Safety Report: Driftwood Healthcare Center - Santa Cruz
How to read this report. Every nursing home receives some citations. One citation does not mean a facility is unsafe. Look at how serious the findings were, whether the same problems keep coming back, and whether things are getting better or worse. Learn how inspections work.
Official ratings
Medicare's star ratings compare nursing homes within the same state for health inspections. A 5-star facility performed better than most in its state; a 1-star facility performed worse than most.
Stars are calculated by CMS, not by us. We do not create our own safety score.
Serious documented violations
0Immediate jeopardy citations (severity J–L)
3Actual harm citations (severity G–I)
11Requirements cited on more than one inspection
G
Government finding: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F689
G
Government finding: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F689
G
Government finding: Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F755
Citations by topic
1Abuse, neglect & exploitation
3Infection control
13Medications & pharmacy
4Accidents & supervision
Topics use CMS's own deficiency categories; “accidents & supervision” counts tag F689 (free of accident hazards / adequate supervision). Counts cover the last three inspection cycles, including complaint investigations.
Is it getting better or worse?
Fewer citations in the most recent cycle (9) than in the cycle before (27).
An inspection cycle is roughly one year and includes the standard inspection plus complaint investigations. Counts depend partly on how many complaint investigations occurred, so treat small changes with caution. Red bars include at least one serious citation.
Staffing and rating trends will appear as we collect monthly CMS releases. We have one month so far, so a staffing trend cannot yet be determined.
Repeat findings
These requirements were cited on more than one inspection date in the last three cycles.
| Requirement | Times cited | Inspection dates |
|---|---|---|
| Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. (F755) | 4 | December 12, 2025; June 24, 2024; January 18, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (F689) | 4 | October 2, 2024; March 19, 2024; March 4, 2024; October 6, 2023 |
| Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. (F656) | 3 | July 15, 2026; June 24, 2024; October 9, 2023 |
| Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (F880) | 3 | December 12, 2025; June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (F812) | 3 | December 12, 2025; June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| 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. (F761) | 2 | December 12, 2025; June 24, 2024 |
| Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail. (F700) | 2 | December 12, 2025; June 24, 2024 |
| 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. (F758) | 2 | June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options. (F806) | 2 | June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. (F759) | 2 | June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
| Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures. (F756) | 2 | June 24, 2024; August 19, 2022 |
Fines and enforcement
No federal fines or payment denials in the last three years.
Federal civil money penalties and Medicare/Medicaid payment denials. State-level penalties may not be included.
Complete inspection history
August 25, 2026 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Notify the appropriate authorities when residents with MD or ID services has a significant change in condition.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F646 · complaint · corrected September 5, 2026
July 15, 2026 — 2 citations · complaint investigation
E
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F677 · complaint · corrected August 12, 2026
D
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F656 · complaint · corrected August 12, 2026
December 12, 2025 — 6 citations
E
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · corrected January 9, 2026
E
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected January 9, 2026
E
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F805 · corrected January 9, 2026
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F761 · corrected January 9, 2026
E
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F700 · corrected January 9, 2026
D
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F755 · corrected January 9, 2026
August 22, 2025 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · F609 · complaint · corrected September 21, 2025
October 2, 2024 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · complaint · corrected October 31, 2024
June 24, 2024 — 25 citations
F
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Environmental Deficiencies · F921 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Environmental Deficiencies · F919 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F814 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F804 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F758 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F755 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F745 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F741 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F700 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F657 · corrected July 17, 2024
E
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F552 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Environmental Deficiencies · F909 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F809 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F806 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F761 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F759 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F757 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F756 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F690 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F684 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F656 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F583 · corrected July 17, 2024
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F578 · corrected July 17, 2024
March 19, 2024 — 1 citation (includes serious) · complaint investigation
G
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Actual harm to a resident (not immediate jeopardy) · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · complaint · corrected March 27, 2024
March 4, 2024 — 1 citation (includes serious) · complaint investigation
G
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Actual harm to a resident (not immediate jeopardy) · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · complaint · corrected March 13, 2024
January 18, 2024 — 1 citation (includes serious) · complaint investigation
G
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Actual harm to a resident (not immediate jeopardy) · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F755 · complaint · corrected January 30, 2024
October 9, 2023 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F656 · complaint · corrected October 30, 2023
October 6, 2023 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · complaint · corrected October 30, 2023
August 19, 2022 — 13 citations
F
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Environmental Deficiencies · F908 · corrected September 12, 2022
F
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected September 12, 2022
F
Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F802 · corrected September 12, 2022
F
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F801 · corrected September 12, 2022
E
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F806 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F759 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F758 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F756 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F755 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F658 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F584 · corrected September 12, 2022
D
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F561 · corrected September 12, 2022
Source: CMS Health Deficiencies dataset (data as of October 1, 2026); full inspection narratives on Medicare Care Compare