TACOMA, WA - Federal health inspectors identified 11 deficiencies at Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound during a standard health inspection concluded on November 25, 2025, including a citation for failing to provide and implement an adequate infection prevention and control program.
Infection Prevention Program Found Deficient
The inspection, conducted under federal regulatory tag F0880, determined that Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound did not meet requirements for maintaining a comprehensive infection prevention and control program. Federal regulations require all Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to establish, maintain, and enforce programs designed to prevent the spread of infections among residents, staff, and visitors.
The deficiency was classified at Scope/Severity Level D, indicating an isolated incident where no actual harm occurred but the potential existed for more than minimal harm to residents. While this classification falls on the lower end of the federal severity scale, infection control failures in long-term care settings carry significant weight given the vulnerable population these facilities serve.
Why Infection Control Matters in Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents face elevated risk from infectious diseases due to several biological and environmental factors. Many residents have weakened immune systems related to advanced age, chronic medical conditions, or immunosuppressive medications. Residents live in close quarters, share common dining and activity spaces, and receive hands-on care from staff members who move between multiple rooms throughout their shifts.
An effective infection prevention and control program typically includes hand hygiene protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning procedures, surveillance systems for tracking infections, staff training requirements, and policies for managing infectious outbreaks. When any component of this program breaks down, the consequences can spread rapidly through a facility.
Common infections in nursing home settings include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza, skin infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. For older adults with compromised health, even routine infections can lead to hospitalization, accelerated decline in functional ability, or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 1 to 3 million serious infections occur every year in long-term care facilities across the United States.
Part of a Broader Pattern of Deficiencies
The infection control citation was one of 11 total deficiencies identified during the inspection of Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound. While the full scope of the remaining violations extends beyond this single regulatory tag, the volume of citations suggests inspectors found multiple areas where the facility's operations fell short of federal standards.
Facilities that accumulate a high number of deficiencies during a single inspection cycle often face increased scrutiny from both state and federal regulators. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services uses inspection results to calculate facility ratings on its Care Compare website, and multiple deficiencies can lower a facility's overall star rating, which prospective residents and families frequently consult when making care decisions.
Facility Response and Correction Timeline
According to inspection records, the facility has acknowledged the deficiency and reported a correction date of October 30, 2025 — notably prior to the inspection date of November 25, 2025. This timeline suggests the underlying issue may have been identified and addressed before the formal inspection report was finalized, though the citation remains part of the facility's public record.
Federal regulations require facilities to submit a plan of correction for each cited deficiency, outlining the specific steps taken to address the problem and prevent recurrence. State survey agencies then conduct follow-up visits to verify that corrective measures have been implemented and sustained.
What Families Should Know
Families with loved ones at Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound or any long-term care facility can review complete inspection results through the CMS Care Compare website. Infection control compliance is one of the most closely watched categories in nursing home oversight, and families are encouraged to ask facility administrators about specific protocols in place to protect residents.
The full inspection report, including details on all 11 cited deficiencies, provides a more complete picture of the facility's regulatory compliance. Readers can access the complete report for additional context on the scope and nature of each finding.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound from 2025-11-25 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.