Average — CMS composite of the measures below.
The next survey window likely opens around March 2027
Estimate from public CMS data, current as of July 2026. Survey timing is at the state agency's discretion.
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Columbia Basin Hospital during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Missing Medication Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring: The facility failed to ensure refrigerated meds were stored at proper temperatures in the medication refrigerator. Two boxes of Tubersol were observed in the refrigerator, and the temperature log had missing checks for eleven shifts. An LPN stated temps should be checked twice daily, and the DON acknowledged the missing monitoring entries and confirmed the AM/PM expectation.
Failure to provide SNF ABNs for 3 residents reviewed for beneficiary notices. Records showed one resident returned after a hospital transfer and two residents were discharged to a lesser care setting, but none had documentation of receiving the SNF ABN. The DON stated the beneficiary notice process had not been completed and confirmed the residents had not been given the notice.
Unsafe and Damaged Resident Room Conditions: A resident room review found multiple areas of wall damage, exposed drywall, chipped paint, missing laminate, and damaged trim/doors in 3 rooms. The DON said staff were expected to submit maintenance tickets through Works Hub, and the Maintenance Mgr confirmed no work orders had been entered for the affected rooms.
A facility failed to ensure psychotropic meds were supported by clinically valid diagnoses for 3 of 5 residents reviewed. One resident with anxiety disorder and intact cognition had an antidepressant ordered for transition from acute care to LTC, another resident with anxiety disorder and depression had an antidepressant ordered for living in LTC, and a resident with Lewy body dementia, agitation, and psychosis had antianxiety and antipsychotic meds ordered for pain aggravated by ADLs and hospice care even though the DON said the resident was not on hospice and the diagnoses were incorrect.
Failure to implement restorative nursing services for a resident with stroke-related contractures. The resident had impaired cognition and limited function in the upper and lower extremities, but no restorative program was in place for the right hand or arm. Staff observed the resident's right hand in a fixed clenched-fist position, and OT documented the resident would benefit from skilled intervention to prevent further decline. Interviews confirmed there was no documented therapy follow-up or restorative maintenance program for the resident's contractures.
A resident with PTSD and a history of sexual assault reported that certain men and sirens were trauma triggers, but staff never identified or documented these triggers. The resident’s care plan and SW assessment contained no trauma-informed care details, and the DON and Social Services Director acknowledged the PTSD history and triggers were missing from the resident’s record.
Failure to post daily nursing staff information. Surveyors observed no visible nursing staff postings for residents, resident representatives, or visitors on multiple occasions, and an LPN stated the white board was not used because the DNS said actual staffing no longer had to be posted since it was available online. The DNS stated they believed the postings were online and did not need to be posted after switching to the computer system, and acknowledged it was an oversight.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple diagnoses experienced a delay in transfer to the ER after developing a fever. The resident's representatives reported concerns about the delay to nurse management, but the facility did not log or report the allegation of neglect to the State Hotline as required, despite being aware of the concerns and conducting an internal review.
The facility did not maintain a QAA committee that met quarterly and included the Infection Preventionist (IP) as required. The IP was unaware of their obligation to attend or present infection control data. The third quarter meeting was missed, and data was delayed by three months. The Nursing Services Manager acknowledged the oversight and the need for the IP's involvement.
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary kitchen environment, with observations revealing unclean air vents and dirty light fixtures over food preparation areas. Staff interviews indicated that the vents had not been cleaned for two months, and there was no scheduled cleaning routine in place.
The facility failed to obtain informed consent for psychotropic medications for three residents. A resident had their antianxiety medications discontinued without being informed, while two other residents were started on psychotropic medications without being educated or informed about the risks and benefits. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility did not adhere to its process of reviewing medications with residents or their representatives before administration.
The facility failed to assess and document the use of side rails as physical restraints for two residents, leading to a deficiency in care. One resident with dementia and other health issues was observed with side rails up without proper documentation or guidance in their care plan. Another resident with depression and heart issues was also observed with side rails in various positions without assessments or consents. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of formal documentation and care plan instructions, placing residents at risk for injury.
The facility failed to implement an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program for its LTC residents, lacking monthly surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases. The IP, responsible for both the LTC unit and the hospital, did not identify infection trends specific to the LTC unit due to a lack of awareness and training. The Nursing Operations Manager confirmed the absence of specific reports and data for the LTC unit.
The facility failed to ensure the Infection Preventionist (IP) met the necessary educational qualifications for certification before assuming the role. The IP, responsible for both the hospital and LTC unit, had not completed required infection control training. Both the IP and Resident Manager were unaware of the certification requirements, risking inadequate oversight of infection control issues.
