How to Check Nursing Home Violations

Understanding Violation Types

Nursing home violations are typically cited by state health departments or CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services). When checking for violations, families should look for:

  • Scope and Severity: Was the violation an isolated incident or a widespread pattern? Did it cause actual harm?
  • Repeat Citations: Has the facility been cited for the same issue in multiple inspection cycles?
  • Enforcement Actions: Did the violation lead to fines or a “Special Focus Facility” designation?

Public records may show these details, and families may want to ask the administrator how specifically these issues were resolved.


Senior Care Report Card summarizes publicly available inspection, enforcement, staffing, complaint, and quality data. Information may be delayed, incomplete, or updated by official agencies. Families should verify directly with official sources and facilities before making care decisions. Senior Care Report Card does not provide legal, medical, or government advice.