Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
Northcrest Specialty Care
Waterloo, IA · 94 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey February 12, 2026
CMS Certification Number 165165 · first certified February 1992
Ownership
Operated by CARE INITIATIVES · Non profit - Corporation
No change of ownership on CMS record since January 1, 2016, when the records begin.
Position within IA
17 citations — more than 74% of the 387 certified nursing homes in IA. Compared within IA 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 0 citations; the earlier surveys in the window averaged 8.5. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens December 2026 — about 3 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was February 2026. Facilities in IA are typically surveyed 11–13 months after the last one (median 12), measured over 700 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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1 inspection-and-testing tag has been cited here at more than one survey. Nationally, that pattern is common: about three quarters of cited facilities have at least one repeated tag, and half of the facilities ever cited for sprinkler inspection and testing are cited for it again. A repeat is usually a recordkeeping gap rather than a new hazard.
Emergency preparedness
11 of the 17 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)
8 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 17 Life Safety citations above. The Physical Environment Index
- F-0584 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.
- F-0880 Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
- F-0919 Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
- F-0926 Have policies on smoking.
- F-0689 Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
How that compares
Compared with the median facility in IA, and nationally. Surveyors differ markedly between states, so the IA figure is the meaningful one.
| Measure | Citations |
|---|---|
| This facility | 17 |
| Median facility in IA | 12 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| January 30, 2024 | 15 |
| January 30, 2025 | 2 |
| February 12, 2026 | 0 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | 2 | 2025-01-30 |
| E-0004 | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
| E-0015 | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
| K-0271 | Have exits that are accessible at all times. | 1 | 2025-01-30 |
| E-0031 | Provide emergency officials' contact information. | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
| E-0020 | Establish policies and procedures including evacuation. | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
| E-0036 | Establish emergency prep training and testing. | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
| E-0018 | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. | 1 | 2024-01-30 |
What the citations cover
- Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies 11
- Smoke Deficiencies 2
- Miscellaneous Deficiencies 2
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 1
- Other 1
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | 11 |
| Smoke Deficiencies | 2 |
| Miscellaneous Deficiencies | 2 |
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 1 |
| Egress Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
January 30, 2025 — 2 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0271 | Have exits that are accessible at all times. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2025) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2025) |
January 30, 2024 — 15 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0004 | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0006 | Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0007 | Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0013 | Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0015 | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0018 | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0020 | Establish policies and procedures including evacuation. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0031 | Provide emergency officials' contact information. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0032 | Provide primary/alternate means for communication. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0036 | Establish emergency prep training and testing. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| E-0039 | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Waiver has been granted (March 5, 2024) |
| K-0741 | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| K-0761 | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
| K-0918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 7, 2024) |
Reflects the CMS posting of August 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.