Cycle 1
Health 2024-10-01 · Fire 2024-10-01
15 health deficiencies
Top issue: Quality of Life and Care (7 deficiencies)
3 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Emergency Preparedness (1 deficiency)
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Healthcare
2-star overall rating with 2-star inspections with 15 recent health deficiencies with 3 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
1199 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA
(781) 249-8624
Overall
2 / 5
CMS overall stars
Health inspections
2 / 5
Survey and complaint cycles
Staffing
2 / 5
RN + nurse staffing
Quality measures
2 / 5
Resident outcomes and process measures
Quick facts
Facility snapshot
Beds
160
Certified beds
Average residents
130
Average occupied residents
Ownership
For-Profit
Publicly displayed owner type
Chain
Next Step Healthcare
Operator or chain grouping
Approved since
1974-12-01
CMS approved date
Coverage
Medicare + Medicaid
Participation flags
Chain footprint
14 facilities
Chain averages 2 overall / 2 health / 2 staffing / 3 quality stars
Changed ownership
No
Within the last 12 months
Family council
Yes
Resident and family council reported
Sprinklers
Yes
Automatic sprinklers in all required areas
Staffing
Hours and turnover
RN hours / resident day
0.47
Registered nurse staffing · state 0.65 · national 0.68
LPN hours / resident day
1.14
Licensed practical nurse staffing · state 0.96 · national 0.87
Aide hours / resident day
1.80
Nurse aide staffing · state 2.26 · national 2.35
Total nurse hours
3.41
All reported nurse hours · state 3.86 · national 3.89
Licensed hours
1.61
RN + LPN hours · state 1.60 · national 1.54
Weekend hours
2.93
Weekend nurse staffing · state 3.45 · national 3.43
Weekend RN hours
0.36
Weekend registered nurse coverage · state 0.46 · national 0.47
Physical therapist
0.01
Reported PT staffing · state 0.08 · national 0.07
Adjusted RN hours
0.42
CMS adjusted RN staffing hours
Adjusted total hours
3.09
CMS adjusted total nurse staffing hours
Case-mix index
1.51
Higher values indicate more complex resident acuity
RN turnover
46%
Annual RN turnover · state 45% · national 45%
Total nurse turnover
42%
Annual nurse turnover · state 40% · national 46%
SNF VBP
Value-based purchasing
Program rank
10,078
Lower is better among SNFs in the FY 2026 VBP program.
Performance score
21.50
Composite VBP score used to determine payment impact.
Payment multiplier
0.9826
Above 1.000 increases Medicare payment; below 1.000 reduces it.
Program components
How the VBP score is built
Readmission
0
Baseline 18.61% · Performance 21.42% · Measure score 0 · Achievement 0 · Improvement 0
Healthcare-associated infections
3.92
Baseline 9.16% · Performance 7.32% · Measure score 3.92 · Achievement 1.72 · Improvement 3.92
Total nurse turnover
4.68
Baseline 53.93% · Performance 44.55% · Measure score 4.68 · Achievement 4.68 · Improvement 2.73
Adjusted total nurse staffing
0
Baseline 3.01 hours · Performance 3.14 hours · Measure score 0 · Achievement 0 · Improvement 0
SNF QRP
Medicare quality reporting measures
| Measure | Facility | National | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potentially preventable 30-day readmission | 13.9% |
10.72%
3.2 pts worse
|
No Different than the National Rate · Eligible stays 125 · Observed rate 20% · Lower 95% interval 10.35% |
| Discharge to community | 51.54% |
50.57%
1 pts better
|
No Different than the National Rate · Eligible stays 112 · Observed rate 41.96% · Lower 95% interval 41.9% |
| Medicare spending per beneficiary | 1.02 |
1.02
About the same
|
|
| Drug regimen review with follow-up | 90.7% |
95.27%
4.6 pts worse
|
Numerator 78 · Denominator 86 |
| Falls with major injury | 0% |
0.77%
0.8 pts better
|
Numerator 0 · Denominator 86 |
| Discharge self-care score | 35.71% |
53.69%
18 pts worse
|
Numerator 20 · Denominator 56 |
| Discharge mobility score | 33.93% |
50.94%
17 pts worse
|
Numerator 19 · Denominator 56 |
| Pressure ulcers or injuries, new or worsened | 3.49% |
2.29%
1.2 pts worse
|
Numerator 3 · Denominator 86 · Adjusted rate 3.95% |
| Healthcare-associated infections requiring hospitalization | 7.32% |
7.12%
0.2 pts worse
|
No Different than the National Rate · Eligible stays 90 · Observed rate 8.89% · Lower 95% interval 4.99% |
| Staff COVID-19 vaccination coverage | 0% |
8.2%
8.2 pts worse
|
Numerator 0 · Denominator 125 |
| Staff flu vaccination coverage | 58.82% |
42%
16.8 pts better
|
Numerator 110 · Denominator 187 |
| Discharge function score | 39.29% |
56.45%
17.2 pts worse
|
Numerator 22 · Denominator 56 |
| Transfer of health information to provider | 88.46% |
95.95%
7.5 pts worse
|
Numerator 23 · Denominator 26 |
| Transfer of health information to patient | 96.43% |
96.28%
0.2 pts better
|
Numerator 27 · Denominator 28 |
| Resident COVID-19 vaccinations up to date | 42.22% |
25.2%
17 pts better
|
Numerator 19 · Denominator 45 |
Quality measures
Resident outcomes and process scores
| Measure | Facility | State | National | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.8 |
