Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
LA SIERRA CARE CENTER
MERCED, CA · 68 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey January 23, 2026
CMS Certification Number 055271 · first certified January 1967
Ownership
Operated by CAMBRIDGE HEALTHCARE SERVICES · For profit - Limited Liability company
No change of ownership on CMS record since January 1, 2016, when the records begin.
Position within CA
23 citations — more than 63% of the 1,165 certified nursing homes in CA. Compared within CA rather than nationally because which state a facility is in explains about 30% of the variation in citation counts between facilities, while bed count explains under 1%. State survey agencies differ far more than the buildings do. How this is calculated
The latest survey found 4 citations; the earlier surveys in the window averaged 9.5. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens January 2027 — about 4 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was January 2026. Facilities in CA are typically surveyed 12–18 months after the last one (median 14), measured over 1,766 consecutive surveys in the last two years of CMS records.
A range the record supports, not a prediction of a date. State agencies vary widely — from about 11 months in Pennsylvania to three years in Maryland. How the window is measured
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Emergency preparedness
7 of the 23 citations on file are Emergency Preparedness E-tags. E-tags are cited under 42 CFR §483.73 and concern the emergency plan, training, drills, communications and supplies. Nationally about half of certified facilities have at least one. The Emergency Preparedness Index
Physical environment (health survey)
2 physical-environment citations on the health survey. Cited by the health surveyors under Appendix PP, not the Life Safety Code surveyor: equipment in safe operating condition, the call system, bed rails, pest control, hazards, the environment. Counted separately from the 23 Life Safety citations above. The Physical Environment Index
How that compares
Compared with the median facility in CA, and nationally. Surveyors differ markedly between states, so the CA figure is the meaningful one.
| Measure | Citations |
|---|---|
| This facility | 23 |
| Median facility in CA | 19 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| April 29, 2021 | 11 |
| August 23, 2024 | 8 |
| January 23, 2026 | 4 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-0023 | Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation. | 2 | 2024-08-23 |
| K-0291 | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. | 1 | 2026-01-23 |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | 1 | 2021-04-29 |
| K-0521 | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. | 1 | 2026-01-23 |
| K-0919 | Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment. | 1 | 2024-08-23 |
| E-0015 | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. | 1 | 2024-08-23 |
| K-0374 | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. | 1 | 2024-08-23 |
| E-0018 | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. | 1 | 2021-04-29 |
What the citations cover
- Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies 7
- Smoke Deficiencies 7
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 3
- Egress Deficiencies 3
- Other 3
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | 7 |
| Smoke Deficiencies | 7 |
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 3 |
| Egress Deficiencies | 3 |
| Miscellaneous Deficiencies | 2 |
| Services Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
January 23, 2026 — 4 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0291 | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 29, 2026) |
| K-0324 | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 30, 2026) |
| K-0345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 12, 2026) |
| K-0521 | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 29, 2026) |
August 23, 2024 — 8 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0015 | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| E-0023 | Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0341 | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0374 | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0919 | Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
| K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 4, 2024) |
April 29, 2021 — 11 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0007 | Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| E-0018 | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| E-0023 | Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| E-0024 | Establish policies and procedures for volunteers. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| E-0036 | Establish emergency prep training and testing. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0232 | Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0293 | Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0321 | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0355 | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0711 | Provide a written emergency evacuation plan. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2021) |
Reflects the CMS posting of August 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.