Missing Medication Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure refrigerated medications were stored at proper temperatures in 1 of 1 medication refrigerator. During an observation and concurrent interview on 04/21/2026 at 12:43 PM, two boxes of Tubersol were observed inside the door of the medication refrigerator in the medication room. Above the refrigerator, a medication refrigerator temperature monitor log was present, but it had missing medication monitoring checks. Review of the April 2026 temperature log showed staff were to monitor medication temperatures daily in the AM and PM, but eleven shifts had no temperature monitoring documented. Staff F, an LPN, stated the temperatures were to be checked twice a day to keep the efficacy of the medications. During a later interview and observation on 04/21/2026 at 3:07 PM, Staff B, the DON, acknowledged the missing shifts and stated the medication refrigerator temperature monitoring log should be checked twice a day, once by the dayshift nurse and once by the nightshift nurse.
Failure to Provide SNF ABN Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (SNF ABN) for 3 of 3 residents reviewed for beneficiary notices: Resident 2, Resident 10, and Resident 12. Review of Resident 2’s medical record showed the resident had been discharged to the hospital and later returned to the facility, but there was no documentation that a SNF ABN had been provided. Review of Resident 10’s record showed the resident had been discharged to a lesser care setting on 02/17/2026, and there was no documentation of a SNF ABN. Review of Resident 12’s record showed the resident had been discharged to a lesser care setting on 03/03/2026, and there was no documentation of a SNF ABN. During an interview on 04/21/2026 at 3:23 PM, the DON stated the facility had not completed the beneficiary notice process and confirmed that Residents 2, 10, and 12 had not been provided with the SNF ABN.
Unsafe and Damaged Resident Room Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment was maintained for 3 of 11 resident rooms reviewed for environment. In one room, observation showed multiple wall gouges and deep scratches with exposed drywall and chipped paint behind the bed, missing laminate on both bottom drawers of the sink cabinet, scratches with exposed drywall and missing paint on the wall adjacent to the bathroom door, scratches with paint loss and exposed metal on the bathroom door trim, and a black scratch on the entrance wall. The resident in that room stated they would like the items in the room repaired so the environment feels more like home. In a second room, observation showed an 8-inch by 5-inch section of exposed drywall next to the closet door, a 2-foot gouge under the window exposing drywall, three 1-foot gouges behind the bed exposing drywall, missing dime-sized areas of drywall to the left of the bathroom door with paint chips and exposed metal on the trim, a 1-inch by 2-inch gouge on the bathroom door, and a 4-inch gouge under the room entry door knob. In a third room, observation showed missing dime-sized areas of drywall to the left of the bathroom entry with paint chips and exposed metal, and a 3-foot area of bubbling paint and exposed drywall on the entrance wall. The DON stated staff were expected to enter maintenance tickets in the Works Hub system, and the Maintenance Manager confirmed no work orders had been submitted for the referenced rooms and stated staff failed to communicate the environmental needs.
Unnecessary psychotropic medications ordered without valid diagnoses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents were free of unnecessary psychotropic medications by not providing clinically valid and accurate diagnoses to justify medication use for 3 of 5 residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. The facility policy titled, Monitoring of Psychotropic Medications, stated psychotropic medications would only be given to treat a specific diagnosis and documented conditions. Review of records showed Resident 1 was admitted with anxiety disorder, had intact cognition, and required assistance from one staff member with transfers, but a physician order dated 12/22/2025 directed daily antidepressant use for the diagnosis of transition from acute care to long term care. Resident 3 was admitted with anxiety disorder and depression, had intact cognition, and required assistance from one staff member with ADLs, but a physician order dated 12/24/2025 directed daily antidepressant use for the diagnosis of lives in long-term care facility. Resident 6 was admitted with Lewy body dementia with agitation and psychosis, had moderately impaired cognition, and required assistance from one to two staff members with ADLs, but received antianxiety and antipsychotic medications ordered for diagnoses of pain aggravated by ADLs and hospice care patient. The DON stated Resident 6 was not currently receiving hospice services and had not been on hospice for approximately one year, and stated the diagnoses listed for the antianxiety and antipsychotic medications were incorrect and did not clinically support the use of those drugs. The DON also stated the facility lacked a formal process to ensure resident diagnoses were accurate or appropriately linked to medications, and that the pharmacist did not have a consistent process for reviewing diagnoses during monthly psychotropic medication reviews.
