Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation
1305 E 7th St · Whitefish, MT · 59937 · 4068623557
100 certified beds For profit - Corporation Chain: Sweetwater Care
Why this verdict
- On the federal Special Focus list of the most persistently poor performers.
- Inspection record is far worse than the national median (deficiency count and severity).
- Federal penalties on record: $289,467 in fines in the last 24 months.
- 5 citations involved actual harm to residents.
- Inspection results have improved across recent cycles.
Red flags
Special Focus Facility
CMS has designated this facility one of the most persistently poor performers in the country — it is under increased inspection and enforcement.
1 immediate-jeopardy citation in prior inspection cycles
Serious past findings — check whether the underlying problems were fixed and stayed fixed.
3 actual-harm citations in the most recent cycle
Inspectors found deficiencies that caused real harm to residents, beyond potential-harm paperwork findings.
$289,467 in federal fines in the last 24 months
3 fines — CMS fines are reserved for verified, serious non-compliance.
Total nurse staffing below 3.0 hours per resident-day
2.93 reported hours vs the 3.48 minimum CMS's own staffing study recommends.
82% of nursing staff left within a year
High turnover disrupts continuity of care; the national median is 45%.
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: not rated Inspections: not rated Staffing: not rated Quality measures: not rated
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 2.93 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 0.65 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 2.52 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 82% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | 3 · $289,467 |
Inspection citations (77 in the current record)
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Actual harm · G March 12, 2026
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · E March 12, 2026
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · E March 12, 2026
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · E March 12, 2026
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E March 12, 2026
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D March 12, 2026
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Corrected April 13, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · F March 12, 2026
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 April 13, 2026 · Pharmacy Service
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Actual harm · G October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Corrected December 15, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Actual harm · G October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Corrected November 15, 2025 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · E October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
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.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · E October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Honor each resident's preferences, choices, values and beliefs.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Corrected November 15, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Infection Control
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Potential for harm · E October 22, 2025 · found via complaint
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Corrected December 24, 2025 · Environmental
Showing the 25 most recent. The Safety Report includes every citation with full findings.
Federal penalties
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2025 | Fine | $93,373 |
| September 9, 2025 | Payment Denial | 34 days |
| January 23, 2025 | Fine | $91,314 |
| October 23, 2024 | Fine | $104,780 |
Better-scoring options nearby
Family & resident reviews — a separate signal, never mixed into the score
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Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 275132 · certified since September 1, 1989. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.