NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
North Valley Hospital in Tonasket, Washington, has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice for families seeking care, as it falls within the "good" range of facilities. It ranks #26 out of 190 facilities in Washington, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 4 in Okanogan County, meaning only one local option is rated higher. However, the facility's trend is worsening, with issues increasing from 7 in 2023 to 11 in 2024, which is concerning. Staffing is a strength here, with a 5-star rating and a turnover rate of 39%, lower than the state average of 46%, ensuring that staff are familiar with the residents. On the downside, there have been specific incidents, such as a resident developing a serious pressure ulcer due to a lack of care and unsafe food storage practices that could lead to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, hazardous chemicals were not properly secured, posing a risk to residents. Overall, while North Valley Hospital has strong staffing and a good trust grade, families should be aware of its recent increase in issues and specific safety concerns.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Washington
- #26/190
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 39% turnover. Near Washington's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $7,443 in fines. Higher than 74% of Washington facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 81 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
- 21 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 (39%)
9 points below Washington average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Washington avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 21 deficiencies on record
Nov 2024
11 deficiencies
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 the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS, assessment tool) acc...
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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 observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to determine a resident had a significant change in their physical condition for 1 of 11 sampled residents (Resident 27) reviewed...
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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 and implement a comprehensive person-centered ...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to consistently provide grooming for 1 of 2 sampled residents (Resident 30), reviewed for activities of daily living. This failu...
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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 residents administered psychotropic (drugs that alter brain f...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to assist the resident in obtaining routine dental care a...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain kitchen equipment in a safe and clean operating condition for 1 of 1 stove hoods when reviewed. This failure placed staff at risk of...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
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 ensure Level I Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR, an...
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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 and interview the facility failed to ensure standard precautions were maintained and hand hygiene was performed when indicated during 2 of 2 medication pass observations. This fai...
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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
Basedonobservation interview andrecordreview thefacilityfailedtostorefoodinaccordancewithprofessionalstandardsforfoodservicesafety Failuretoensureexpiredfoodswerediscardedfor3 of3 refrigerators 1 of1 ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure damaged paint and drywall was repaired timely after a water lea...
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Sept 2023
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, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure 2 of 2 residents (Resident 5, 8), reviewed for use and care of a urinary catheter (a flexible tube that passes through...
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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 observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident that had significant weight loss was reassessed and their weights monitored for 1 of 3 sampled residents (Re...
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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, the facility failed to develop goals and interventions to manage a resident's...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 sampled residents (Resident 5), reviewed for use and care of a supra pubic urinary catheter (a surgically creat...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure in-service training for 1 of 6 nursing assistants (Staff L) included dementia management, as required. These failures placed residen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to develop comprehensive, person-centered care plans for 3 of 14 sampled residents (Residents 31, 5 and 2), reviewed for care planning. Failur...
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Mar 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
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · 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 implement measures to prevent skin breakdown, for a r...
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Jul 2021
3 deficiencies
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 falls were thoroughly investigated, and fall pr...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control interventions intended to mi...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0885
(Tag F0885)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to inform 4 of 4 sample residents (5, 20, 11, 26), their representatives, and families reviewed for notification, of an occurrence of a confir...
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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
- • 39% turnover. Below Washington's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 21 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
About This Facility
What is North Valley Hospital's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL 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 North Valley Hospital Staffed?
CMS rates NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 39%, compared to the Washington average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at North Valley Hospital?
State health inspectors documented 21 deficiencies at NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL during 2021 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 19 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 North Valley Hospital?
NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 42 certified beds and approximately 39 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in TONASKET, Washington.
How Does North Valley Hospital Compare to Other Washington Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Washington, NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (39%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting North Valley Hospital?
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 North Valley Hospital Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL 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 North Valley Hospital Stick Around?
NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL has a staff turnover rate of 39%, 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 North Valley Hospital Ever Fined?
NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL has been fined $7,443 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Washington average of $33,153. 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 North Valley Hospital on Any Federal Watch List?
NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL 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.