Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
BELLINGHAM, WA · 105 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey December 5, 2025
CMS Certification Number 505296 · first certified March 1986
Ownership
Operated by AVALON HEALTH CARE · For profit - Corporation
- Ownership changed August 1, 2024 (change of ownership)from ST FRANCIS OPERATIONS LLC
Position within WA
14 citations — more than 6% of the 193 certified nursing homes in WA. Compared within WA 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 5 citations; the earlier surveys in the window averaged 4.5. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens November 2026 — about 2 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was December 2025. Facilities in WA are typically surveyed 12–15 months after the last one (median 13), measured over 320 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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2 inspection-and-testing tags have 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
1 of the 14 citations on file is 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)
3 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 14 Life Safety citations above. The Physical Environment Index
- F-0689 Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
- 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.
How that compares
Compared with the median facility in WA, and nationally. Surveyors differ markedly between states, so the WA figure is the meaningful one.
| Measure | Citations |
|---|---|
| This facility | 14 |
| Median facility in WA | 31 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2024 | 3 |
| December 6, 2024 | 6 |
| December 5, 2025 | 5 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | 3 | 2025-12-05 |
| K-0355 | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. | 2 | 2025-12-05 |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | 2 | 2025-12-05 |
| K-0324 | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. | 1 | 2024-01-11 |
| K-0345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. | 1 | 2024-01-11 |
| E-0020 | Establish policies and procedures including evacuation. | 1 | 2024-12-06 |
| K-0374 | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. | 1 | 2024-12-06 |
| K-0321 | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. | 1 | 2025-12-05 |
What the citations cover
- Smoke Deficiencies 10
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 3
- Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies 1
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Smoke Deficiencies | 10 |
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 3 |
| Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
December 5, 2025 — 5 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (December 31, 2025) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (December 31, 2025) |
| K-0355 | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (December 31, 2025) |
| K-0372 | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (December 31, 2025) |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (December 31, 2025) |
December 6, 2024 — 6 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0020 | Establish policies and procedures including evacuation. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
| K-0355 | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
| K-0374 | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
| K-0918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (January 16, 2025) |
January 11, 2024 — 3 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0324 | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 12, 2024) |
| K-0345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 12, 2024) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 14, 2024) |
Reflects the CMS posting of August 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.