HERON'S KEY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Heron's Key in Gig Harbor, Washington holds a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good facility, a solid choice but not without its issues. It ranks #14 out of 190 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half, and is the top-rated facility out of 21 in Pierce County. However, the facility's performance is worsening, with reported issues increasing from 1 in 2023 to 15 in 2024. Staffing is a strength, boasting a 5/5 star rating with a turnover rate of only 32%, well below the state average, and excellent RN coverage that exceeds 96% of Washington facilities. On the downside, there have been concerning incidents, such as a resident suffering a fracture due to improper transfer assistance, indicating a failure to follow safety protocols. Additionally, the facility has not adequately informed residents of their rights, which could impact their quality of life. Food safety practices have also come under scrutiny, with unsanitary kitchen conditions posing potential health risks to residents.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Washington
- #14/190
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 32% turnover. Near Washington's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $15,015 in fines. Higher than 95% of Washington facilities. Major compliance failures.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 106 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Washington nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 33 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 (32%)
16 points below Washington average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
14pts below Washington avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 33 deficiencies on record
Nov 2024
12 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0559
(Tag F0559)
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 married residents were provided the right to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to determine if a resident had current advanced directives (AD), and...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan about post-trauma...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to consistently implement the bowel program when needed for 1 of 5 s...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a safe environment was maintained related to...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed initiate non-pharmacological interventions prior to the administrati...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure a sanitary piece of equipment was available to 1 of 2 sample...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide written notification of the reason for transfer to the ho...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide written bed hold notice at the time of transfer to the ho...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0572
(Tag F0572)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
.
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to periodically inform residents of their rights after residents were admitted to the facility for 8 of 8 sampled residents (Residents 1, 3,...
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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, the facility failed to sanitarily prepare food in the facility kitchen and failed to monitor resident refrigerators for 1 of 2 resident refrigerators (Front Refri...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
.
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to post actual nurse staffing hours for 11 of 11 months reviewed (01/10/2024 through 11/14/2024) when reviewed for nurse staff posting. This...
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Jan 2024
3 deficiencies
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 the facility failed to adequately monitor for adverse side effects of anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications for 2 of 5 sampled residents (Residents 15 and 9) ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were labeled, dated, or discarded in accordance with currently accepted professional standards for 2 of 2 medica...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure residents were served meals at appropriate temperatures. This failure placed the residents at risk for food bourne illne...
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Aug 2023
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to implement the planned preventative measure of two person assist w...
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Sept 2022
17 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to inform residents in advance of proposed changes to medication regimens, the reason(s) for the changes and obtain the residents consent prior...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide a Notification of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) at least two calendar days before Medicare services ended, as required, for one of ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS - an assessment tool) was completed within 14 days of the Assessment Reference Date (ARD), for one ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** RESIDENT 21
Resident 21 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including stroke and muscle weakness.
Review of ...
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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** NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
RESIDENT 11
On 09/16/2022 at 10:14 AM, Resident 11 stated that they woke up in the middle of the night o...
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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, the facility failed to ensure one of five residents (Resident 1) reviewed fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, observation and record review the facility failed to assess residents' environments for potential hazards and to develop and implement interventions to address potential hazards fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide catheter care in accordance with professional standards of practice for 1 of 3 residents (Resident 1) reviewed for an indwelling ur...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of five residents (Resident 8) reviewed for unnecessary ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on interview, observation and record review, the facility failed to follow infection control practices for the quarantin...
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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, the facility failed to implement an antibiotic stewardship program. This failure placed residents at risk for unnecessary antibiotics and adverse events.
Finding...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0943
(Tag F0943)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide an effective training program for reporting abuse for three of five sampled staff (Staff N, O and P). This failure placed residents...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** RESIDENT 11
Resident 11 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses to include muscle weakness, bladder dysfunction an...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure five of 12 sample residents (Residents 1, 4, 10, 16 and 73) were reviewed for received care and services in accordance ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** RESIDENT 21
Resident 21 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnosis of depression.
Review of Resident 21's physician o...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** FOOD PREPARATION
An observation on 09/15/2022 at 8:03 AM, showed that Staff G, Dietary Aide, with gloved hands opened drawers an...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** RESIDENT 21
Review of Resident 21's immunization record on 09/19/2022 at 8:37 AM showed an influenza vaccine was administered on...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 32% turnover. Below Washington's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 33 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $15,015 in fines. Above average for Washington. Some compliance problems on record.
About This Facility
What is Heron'S Key's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns HERON'S KEY an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Washington, 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 Heron'S Key Staffed?
CMS rates HERON'S KEY's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 32%, compared to the Washington average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Heron'S Key?
State health inspectors documented 33 deficiencies at HERON'S KEY during 2022 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 31 with potential for harm, and 1 minor or isolated issues. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Heron'S Key?
HERON'S KEY 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 30 certified beds and approximately 20 residents (about 67% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in GIG HARBOR, Washington.
How Does Heron'S Key Compare to Other Washington Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Washington, HERON'S KEY's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (32%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Heron'S Key?
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 Heron'S Key Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, HERON'S KEY 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 Washington. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Heron'S Key Stick Around?
HERON'S KEY has a staff turnover rate of 32%, which is about average for Washington 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 Heron'S Key Ever Fined?
HERON'S KEY has been fined $15,015 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Washington average of $33,229. 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 Heron'S Key on Any Federal Watch List?
HERON'S KEY 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.