The most recent inspection on July 15, 2025, found no deficiencies during a complaint investigation. Earlier inspections showed a mixed pattern, with some reports noting deficiencies related to resident safety, medication administration, food safety, and documentation, while others found the facility in compliance. Main themes of deficiencies included accident hazards and supervision, coordination of mental health assessments, medication management, and food handling practices. Several complaint investigations were unsubstantiated, though some substantiated incidents involved resident falls and medication errors, but no fines or enforcement actions were listed in the available reports. The facility’s recent inspections suggest some improvement following prior citations, with the latest survey showing compliance.
Deficiencies (last 6 years)
Deficiencies (over 6 years)7.8 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
77% worse than Iowa average
Iowa average: 4.4 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies per year
129630
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Census
Latest occupancy rate67 residents
Based on a July 2025 inspection.
This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.
Investigation of complaint #129724-C conducted from July 10, 2025 to July 15, 2025.
Findings
The investigation of complaint #129724-C did not result in any deficiencies; the facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.
Complaint Details
Complaint #129724-C was investigated and found not to be substantiated as no deficiencies were identified.
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionDeficiencies: 0Apr 28, 2025
Visit Reason
The document is a Plan of Correction submitted following a prior inspection, indicating acceptance of credible allegation of substantial compliance and certification of the facility in compliance with health requirements effective April 17, 2025.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with health requirements based on the accepted Plan of Correction; no specific deficiencies or severity levels are detailed in this document.
The inspection was conducted as a recertification survey and investigation of complaint #126482-C from March 23, 2025 to March 26, 2025 at Accura Healthcare of Ames Nursing Home.
Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, with deficiencies related to coordination of PASARR assessments, free of accident hazards, bowel/bladder incontinence care, food safety and storage, and payroll-based journal staffing data submission. The complaint was not substantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaint #126482-C was investigated from March 23 to March 26, 2025 and was not substantiated.
Deficiencies (6)
Description
Failed to submit a Level II Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) evaluation for a resident with new mental health diagnoses.
Failed to ensure the resident environment was free from accident hazards by not assessing a resident's use of a vape pen in their room.
Failed to provide adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents related to smoking/vaping.
Failed to ensure residents with urinary catheters and incontinence received appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Failed to label, date, and store food/utensils in accordance with professional food safety standards.
Failed to submit accurate and timely payroll-based journal staffing data to CMS.
Report Facts
Total census: 69Dates of inspection: 4Staffing coding errors: 12
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Administrator
Administrator
Reported facility policies and expectations related to PASARR, smoking, catheter care, and staffing data.
Assistant Director of Nurses
Assistant Director of Nurses (ADON) / Infection Preventionist (IP)
Acknowledged knowledge of UTI trends and need for additional education and interventions.
Dietary Manager
Dietary Manager (DM)
Reported knowledge of food safety requirements and staff training.
Staff A
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Interviewed regarding resident vaping and smoking supervision.
Investigation of complaints #124671 and #125006 conducted from December 16, 2024 to December 17, 2024.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities. Complaints #124671 and #125006 were not substantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaints #124671 and #125006 were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
The onsite revisit of the survey ending September 18, 2024, was conducted to verify compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.
Findings
The Accura Healthcare of Ames was found to be in compliance effective October 11, 2024, following the onsite revisit conducted on October 31, 2024.
The survey was conducted due to substantiated complaints #123077-C and #123140-C, as well as a substantiated facility-reported incident #121910-I, investigating compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure a resident environment free from accident hazards, resulting in Resident #1 sustaining a left hip fracture after a fall when left alone in the bathroom. The investigation revealed inadequate supervision and assistance for residents requiring help with activities of daily living.
Complaint Details
The survey substantiated complaints #123077-C and #123140-C and a facility-reported incident #121910-I. The investigation confirmed that Resident #1 was left alone in the bathroom, resulting in a fall and fractured femoral neck. Staff failed to provide required assistance and supervision.
Deficiencies (1)
Description
Failure to ensure the resident environment remains free of accident hazards, leading to Resident #1's fall and injury.
Left Resident #1 alone in bathroom leading to fall; received education on supervision
Staff B
Registered Nurse (RN)
Confirmed Resident #1 needed assistance and verified fall circumstances
Staff C
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Assisted Resident #1 during transfer on 9/17/24
Staff D
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Assisted Resident #1 during transfer on 9/17/24
Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Verified staff expectations and education on supervision requirements
Facility Administrator
Administrator
Provided education and confirmed policies on resident supervision and appointment accompaniment
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionDeficiencies: 0Jul 8, 2024
Visit Reason
The document is a Plan of Correction related to the facility's substantial compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, based on acceptance of a credible allegation of substantial compliance.
