Safety Report: Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

El Cajon, California · 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 quality★★★★★

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)
1Actual harm citations (severity G–I)
10Requirements 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.
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 February 12, 2026, during a complaint investigation. Facility reported correction by March 13, 2026.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F689

Citations by topic

2Abuse, neglect & exploitation
2Infection control
9Medications & 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 (23) than in the cycle before (19).

Two cycles ago
none 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
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. (F656)7February 12, 2026; April 24, 2025; December 23, 2024; December 12, 2024; September 26, 2024; November 15, 2023; July 15, 2021
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. (F755)3August 26, 2026; July 15, 2021; July 11, 2019
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. (F842)3February 12, 2026; December 23, 2024; December 12, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. (F684)3August 11, 2025; December 12, 2024; July 11, 2019
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)3December 12, 2024; May 30, 2024; July 11, 2019
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (F689)2April 15, 2026; February 12, 2026
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (F880)2December 12, 2024; July 11, 2019
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (F812)2December 12, 2024; July 15, 2021
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent. (F699)2December 12, 2024; December 6, 2023
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (F550)2December 12, 2024; November 15, 2023

Fines and enforcement

DateTypeAmount / length
February 12, 2026Fine$9,255

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

Complete inspection history

57 citations across 15 inspection dates.

August 26, 2026 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
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 · complaint · corrected September 21, 2026
April 15, 2026 — 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 May 7, 2026
February 12, 2026 — 6 citations (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, 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 · complaint · corrected March 13, 2026
D
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 · Isolated · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F726 · complaint · corrected March 13, 2026
D
Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F678 · complaint · corrected March 13, 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 March 13, 2026
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 · complaint · corrected March 13, 2026
August 11, 2025 — 2 citations · complaint investigation
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 September 10, 2025
D
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F627 · complaint · corrected September 10, 2025
April 24, 2025 — 2 citations · complaint investigation
E
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F660 · complaint · corrected May 23, 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 · complaint · corrected May 23, 2025
December 23, 2024 — 3 citations · complaint investigation
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 · complaint · corrected January 10, 2025
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 · complaint · corrected January 10, 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 · complaint · corrected January 10, 2025
December 12, 2024 — 15 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 10, 2025
E
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 · Pattern · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F842 · corrected January 10, 2025
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 10, 2025
E
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 · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F578 · corrected January 10, 2025
D
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Administration Deficiencies · F851 · corrected January 10, 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 January 10, 2025
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 January 10, 2025
D
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F699 · corrected January 10, 2025
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 · corrected January 10, 2025
D
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F685 · corrected January 10, 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 · corrected January 10, 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 January 10, 2025
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F622 · corrected January 10, 2025
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 January 10, 2025
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 · corrected January 10, 2025
September 26, 2024 — 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 25, 2024
August 13, 2024 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F697 · complaint · corrected September 10, 2024
May 30, 2024 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
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 June 17, 2024
February 29, 2024 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
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 March 13, 2024
December 6, 2023 — 1 citation · complaint investigation
D
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F699 · complaint · corrected December 13, 2023
November 15, 2023 — 2 citations · 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 December 15, 2023
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 December 15, 2023
July 15, 2021 — 12 citations
F
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Environmental Deficiencies · F925 · corrected August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
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 · corrected August 13, 2021
D
Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F813 · corrected August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
D
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F698 · corrected August 13, 2021
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 · corrected August 13, 2021
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 August 13, 2021
D
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · F607 · corrected August 13, 2021
July 11, 2019 — 8 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 August 10, 2019
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 August 10, 2019
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Administration Deficiencies · F849 · corrected August 10, 2019
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 August 10, 2019
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 August 10, 2019
D
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F679 · corrected August 10, 2019
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 August 10, 2019
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 August 10, 2019

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

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