raises questions about the quality of care. Overall, while there are strengths in staffing, significant weaknesses in supervision, food safety, and documentation need to be carefully considered by families.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Oregon
- #52/127
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 70% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $58,220 in fines. Lower than most Oregon facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 55 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Oregon. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 35 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Oregon average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
23pts above Oregon avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Above median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
22 points above Oregon average of 48%
The Ugly 35 deficiencies on record
Aug 2024
16 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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 and interview it was determined the facility failed to ensure resident care equipment was in good repair for 1 of 4 sampled residents (#3) reviewed for environment. This placed re...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record review, it was determined the facility failed to protect the resident's right to be free from phy...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to document and conduct a significant change MDS assessment for 1 of 5 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for medications. This...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 it was determined the facility failed to ensure PASARR I (Pre-admission Screening/Resident Review) screening was completed prior to admission for 1 of 1 sampled re...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
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 it was determined facility staff failed to follow professional standards of practice for a diagnosis for 1 of 5 (#13) sampled residents reviewed for medications. F...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 it was determined the facility failed to ensure dependent residents received required assistance with ADLs for 1 of 2 sampled residents (#13) reviewe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure implementation of care plan interventions for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#23) reviewed for falls. This ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0694
(Tag F0694)
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 obtain a physician order and provide ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0712
(Tag F0712)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were seen by a physician for 1 of 5 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for medications. This placed residen...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
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 the provision of prescribed m...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
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 it was determined the facility failed to follow up on pharmacy recommendations for 1 of 5 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for medications. This placed residents a...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 it was determined the facility failed to adequately monitor psychotropic medications for 1 of 5 sampled residents (#13) reviewed for medications. This placed resid...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. Resident 23 was admitted to the facility in 5/2019 with diagnoses including dementia, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
Resident 23's provider visit notes from 6/21/24, 7/12/24 and 8/16/24 by ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to the ensure the Direct Care Staff Daily Report (DCSDR) postings were accurate for 16 of 27 days reviewed for staffing. This...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. Resident 296 was admitted to the facility in 8/2024 with diagnoses including a leg fracture requiring a leg immobilizer and h...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 it was determined the facility failed to store and handle food in a manner to minimize cross contamination in 1 of 1 kitchen and 1 of 2 snack refrige...
Read full inspector narrative →
May 2023
11 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 observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure adequate supervision to prevent resident-to-resident altercations for 1 of 4 sampled residents (#51) r...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
2. Resident 161 was admitted to the facility in 4/2023 with diagnoses including fracture of the femur.
Resident 161's 4/28/23 admission MDS revealed the resident was cognitively intact.
Resident 23 ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to complete a comprehensive assessment for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#51) reviewed for accidents. This placed residents at ri...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 code behaviors in resident MDS assessments for 1 of 3 sampled residents (#51) reviewed for accidents. This plac...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 it was determined the facility failed to develop a care plan for the use of a table tray for 1 of 2 sampled residents (#1) reviewed for physical restr...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to revise care plans in the areas of safety and fall...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
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 it was determined the facility failed to ensure the services provided met professional stan...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 assess the root cause, notify the physician, obtain a treatment order, update the care plan, routinely monito...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to identify and comprehensively assess weight loss and ensure weights were monitored for 2 of 3 sampled residents (#s 42 and ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were assessed appropriately before administration of an anti-psychotic medication for 1 of 5...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 routine dental services for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#6) reviewed for dental needs. This placed resid...
Read full inspector narrative →
Nov 2022
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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure bathing was provided for 4 of 4 sampled residents (#s 1, 5, 14, and 18) reviewed for sufficient staffing. This plac...
Read full inspector narrative →
Mar 2022
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
c. Resident 50 was admitted to the facility in 7/2012 with diagnoses including dementia without behavioral disturbance and major depressive disorder.
Resident 50's 2/21/22 Annual MDS indicated the re...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
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 assess a resident's ability to indepe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to update the resident's care plan related to skin integrity for 1 of 2 sampled residents (#10) reviewed for pressure ulcers....
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
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 a resident received adequate o...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Resident 25 was admitted to the facility in 1/2022 with diagnoses including left hip fracture, pain and dementia.
From 3/21/2...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 restorative services as recom...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure staff performed adequate hand hygiene and use of personal protection equipment (PPE) for 2 of 2 floors...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 harm violation(s), $58,220 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 35 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $58,220 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Oregon. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Columbia Basin Care Facility's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY 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 Columbia Basin Care Facility Staffed?
CMS rates COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 70%, which is 23 percentage points above the Oregon average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 77%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Columbia Basin Care Facility?
State health inspectors documented 35 deficiencies at COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY during 2022 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm and 34 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Columbia Basin Care Facility?
COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 90 certified beds and approximately 39 residents (about 43% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in THE DALLES, Oregon.
How Does Columbia Basin Care Facility Compare to Other Oregon Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oregon, COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY's overall rating (3 stars) matches the state average, staff turnover (70%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Columbia Basin Care Facility?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "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 facility's high staff turnover rate.
Is Columbia Basin Care Facility Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Oregon. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Columbia Basin Care Facility Stick Around?
Staff turnover at COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY is high. At 70%, the facility is 23 percentage points above the Oregon average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 77%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Columbia Basin Care Facility Ever Fined?
COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY has been fined $58,220 across 1 penalty action. This is above the Oregon average of $33,661. Fines in this range indicate compliance issues significant enough for CMS to impose meaningful financial consequences. Common causes include delayed correction of deficiencies, repeat violations, or care failures affecting resident safety. Families should ask facility leadership what changes have been made since these penalties.
Is Columbia Basin Care Facility on Any Federal Watch List?
COLUMBIA BASIN CARE FACILITY 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.