Findings
The Accura Healthcare of Ames Nursing Home was found to be in substantial compliance effective June 21, 2024, with no specific deficiencies detailed in this document.
The inspection was conducted as part of the facility's annual recertification survey and investigation of a reported incident #120527-I from May 19, 2024 to May 22, 2024.
Findings
The facility was found to have multiple deficiencies including failure to maintain confidentiality of resident records, inadequate supervision during medication administration, failure to coordinate PASARR assessments, unsafe medication storage and handling, inadequate nutritional services, improper food storage and sanitation, and lapses in infection control practices.
Deficiencies (8)
Description
Failure to maintain confidentiality of personal and medical records for residents #19 and #46.
Failure to coordinate PASARR assessments for resident #57 with a diagnosed serious mental disorder.
Failure to provide adequate supervision to 3 of 5 residents during medication administration (Residents #19, #31, and #46).
Medication carts left unlocked and unattended; failure to lock medication carts when not in use.
Failure to serve correct protein portions for pureed diets for 3 of 5 residents.
Failure to maintain safe and appetizing food temperatures; food items served above safe temperature limits.
Failure to maintain sanitary food storage and handling practices; presence of unlabeled and undated food items in refrigerators and freezers.
Failure to maintain infection control practices; staff failed to perform hand hygiene and properly handle linens, increasing risk of infection transmission.
Named in findings related to leaving medication unattended and failure to supervise medication administration.
Staff G
Registered Nurse (RN)
Named in findings related to failure to secure resident information on medication cart computer.
Staff E
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Named in findings related to medication administration errors and leaving medication unattended.
Staff A
Cook
Named in findings related to incorrect portion sizes and food temperature issues.
Staff B
Cook
Named in findings related to food delivery and temperature monitoring.
Staff C
Dietary Aide (DA)
Named in findings related to failure to wear hairnet and beard net in food preparation area.
Staff D
Maintenance Assistant
Named in findings related to failure to wear hairnet and beard net in food service area.
Staff H
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
Named in findings related to failure to perform hand hygiene during medication preparation.
Staff B
Cook
Named in infection control education and food service supervision.
Inspection Report Plan of CorrectionDeficiencies: 0Apr 2, 2024
Visit Reason
The document is a plan of correction following a survey to address deficiencies and confirm substantial compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.
Findings
The Accura Healthcare of Ames Nursing Home is in substantial compliance based on acceptance of a credible allegation of substantial compliance effective March 15, 2024. No specific deficiencies are detailed in this document.
The inspection was conducted due to complaints #116248-C, #117750-A, #117826-M, #118975-A, and #118991-M regarding compliance with federal regulations for long term care facilities.
Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 related to medication administration standards, specifically failing to administer pain medication as ordered for one resident. The complaint #116248-C was not substantiated. Corrective actions included staff education and auditing physician orders to ensure compliance.
Complaint Details
Complaint #116248-C was not substantiated.
Deficiencies (1)
Description
Failure to follow professional standards for medication administration by not administering Dilaudid as ordered for one resident.
Report Facts
Complaint numbers: 5Resident census: 66
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Interviewed regarding failure to administer pain medication as ordered
A complaint investigation was conducted for complaints #112447-C, #112564-C, #113706-C, #114264-C, #115755-C, and #115904-C from October 2, 2023 to October 5, 2023.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Complaint Details
Complaint investigation for multiple complaints was conducted and the facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Revisit with investigation of incident #110886-C conducted March 13, 2023 - March 16, 2023 related to the recertification survey ending January 26, 2023.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483 Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities. Complaint #110886 was not substantiated. A discretionary denial of payment for new admissions was effectuated from February 22, 2023 to February 26, 2023.
Complaint Details
Complaint #110886 was investigated and found not substantiated.
The inspection was conducted as part of the facility's annual recertification survey with an investigation of intakes #103627-C and #104071-I from January 23, 2022 to January 26, 2023.
Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with several regulatory requirements including advance directives, safe environment, comprehensive assessments, accuracy of assessments, quality of care, treatment to prevent pressure ulcers, free from accident hazards, and medication administration. The facility reported a census of 64 residents during the survey.
Complaint Details
Complaint #103627-C was not substantiated. Facility reported incident #104071-I was substantiated.
