Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home - Rifle
851 E 5th St · Rifle, CO · 81650 · 9706250842
89 certified beds Government - State
Why this verdict
- Carries CMS’s abuse warning icon.
- Inspectors found immediate jeopardy — danger of serious harm or death — in the most recent cycle (1 citation).
- Inspection record is far worse than the national median (deficiency count and severity).
- Inspection results are getting worse cycle over cycle, not better.
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Red flags
CMS abuse warning
CMS flags this facility with its abuse icon: cited for abuse that caused harm in the past year, or potential harm in the past two years.
1 immediate-jeopardy citation in the most recent inspection cycle
Immediate jeopardy is the most serious finding an inspector can make: a situation likely to cause serious injury, harm, or death.
1 abuse-related citation at the actual-harm level
Inspectors cited failures in the abuse-prevention rules (F600–F610) that resulted in actual harm to a resident.
If someone you love was harmed at a facility with findings like these, you have options — read this.
Score breakdown
Quality-measure stars are deliberately excluded — they're largely self-reported by facilities. Full method.
CMS ratings & staffing
Overall: 2 of 5 Inspections: 1 of 5 Staffing: 5 of 5 Quality measures: 4 of 5
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 3.95 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 1.29 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 3.26 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 52% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | 1 · $32,975 |
Inspection citations (21 in the current record)
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Potential for harm · D November 20, 2025 · found via complaint
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected December 12, 2025 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D November 20, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected December 5, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Immediate jeopardy · K November 22, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Actual harm · G November 22, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D November 22, 2024
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D November 22, 2024
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E November 22, 2024
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Pharmacy Service
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Potential for harm · D November 22, 2024
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · F November 22, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Infection Control
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Potential for harm · D November 22, 2024
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Environmental
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Potential for harm · F November 22, 2024 · found via complaint
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Corrected December 20, 2024 · Administration
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Immediate jeopardy · J June 6, 2024 · found via complaint
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Corrected May 26, 2024 · Pharmacy Service
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Potential for harm · E June 6, 2024 · found via complaint
Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Corrected July 8, 2024 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · D May 18, 2023
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected June 26, 2023 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · E May 18, 2023
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected June 26, 2023 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D May 18, 2023
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Corrected June 26, 2023 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E May 18, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected July 12, 2023 · Infection Control
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Actual harm · G February 14, 2022
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected March 15, 2022 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D February 14, 2022
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected March 15, 2022 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D February 14, 2022
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected March 15, 2022 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D February 14, 2022
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected March 16, 2022 · Infection Control
Federal penalties
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| November 22, 2024 | Fine | $32,975 |
Better-scoring options nearby
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Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 065386 · certified since June 1, 2006. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.