Failure to Implement Restorative Nursing Services for Resident with Contractures
Penalty
Summary
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason. The facility failed to ensure restorative nursing services were implemented for Resident 12, who was admitted with diagnoses including stroke and contractures. The 03/18/2026 comprehensive assessment showed the resident had moderately impaired cognition, required assistance from one to two staff members with activities of daily living, and had impairment to both upper and lower extremities. The assessment also showed no restorative nursing programs were in place. Observation and interview on 04/20/2026 showed Resident 12 lying in bed with a notable contracture of the right ring finger and stating that no one works with the fingers and that movement causes pain. On 04/22/2026, the resident was observed in a wheelchair with the right arm at the side and the right hand held in a fixed, contracted clenched-fist position; the thumb was tucked tightly into the palm and the thumb and ring finger could not be straightened. The care plan dated 01/01/2026 showed no restorative nursing programs or interventions for the right hand contractures, and the restorative nursing programs binder showed no active restorative program or individualized interventions for the upper extremities. OT assessed the resident for contracture management of the right hand, wrist, and elbow and documented that the resident would benefit from skilled OT intervention to prevent further decline and worsening of existing contractures. Staff interviews confirmed there was no documented evidence of therapy being provided after the initial OT assessment, no evaluation for a restorative nursing program, and no restorative program in place for the resident's right hand or arm.
Failure to Document PTSD Triggers in Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with a diagnosis of PTSD received culturally competent, trauma-informed care by not identifying the resident’s trauma history and specific triggers. The resident’s record showed admission diagnoses including PTSD, and the comprehensive assessment indicated the resident required assistance from one staff member for activities of daily living and had intact cognition. During interview, the resident stated they were a survivor of sexual assault, that certain men made them feel uneasy and uncomfortable, and that receiving care from male caregivers during bathing or dressing was extremely uncomfortable. The resident also stated that sirens triggered panic because of a past traumatic experience involving a family member, and that staff had never asked about trauma history or identified triggers. Record review showed the resident’s care plan contained no trauma-informed care plan with triggers, behaviors, or person-centered interventions. The Social Work initial assessment also contained no documentation addressing PTSD, specific trauma-informed care needs, or potential triggers. The DON stated they were responsible for formulating trauma-informed care plans and acknowledged that PTSD and the resident’s specific triggers were not addressed in the current care plan. The Social Services Director stated the initial assessment was supposed to include a trauma assessment for each resident upon admission, but the assessment for this resident contained no mention of PTSD or specific triggers, and the correct information was missing from the care plan.
Failure to Post Daily Nursing Staff Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure nursing staff postings were posted daily and/or reflected the actual nursing staff hours worked during 3 of 5 days of the survey period, including 04/20/2026, 04/21/2026, and 04/22/2026. During observations on 04/20/2026 at 10:30 AM, 04/21/2026 at 1:36 PM, and 04/22/2026 at 9:26 AM, surveyors found no nursing staff postings available for residents, resident representatives, or visitors to view the actual staff available to provide resident care. During interview, an LPN stated the white board was not used for nursing staff postings and said they had been told by the DNS that actual nurse staffing no longer had to be posted because the information was available online. The DNS later stated it was their understanding that the postings were online and did not have to be posted after switching to the computer system, and acknowledged, "It was an oversight on my part."
Failure to Timely Investigate and Report Allegation of Neglect
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to timely investigate and report an allegation of neglect involving a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, aphasia, and major depressive disorder. The resident developed a fever in the early morning, and although the representative was notified and interventions were initiated, there was a five-hour delay between the initial assessment and the resident's transfer to the emergency room. The resident's representatives expressed concern about this delay to nurse management, which constituted an allegation of neglect according to state guidelines and facility policy. Despite these concerns being reported, the facility did not log an investigation regarding the allegation of neglect, nor did they report the incident to the State Hotline as required by both state regulations and their own policy. The Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Nursing acknowledged awareness of the concerns and conducted an internal review, but did not perceive the concerns as an allegation of neglect and did not report them, stating that reporting would only occur if the facility was found at fault after their investigation.
Failure to Include Infection Preventionist in QAA Meetings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) committee that met at least quarterly and included the Infection Preventionist (IP) as a required member. This deficiency was identified through interviews and record reviews, which revealed that the IP had not participated in or prepared reports for the QAA committee on infection control data. The IP was unaware of the requirement to attend the QAA meetings or present data. Additionally, the facility missed the third quarter QAA committee meeting, and the data from that quarter was combined with the fourth quarter meeting, resulting in a delay of three months. The Nursing Services Manager acknowledged that the IP had not been included in the QAA meetings over the past year and agreed that the IP's presence was necessary for reviewing and analyzing infection control data.
Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a sanitary environment in the kitchen, which placed residents at risk for cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. During an observation, it was noted that the air vent in the kitchen, located over the food preparation areas, had accumulated fuzzy brown substances around the air filter vent grills. Multiple areas of the air vent's grill over the cook's area and the first entry door to the kitchen had dark brown fuzzy substances. Additionally, the overhead light fixture and plastic covering over the cook's area and food serve-out area were dirty with yellow-brown substances. Interviews with staff revealed that the kitchen vents had not been cleaned for a significant period. Staff M, the Environmental Services-Lead, acknowledged the vents were dirty and stated that the assigned custodian was responsible for cleaning them but was unsure of the cleaning schedule. Staff L, the Environmental Services Director, confirmed that the vents had not been cleaned for two months and that the cleaning of the kitchen vents and ceiling was not on a scheduled cleaning routine. Staff L also mentioned plans to replace the discolored lighting fixtures over the stove.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain informed consent regarding the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of psychotropic medications for three residents. Resident 2, who was admitted with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, had their antianxiety medications discontinued without being informed or consulted. The attending provider discontinued the medications following a pharmacist's recommendation, but did not communicate with Resident 2 about the change or obtain their consent. The facility's process to notify residents of medication changes was not followed, as confirmed by interviews with staff. Resident 7, admitted with heart failure, depression, and anxiety, was started on antidepressant medications without being educated or informed about the medications by the facility staff. The resident did not sign any consents for the medications, and staff interviews revealed that the facility's process to review psychotropic medications with residents or their representatives before administration was not adhered to. Resident 11, who had dementia with behavioral disturbances, falls, and heart disease, was prescribed psychotropic medications without obtaining consents or reviewing the risks and benefits with the resident's representative. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility failed to follow its policy of ensuring residents and their representatives were informed of the benefits and side effects of psychoactive medications before administration.
Failure to Assess and Document Side Rail Use as Physical Restraints
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly assess and identify the use of side rails as physical restraints for two residents, leading to a deficiency in care. Resident 8, who was admitted with dementia, atrial fibrillation, and dysphagia, was observed with side rails in the up position without a documented assessment, consent, or physician's order justifying their use. The resident's care plan lacked guidance on the use of side rails, and staff interviews revealed inconsistent practices regarding when the rails should be up or down. Staff members indicated that the side rails were used to make the resident feel safe and prevent falls, but there was no formal documentation or care plan instructions to support this practice. Similarly, Resident 7, who was admitted with depression, anxiety, heart failure, and respiratory issues, was observed with side rails in various positions without any documented assessments, physician's orders, or consents. The resident was alert and oriented but had not been informed about the use of side rails by the staff. Interviews with staff confirmed the absence of assessments and care plans for the use of side rails, acknowledging the potential risk of restraint or injury. The facility's failure to follow its policy on physical restraints and to document the necessary assessments and consents placed both residents at risk for injury and compromised their quality of life.
Inadequate Infection Control Program in LTC Unit
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an effective and individualized Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPC) for its long-term care (LTC) residents, which did not meet the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services federal regulatory requirements. This deficiency was identified through interviews and record reviews, revealing that the facility did not conduct monthly surveillance or monitor and track infectious diseases specific to the LTC unit. The designated Infection Preventionist (IP), Staff Q, was responsible for both the LTC unit and the hospital but did not identify infection trends or rates specific to the LTC unit. Staff Q admitted to being unaware of the additional requirements for LTC and lacked a process for surveillance reports or identifying data, including infection rates. Furthermore, Staff G, the Nursing Operations Manager, acknowledged that Staff Q was new to the IP role and had not received adequate training after the previous IP left, resulting in the absence of specific reports and data for the LTC unit.
Inadequate Infection Preventionist Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the designated Infection Preventionist (IP) responsible for the Infection Control Program met the necessary educational qualifications for certification before assuming the role. During an interview, the IP, identified as Staff Q, admitted to being hired for both the hospital and the long-term care unit without completing the required infection control training for certification. Staff Q was unaware of the need for certification and had not undertaken any training specific to long-term care. Additionally, Staff B, the Resident Manager, was also unaware of the specific training requirements for the IP's certification, acknowledging the importance of such training. This oversight placed residents at risk due to inadequate oversight of infection control issues specific to long-term care.
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What surveyors actually found near you
We read the 44 citations issued within 25 miles in the last 12 months — and tell you exactly what happened, in plain English, matched to your record.
Resident with a documented fall history left unattended on the patio; found on the ground with a hip fracture.
Walk-in cooler logs missing for 12 days; expired supplements in the medication room fridge.
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Nursing homes near Ephrata
How nearby facilities compare on the same public inspection record.
| Facility | Distance | Overall rating | Citations, 12 mo | Serious (J–L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mckay Healthcare & Rehab Ctr | 5.6 mi | ★★★★★ | 1 | 0 |
| Lake Ridge Center | 18.4 mi | ★★★★★ | 12 | 0 |
| Columbia Crest Center | 19 mi | ★★★★★ | 31 | 0 |
| Colonial Vista Post-acute & Rehab Center | 36.7 mi | ★★★★★ | 38 | 0 |
| Regency Wenatchee Rehabiliation & Nursing Center | 37.5 mi | ★★★★★ | 3 | 0 |
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