Deficiencies (11)
Description
Facility failed to have a consistent plan, policy, or procedure for advance directives for 1 of 25 residents reviewed (Resident #35).
Facility failed to exercise reasonable care for the protection of resident's property from loss or theft for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #3).
Facility failed to complete initial and periodic comprehensive assessments for residents within required timeframes (Resident #14).
Facility failed to accurately reflect resident's status in assessments and failed to complete required assessments (Resident #14 and #8).
Facility failed to ensure residents received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards, including skin tear management (Resident #4).
Facility failed to implement interventions to prevent pressure ulcers and failed to provide appropriate care for pressure ulcers (Resident #8).
Facility failed to ensure the resident environment was free of accident hazards related to smoking for 1 resident (Resident #25).
Facility failed to ensure proper hiring and use of nurse aides, including certification and competency evaluation (Staff M).
Facility failed to ensure residents were free of significant medication errors, including proper medication administration and documentation (Residents #19, #34, #50, #60).
Facility failed to ensure psychotropic drugs were used appropriately and with proper documentation (Resident #60).
Facility failed to maintain sanitary food storage and preparation areas, including temperature control and proper handling (Food service observations).
The inspection was conducted as a result of investigations into Facility Reported Incidents #101624-I and #102222-I and Complaint #101967-C to assess compliance with federal and state regulations.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure the resident environment was free of accident hazards, resulting in an elopement incident involving a cognitively impaired resident. Additionally, deficiencies were found related to labeling, storage, and counting of controlled drugs and biologicals, including failure to reconcile narcotic counts and medication discrepancies.
Complaint Details
Facility Reported Incidents #101624-I and #102222-I were substantiated. Complaint #101967-C was not substantiated.
Deficiencies (3)
Description
Failure to ensure the resident environment remained free of accident hazards, leading to elopement of a cognitively impaired resident.
Failure to label drugs and biologicals in accordance with accepted professional principles and to store drugs and biologicals properly.
Failure to immediately report and reconcile Schedule II narcotic count discrepancies and failure to validate actual medication amounts.
Report Facts
Census: 58Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score: 5Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score: 9Temperature: 5Temperature: -8Distance: 1000Speed limit: 45Medication dose: 0.5Medication remaining: 28.5
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Staff E
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Documented last sighting of Resident #1 and conducted assessments after elopement.
Staff F
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Informed Staff E about Resident #1 outside and confirmed proper function of WanderGuard bracelet.
Staff G
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Answered phone call from technician and confirmed WanderGuard alarm sounded when Resident #1 returned.
Director of Nursing
Director of Nursing (DON)
Confirmed staff training on magnetic lock indicator light and narcotic count procedures.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
Confirmed staff training and participated in medication count observations.
Staff A
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Administered morphine sulfate to Resident #4 and involved in medication count discrepancies.
Staff B
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Counted controlled drugs with Staff C and involved in medication count discrepancies.
Staff C
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Counted controlled drugs with Staff B and involved in medication count discrepancies.
Staff D
Registered Nurse (RN)
Completed shift controlled medication count and verbalized knowledge of reporting expectations.
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control survey was conducted to assess the facility's compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
A recertification health survey and investigation of complaints #97723-C, #97765-C, and #98112-C, along with facility reported incidents #99439-I and #99538-I, were conducted from 8/29/21 to 9/13/21.
Findings
The investigation found that complaints #97723-C, #97765-C, and #98112-C were not substantiated, while facility reported incidents #99439-I and #99538-I were substantiated. Deficiencies were identified related to baseline care plans, free of accident hazards, dialysis care, pharmacy services, food safety, quality assurance, and infection control.
Complaint Details
Complaints #97723-C, #97765-C, and #98112-C were not substantiated. Facility reported incidents #99439-I and #99538-I were substantiated.
Deficiencies (7)
Description
Facility failed to complete baseline care plan for 1 of 17 residents within 48 hours of admission.
Resident #41 received thermal burns from e-stim diathermy machine due to inadequate supervision and failure to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Facility failed to ensure residents who require dialysis received consistent assessments and monitoring.
Facility failed to maintain accurate and timely narcotic controlled drug count records.
Facility failed to maintain clean and sanitary kitchen conditions to prevent food-borne illness.
Facility failed to sustain a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program with documented evidence of prior quarterly meetings.
Facility failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program to prevent spread of infections.