1.9
0.9 pts worse
|
1.9
0.9 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 2.8 · Observed 2.6 · Expected 1.8 · Used in QM five-star |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.8 |
1.5
1.3 pts worse
|
1.8
1 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 2.8 · Observed 2.8 · Expected 1.7 · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 99.6% |
92.2%
7.4 pts better
|
93.4%
6.2 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 100.0% · Q2 98.3% · Q3 100.0% · Q4 100.0% · 4Q avg 99.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 99.2% |
94.8%
4.4 pts better
|
95.5%
3.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q3-2025Q2 · 4Q avg 99.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 3.9% |
3.5%
0.4 pts worse
|
3.3%
0.6 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 4.4% · Q2 1.7% · Q3 3.5% · Q4 6.0% · 4Q avg 3.9% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 22.6% |
12.0%
10.6 pts worse
|
11.4%
11.2 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 21.3% · Q2 16.0% · Q3 20.3% · Q4 33.3% · 4Q avg 22.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 10.0% |
5.2%
4.8 pts worse
|
5.4%
4.6 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 8.7% · Q2 16.7% · Q3 7.4% · Q4 6.9% · 4Q avg 10.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 29.1% |
19.2%
9.9 pts worse
|
19.6%
9.5 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 31.2% · Q2 31.0% · Q3 30.3% · Q4 23.5% · 4Q avg 29.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 43.7% |
22.5%
21.2 pts worse
|
16.7%
27 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 51.4% · Q2 42.3% · Q3 41.5% · Q4 39.4% · 4Q avg 43.7% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% |
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 0.0% · Q2 0.0% · Q3 0.0% · Q4 0.0% · 4Q avg 0.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 18.6% |
17.7%
0.9 pts worse
|
16.3%
2.3 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 17.8% · Q2 27.4% · Q3 19.0% · Q4 10.3% · 4Q avg 18.6% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 13.8% |
17.6%
3.8 pts better
|
14.9%
1.1 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 13.9% · Q2 14.5% · Q3 11.5% · Q4 15.3% · 4Q avg 13.8% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.6% |
1.0%
0.4 pts better
|
1.0%
0.4 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 1.0% · Q2 0.7% · Q3 0.7% · Q4 0.0% · 4Q avg 0.6% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.9% |
2.0%
1.1 pts better
|
1.7%
0.8 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 0.9% · Q2 0.9% · Q3 0.9% · Q4 0.9% · 4Q avg 0.9% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 30.7% |
21.7%
9 pts worse
|
19.8%
10.9 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 32.1% · Q2 32.0% · Q3 27.3% · Q4 31.6% · 4Q avg 30.7% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 9.1% |
4.6%
4.5 pts worse
|
5.1%
4 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 8.4% · Q2 10.7% · Q3 10.7% · Q4 6.7% · 4Q avg 9.1% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 89.0% |
77.1%
11.9 pts better
|
81.7%
7.3 pts better
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 79.7% · Q2 81.7% · Q3 95.2% · Q4 97.7% · 4Q avg 89.0% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 11.1% |
11.8%
0.7 pts better
|
12.0%
0.9 pts better
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 11.1% · Observed 13.5% · Expected 13.6% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 1.9% |
1.3%
0.6 pts worse
|
1.6%
0.3 pts worse
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 0.0% · Q2 2.8% · Q3 2.8% · Q4 1.6% · 4Q avg 1.9% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 94.2% |
77.7%
16.5 pts better
|
79.7%
14.5 pts better
|
Short Stay · 2024Q3-2025Q2 · 4Q avg 94.2% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 19.7% |
25.8%
6.1 pts better
|
23.9%
4.2 pts better
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 19.7% · Observed 19.8% · Expected 24.0% · Used in QM five-star |
Survey summary
Recent inspection cycles
Cycle 2
Health 2023-07-11 · Fire 2023-07-11
12 health deficiencies
Top issue: Quality of Life and Care (8 deficiencies)
3 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Egress (1 deficiency)
Cycle 3
Health 2021-10-15 · Fire 2021-10-15
5 health deficiencies
Top issue: Infection Control (2 deficiencies)
1 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Smoke (1 deficiency)
Fire safety
Fire-safety citations
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
E41 · Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Corrected 2024-11-22
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
K372 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Corrected 2024-11-22
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
K918 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Corrected 2024-11-22
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
K353 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Corrected 2023-10-05
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
