COTTONWOOD CANYON HEALTHCARE CENTER

1391 MADISON AVENUE, EL CAJON, CA 92021

F
Facility Assessment 6 federal violations at this facility remain unresolved. Inspectors recorded 2 citations at the actual-harm level or worse in the last three survey cycles. This facility staffs below 0.55 RN hours per resident day — the level the 2024 federal rule, repealed in February 2026, would have required.

Below the repealed 0.55 hr RN benchmark — review inspection history before visiting.

Quality Breakdown

RN Staffing
Registered nurse time each resident receives daily. 2024 federal benchmark: 0.55 hrs. Repealed February 2026.
0.43 — Below the repealed 0.55 hr benchmark

The 0.55 hour RN standard was repealed effective February 2, 2026 and is not currently enforced. We still grade against it. Why

Health Deficiencies (last 3 survey cycles)
Violations found during federal inspections, with how many remain open and how many involved actual harm.
Total 68
Outstanding 6
Actual harm or worse (G–L) 2
CMS Ratings
Overall and Staffing quality ratings from CMS (1-5 stars).
Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Staffing: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
NursingHomeGrade Score
17/100

Loaded into NursingHomeGrade on April 12, 2026. This is the load date, not the date CMS published the underlying survey data — see release dates.

Inspection Deficiencies

Health inspections identify violations of federal standards. Severity ranges from no actual harm (A–F) to immediate jeopardy (J–L).

2 actual harm issues found among 68 total deficiencies. 62 corrected. — 6 still outstanding

Most recent inspection (December 12, 2024)

D Potential harm — isolated F0726 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

D Potential harm — isolated F0678 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

G Actual harm — isolated F0689 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

D Potential harm — isolated F0641 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

D Potential harm — isolated F0842 Status: Outstanding — No Plan

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

D Potential harm — isolated F0851 Status: Corrected

Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Administration Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0605 Status: Corrected

Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0880 Status: Corrected

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Infection Control Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0812 Status: Corrected

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0756 Status: Corrected

Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0758 Status: Corrected

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected September 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0685 Status: Corrected

Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0695 Status: Corrected

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0699 Status: Corrected

Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 23, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0660 Status: Corrected

Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 23, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0842 Status: Corrected

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0627 Status: Corrected

Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected September 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0550 Status: Corrected

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0578 Status: Corrected

Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0622 Status: Corrected

Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

Inspection cycle 2 (July 15, 2021)

F Potential harm — widespread F0925 Status: Corrected

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Environmental Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0607 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

F Potential harm — widespread F0802 Status: Corrected

Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0806 Status: Corrected

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

F Potential harm — widespread F0812 Status: Corrected

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0813 Status: Corrected

Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0760 Status: Corrected

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0758 Status: Corrected

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected June 17, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0755 Status: Corrected

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0761 Status: Corrected

Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0697 Status: Corrected

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected September 10, 2024

E Potential harm — pattern F0677 Status: Corrected

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0686 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0698 Status: Corrected

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0842 Status: Corrected

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected January 10, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected October 25, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 13, 2021

Inspection cycle 3 (July 11, 2019)

D Potential harm — isolated F0849 Status: Corrected

Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.

Administration Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

G Actual harm — isolated F0600 Status: Corrected

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 31, 2023

E Potential harm — pattern F0880 Status: Corrected

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Infection Control Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0761 Status: Corrected

Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected June 27, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0761 Status: Corrected

Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

E Potential harm — pattern F0755 Status: Corrected

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0758 Status: Corrected

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0690 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected March 13, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0699 Status: Corrected

Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 13, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 1, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0677 Status: Corrected

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0689 Status: Corrected

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0679 Status: Corrected

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0684 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 15, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0655 Status: Corrected

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 31, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 1, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0657 Status: Corrected

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

D Potential harm — isolated F0550 Status: Corrected

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 15, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0622 Status: Corrected

Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected July 18, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0583 Status: Corrected

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected May 10, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0584 Status: Corrected

Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 10, 2019

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