NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Nehalem Valley Care Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about the quality of care provided. This places the facility at #119 out of 127 in Oregon, meaning it is in the bottom half of nursing homes in the state, although it is the only option in Tillamook County. The facility is showing signs of improvement, with the number of issues decreasing from 14 in 2024 to 6 in 2025. However, staffing remains a major concern, with a rating of 1 out of 5 stars and reported issues such as call lights going unanswered for up to an hour, indicating a lack of timely assistance. Additionally, there have been concerns about cleanliness in the kitchen, which poses a risk for foodborne illnesses, as well as insufficient RN coverage on several occasions. While there are some improvements in the trend, families should weigh these significant weaknesses against any strengths when considering this facility for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Oregon
- #119/127
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 56% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $16,801 in fines. Higher than 70% of Oregon facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 30 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Oregon. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 41 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
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Oregon average (3.0)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Near Oregon avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
8 points above Oregon average of 48%
The Ugly 41 deficiencies on record
Jun 2025
6 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 and interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a dignified dining experience for 2 of 5 sample residents (#s 8 and 20) reviewed for dining. This placed residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0605
(Tag F0605)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents with diagnoses of dementia were free from unnecessary use of antipschotic medication for 1 o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure pureed foods were prepared using methods that conserved nutritive value and flavor for 2 of 2 meals s...
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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 the facility failed to ensure proper hand hygiene during meals and failed to use proper PPE for contact-based precautions for 1 of 1 dining room and 2...
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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 F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff to meet resident care needs in a timely manner for 3 of 3 resident halls reviewed for staf...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure RN coverage for eight consecutive hours per day for 3 of 43 days reviewed for staffing. This placed residents at ri...
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Nov 2024
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 F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to use the services of a registered nurse for at least eight consecutive hours a day for 41 out of 99 days reviewed for staff...
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Mar 2024
13 deficiencies
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 it was determined the facility failed to complete a baseline care plan within 48 hours of a...
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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 observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to update resident care plans for 1 of ...
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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
**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 nail care and oral care to a ...
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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 it was determined the facility failed to maintain oxygen equipment for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#4) reviewed for oxygen. This placed residents at ris...
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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, complete, and readily accessible for 2 of 6 sampled residents (#s 14 and 16) reviewed during...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0849
(Tag F0849)
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 a resident received coordination for end-of...
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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, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to maintain comfortable temperatures, clean resident personal care items and provide a clean resident room for 1...
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CONCERN
(E)
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 to provide sufficient nursing staff to ensure residents attained their highest practicable psychosocial well-being for ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to use the services of a Registered Nurse for at least eight consecutive hours a day, seven days a week for 3 of 28 days revi...
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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 maintain a medication error rate of less than 5 percent. There were six errors in 27 opportunities resulting ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure medications were secured and failed to ensure proper labeling of biologicals for 1 of 1 facility revi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview it was determined the facility failed to ensure the dietary manager met the required qualifications for 1 of 1 kitchen reviewed for competent staffing. This placed r...
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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 and interview it was determined the facility failed to ensure foods and bulk ingredients were labeled and stored in a way to minimize food spoilage, failed to maintain a clean and...
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Feb 2023
21 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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were treated in a dignified manner for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#9) reviewed for abuse. This placed resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0559
(Tag F0559)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure married residents were able to share a room when requested for 1 of 1 sampled resident (#8) reviewed f...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to complete a thorough investigation of an allegation of abuse for 1 of 1 sampled resident (# 9) reviewed for abuse. This pla...
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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
4. Resident 8 was admitted to the facility in 9/2014 with diagnoses including stroke and hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body).
The 1/16/23 Quarterly MDS revealed the resident was cognitivel...
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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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure resident care plans were revised to accurately reflect the resident needs for 1 of 4 sampled residents (# 15) revie...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0659
(Tag F0659)
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 qualified staff administered medicated powd...
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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
4. Resident 14 was admitted to the facility in 9/2018 with diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease, schizoaffective disorder (a chronic mental health disorder characterized by symptoms such as halluci...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to provide an ongoing program to support individual activity interests and preferences for 1 of 1 sampled resid...
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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
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to follow physician orders for 2 of 5 sampled residents (#s 16 and 273) reviewed for edema and positioning. This placed 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
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 interventions were in place and followed to reduce the risk of accidents for 3 of 6 sampled residents ...
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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 F0825
(Tag F0825)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to implement a restorative nursing program to ensure residents maintained strength and independence with ADLs fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to use antibiotic protocols for 1 of 4 sampled residents (#15) reviewed for ADLs. This placed residents at risk for developin...
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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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**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 a homelike environment for 4...
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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
**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 sufficient nursing staff to a...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to employ kitchen staff who met the required qualifications for 1 of 1 kitchen reviewed for competent staffing. ...
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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 F0809
(Tag F0809)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
2. During the Resident Council meeting on 2/7/23 at 2:30 PM, the residents reported the lack of snack availability and the limited number of juices allowed due to budget costs. The residents stated th...
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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 F0919
(Tag F0919)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure call lights were functioning for 2 of 2 halls and 1 of 1 sampled resident (#10) reviewed for pain and call lights. ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0923
(Tag F0923)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure a proper functioning ventilation system to prevent odors throughout the facility for 2 of 2 halls revi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**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 resident rooms were free from ...
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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 and interview it was determined the facility failed to ensure foods and bulk ingredients were labeled and stored in a way to minimize food spoilage, failed to maintain a clean and...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
1. Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to process and transport laundry so as to prevent the spread of infection for 1 of 1 laundry rooms and 2 of 2...
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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
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • 41 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • $16,801 in fines. Above average for Oregon. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (33/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 56% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Nehalem Valley's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Oregon, 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 Nehalem Valley Staffed?
CMS rates NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 56%, which is 10 percentage points above the Oregon average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Nehalem Valley?
State health inspectors documented 41 deficiencies at NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER during 2023 to 2025. These included: 41 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Nehalem Valley?
NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER 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 50 certified beds and approximately 27 residents (about 54% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in WHEELER, Oregon.
How Does Nehalem Valley Compare to Other Oregon Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oregon, NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (56%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Nehalem Valley?
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 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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Nehalem Valley Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, NEHALEM VALLEY 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 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 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 Nehalem Valley Stick Around?
Staff turnover at NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER is high. At 56%, the facility is 10 percentage points above the Oregon average of 46%. 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 Nehalem Valley Ever Fined?
NEHALEM VALLEY CARE CENTER has been fined $16,801 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Oregon average of $33,247. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Nehalem Valley on Any Federal Watch List?
NEHALEM VALLEY 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.