K223 · Egress Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Corrected 2023-08-25
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
K712 · Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Corrected 2023-08-25
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
K345 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Corrected 2021-12-31
Inspection history
Recent health citations
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-30
F689 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected 2026-01-26
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-09-17
F557 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
Corrected 2025-10-15
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F578 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
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 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F580 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F645 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F658 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F679 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F690 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
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 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F692 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F695 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F698 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F773 · Administration Deficiencies
Health
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F825 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-10-01
F883 · Infection Control Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Corrected 2024-11-08
B · Minimal harm
2024-10-01
F641 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Corrected 2024-11-08
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F677 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F684 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F687 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate foot care.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F689 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F690 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
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 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F694 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F698 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F699 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F727 · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Health
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F772 · Administration Deficiencies
Health
Have an agreement with an approved laboratory to obtain services, if on-site laboratory services aren't provided.
Corrected 2023-08-11
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-07-11
F812 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Health
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected 2023-08-11
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
F568 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Properly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
Corrected 2021-11-12
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
F880 · Infection Control Deficiencies
Health
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2021-11-12
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
F641 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Corrected 2021-11-12
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
F690 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
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 2021-11-12
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2021-10-15
F886 · Infection Control Deficiencies
Health
Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.
Corrected 2021-11-12
Penalties and ownership
What sits behind the stars
Ownership
Next Step Healthcare LLC
5% Or Greater Direct Ownership Interest · Organization
Dell'anno, Damian
Corporate Officer · Individual
Dell'anno, Damion
Operational/Managerial Control · Individual
Dimov, Gueorgui
Operational/Managerial Control · Individual
Next Step Healthcare LLC
Operational/Managerial Control · Organization
Stephan, William
Corporate Officer · Individual
Nearby options
Other facilities in reach
#1
Highlands, The
Fitchburg, MA
4-star overall rating with 3-star inspections with 7 recent health deficiencies with 2 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
#2
Fitchburg Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
Fitchburg, MA
1-star overall rating with 1-star inspections with $43,719 in total fines with 11 recent health deficiencies with 9 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
#3
Keystone Center
Leominster, MA
1-star overall rating with 2-star inspections with $33,476 in total fines with 7 recent health deficiencies with 1 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
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