Safety Report: Hillcrest Health Care Center

Hawarden, Iowa · Based on official CMS inspection records as of October 1, 2026.

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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

Overall★★★★★
Health inspections★★★★★
Staffing★★★★★
Quality measures★★★★★
Long-stay quality★★★★★
Short-stay qualityNo rating

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

2Immediate jeopardy citations (severity J–L)
1Actual harm citations (severity G–I)
22Requirements cited on more than one inspection
G
Government finding: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors rated this “actual harm to a resident (not immediate jeopardy).” The problem affected one or a very small number of residents or staff. Inspection of March 26, 2026, during a complaint investigation. Facility reported correction by April 8, 2026.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F600
J
Government finding: Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Inspectors rated this “immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.” The problem affected one or a very small number of residents or staff. Inspection of July 28, 2024, during a complaint investigation. Facility reported correction by August 7, 2024.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F805
K
Government finding: Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Inspectors rated this “immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.” The problem affected more than a very small number of residents, or happened repeatedly. Inspection of January 31, 2024. Facility reported correction by February 8, 2024.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F805

Citations by topic

4Abuse, neglect & exploitation
5Infection control
4Medications & pharmacy
2Accidents & 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?

More citations in the most recent cycle (27) than in the cycle before (10).

Two cycles ago
2 serious
Prior cycle
none serious
Most recent cycle
1 serious

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.

RequirementTimes citedInspection dates
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (F880)4March 26, 2026; March 11, 2025; July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (F550)3May 6, 2026; July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. (F804)3March 26, 2026; July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. (F725)3March 26, 2026; July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
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. (F584)3March 26, 2026; March 11, 2025; January 31, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. (F684)2March 26, 2026; March 11, 2025
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly (F868)2March 26, 2026; January 31, 2024
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities. (F865)2March 26, 2026; January 31, 2024
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. (F760)2March 26, 2026; January 31, 2024
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. (F690)2March 26, 2026; July 28, 2024
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. (F677)2March 26, 2026; March 11, 2025
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. (F657)2March 26, 2026; October 8, 2025
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. (F644)2March 26, 2026; January 31, 2024
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. (F582)2March 26, 2026; March 11, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. (F558)2March 26, 2026; July 28, 2024
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave. (F625)2March 11, 2025; January 31, 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)2March 11, 2025; January 31, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (F689)2March 11, 2025; July 28, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. (F656)2March 11, 2025; January 31, 2024
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs. (F805)2July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
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. (F809)2July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident. (F803)2July 28, 2024; January 31, 2024

Fines and enforcement

DateTypeAmount / length
March 26, 2026Payment DenialPayment denial for 22 days, starting April 22, 2026
March 26, 2026Fine$68,156
July 28, 2024Fine$8,649
January 31, 2024Fine$16,801

Federal civil money penalties and Medicare/Medicaid payment denials. State-level penalties may not be included.

Complete inspection history

72 citations across 6 inspection dates.

May 6, 2026 — 3 citations · complaint investigation
D
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F695 · complaint · corrected May 14, 2026
D
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F686 · complaint · corrected May 14, 2026
D
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F550 · complaint · corrected May 14, 2026
March 26, 2026 — 23 citations (includes serious)
G
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Actual harm to a resident (not immediate jeopardy) · Isolated · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · F600 · complaint · corrected April 8, 2026
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 April 8, 2026
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 April 8, 2026
E
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F725 · corrected April 8, 2026
E
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F684 · corrected April 8, 2026
E
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 · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F584 · complaint · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Administration Deficiencies · F868 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Administration Deficiencies · F865 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F842 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F760 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F744 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F693 · corrected April 8, 2026
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 April 8, 2026
D
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 · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F677 · complaint · corrected April 8, 2026
D
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 · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F657 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F644 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F628 · corrected April 8, 2026
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 April 8, 2026
D
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · F605 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F582 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F580 · complaint · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F567 · corrected April 8, 2026
D
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F558 · complaint · corrected April 8, 2026
October 8, 2025 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
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 · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F657 · complaint · corrected October 13, 2025
March 11, 2025 — 10 citations
E
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 · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F801 · corrected March 28, 2025
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 March 28, 2025
E
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F625 · corrected March 28, 2025
D
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · corrected March 28, 2025
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 March 28, 2025
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 March 28, 2025
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 · complaint · corrected March 28, 2025
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 March 28, 2025
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 March 28, 2025
D
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F582 · corrected March 28, 2025
July 28, 2024 — 11 citations (includes serious) · complaint investigation
J
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Isolated · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F805 · complaint · corrected August 7, 2024
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 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
E
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 · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F809 · complaint · corrected August 13, 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 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
E
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F803 · complaint · corrected August 13, 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 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
D
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F725 · complaint · corrected August 13, 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 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
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 August 13, 2024
D
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F558 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
D
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F550 · complaint · corrected August 13, 2024
January 31, 2024 — 24 citations (includes serious)
K
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F805 · corrected February 8, 2024
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 February 14, 2024
E
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Administration Deficiencies · F868 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Administration Deficiencies · F865 · corrected February 14, 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 February 14, 2024
E
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 · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F809 · corrected February 14, 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 February 14, 2024
E
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F803 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
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 · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F802 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F726 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F725 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · F607 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F585 · corrected February 14, 2024
E
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F550 · corrected February 14, 2024
D
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Infection Control Deficiencies · F883 · corrected February 14, 2024
D
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F760 · corrected February 14, 2024
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 · complaint · corrected February 14, 2024
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 · complaint · corrected February 14, 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 February 14, 2024
D
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F644 · corrected February 14, 2024
D
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F641 · corrected February 14, 2024
D
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F625 · corrected February 14, 2024
D
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F623 · corrected February 14, 2024
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 February 14, 2024

Source: CMS Health Deficiencies dataset (data as of October 1, 2026); full inspection narratives on Medicare Care Compare

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