A revisit of a complaint survey and investigation of complaint #96755-C was conducted from 4/7-15/21, substantiating the complaint.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to assure resident dignity related to catheter care, failure to notify physician and family of a resident fall, failure to immediately assess a resident after a fall, failure to prevent and properly treat pressure ulcers, failure to provide adequate supervision to prevent a fall, and failure to provide appropriate catheter care and infection control.
Complaint Details
Complaint #96755-C was substantiated. The investigation found multiple deficiencies related to resident dignity, fall notification and assessment, pressure ulcer care, fall prevention, and catheter care.
Severity Breakdown
SS=D: 5SS=G: 1
Deficiencies (6)
Description
Severity
Failure to assure a resident's dignity related to uncovered catheter bags.
SS=D
Failure to notify physician or family of a reported fall.
SS=D
Failure to immediately assess a resident after a fall.
SS=D
Failure to provide care consistent with professional standards to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, resulting in multiple unhealed pressure ulcers.
SS=G
Failure to assure adequate staff assistance to prevent a fall.
SS=D
Failure to provide appropriate catheter care including keeping catheter bags off the floor and using catheter straps.
Investigation of complaint #95017-C and facility reported incident #96017-I was completed between 2/24/21 and 3/9/21. The complaint was not substantiated but the incident was substantiated.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure 6 sampled residents received the appropriate diet and adequate nursing supervision while consuming altered textured diets. Resident #1 choked on whole brussel sprouts despite being on a mechanical soft diet requiring supervision, resulting in death. Multiple residents were served food inconsistent with their prescribed mechanical soft diets, including whole brussel sprouts, unshredded lettuce, garlic bread with crust, and baked potatoes with skin. The facility lacked approved menus signed by a dietitian and staff were inadequately trained on diet orders and feeding supervision.
Complaint Details
Complaint #95017-C was not substantiated. Incident #96017 was substantiated. The incident involved Resident #1 choking on inappropriate food and subsequent death.
Severity Breakdown
Immediate Jeopardy: 1
Deficiencies (3)
Description
Severity
Resident #1 was served whole brussel sprouts instead of a mechanical soft diet and was not adequately supervised while eating, resulting in choking and death.
Immediate Jeopardy
Multiple residents on mechanical soft diets were served foods not prepared according to diet texture requirements, including uncut brussel sprouts, unshredded lettuce, garlic bread with crust, and baked potatoes with skin.
—
Facility failed to have menus approved and signed by a dietitian and failed to ensure staff were trained to follow diet orders and assist residents properly during meals.
—
Report Facts
Resident census: 62Residents on mechanical soft diet: 8Duration of choking incident: 30
Employees Mentioned
Name
Title
Context
Staff A
Registered Nurse (RN)
Documented progress notes and assisted Resident #1 during choking incident
Staff B
Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA)
Assisted Resident #1 to dine, failed to identify mechanical soft diet, terminated after incident
Staff C
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Assisted during choking incident, suctioned resident, provided oxygen
Nursing Home Administrator (NHA)
Administrator
Interviewed regarding incident and menus, confirmed lack of dietitian-approved menus
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control survey was conducted in conjunction with an investigation of complaints #93515-C, #92926-C and facility reported incident #93427-I from 9/29/20 through 10/7/20.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19. The investigations of complaints #93515-C, #92926-C, and incident #93427-I resulted in no deficiencies and were not substantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaint #93515-C was not substantiated. Complaint #92926-C was not substantiated. Incident #93427-I was not substantiated.
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals from 08/10/20 to 08/12/20 to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with infection prevention and control requirements, specifically failing to properly screen employees prior to entering and exiting the facility. Multiple deficiencies were noted in employee screening logs and temperature checks.
Deficiencies (1)
Description
Failure to properly screen employees prior to entering and exiting the facility as evidenced by incomplete employee screening logs and missing temperature checks.
Report Facts
Resident census: 53Dates of survey: 3Employee screening forms reviewed: 10
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals from 7/21/20 to 7/23/20 to assess the facility's compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19. Investigations of complaint #90380-C and complaint #91044-C did not result in any deficiencies.
Complaint Details
Investigation of complaint #90380-C and complaint #91044-C did not result in deficiency.
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19. Complaint #90000-C was not substantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaint #90000-C was investigated and found to be not substantiated.
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation related to multiple complaints (#87573, #87575, #89575, #89730) and incidents (#89024, #89634, #89727).
Findings
The complaints and incidents investigated were not substantiated according to the Code of Federal Regulations (42CFR) Part 483, Subpart B-C.
Complaint Details
Complaint #87573, #87575, #89575 & #89730 and incident #89024, #89634 & #89727 were not substantiated.
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