Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services
Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services is a 2-star rated nursing home in Bellingham, WA with 84 beds. CMS sub-ratings: health inspections 1/5, staffing 5/5, quality measures 2/5.
The facility has 157 health violations on record. Federal fines total $162,285 across 9 enforcement actions. Most recent inspection: October 25, 2022.
Data synthesized from CMS.gov and Washington public inspection records. Reviewed by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NR-EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
Inspection History Overview
Data current as of May 6, 2026 · Source: CMS Provider Data
Detailed Inspection Reports
No detailed inspection reports available yet. Check back soon as we're processing new reports daily.
Fines and Penalties by Year
2022 3 penalties totaling $24,750
Fine
Fine
Fine
2021 2 penalties totaling $1,638
Fine
Fine
2020 1 penalties totaling $80,902
Fine
2019 1 penalties totaling $39,692
Fine
2018 1 penalties totaling $7,803
Fine
2017 1 penalties totaling $7,500
Fine
Health Violations by Year
2022 29 violations
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
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.
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
Provide appropriate foot care.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
2021 14 violations
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
2020 11 violations
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Provide appropriate foot care.
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations and emergencies.
Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
2019 51 violations
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
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.
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
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.
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
2018 36 violations
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
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.
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
2017 16 violations
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent avoidable accidents.
Provide care for residents in a way that maintains or improves their dignity and respect in full recognition of their individuality.
Ensure residents have the right to have a choice over activities, their schedules, and health care according to their interests, assessments, and plans of care.
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment by a qualified health professional.
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program for mentally-ill and mentally-retarded patients.
Provide necessary care and services to maintain or improve the highest well being of each resident .
Make sure that each residents' abilities in activities of daily living do not decline, unless unavoidable.
Assist those residents who need help with eating/drinking, grooming and personal and oral hygiene.
Give residents proper treatment to prevent new bed (pressure) sores or heal existing bed sores.
Ensure that each resident who enters the nursing home without a catheter is not given a catheter, unless medically necessary, and that incontinent patients receive proper services to prevent urinary tract infections and restore normal bladder functions.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent avoidable accidents.
Ensure that each resident's 1) entire drug/medication regimen is free from unnecessary drugs; and 2) is managed and monitored to achieve highest level of well-being.
Have enough nurses to care for every resident in a way that maximizes the resident's well being.
At least once a month, have a licensed pharmacist review each resident's medication(s) and report any irregularities to the attending doctor.
Have a program that investigates, controls and keeps infection from spreading.
Keep accurate, complete and organized clinical records on each resident that meet professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services
- What violations has Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services received?
- Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services has 157 health and safety violation(s) documented by CMS inspections. All violation data comes from official Medicare inspection reports and is updated regularly from government sources.
- What is the quality rating of Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services?
- Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services has a 2-star rating out of 5 from CMS. This rating indicates the facility may have quality concerns that should be investigated further. The rating is based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures.
- When was Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services last inspected?
- Inspection reports are documented by state survey agencies and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Reports typically lag 2-3 months behind the actual inspection date. Visit the facility's full profile page for detailed violation information and inspection history.
- Is Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services safe?
- Safety at Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services should be evaluated based on multiple factors: the facility's CMS rating, recent violation history, and personal visits. We recommend reviewing the complete inspection history, speaking with current residents and families, consulting healthcare professionals, and visiting in person before making placement decisions.
- How do I contact Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services?
- Phone: (360) 734-9295. Address: 1200 Birchwood Avenue, Bellingham, WA. For visiting hours and admission information, call the facility directly.
- What services does Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services offer?
- Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services is a skilled nursing facility with 84 beds. The facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid. For specific services like rehabilitation, memory care, or short-term recovery, contact the facility directly.
- What are better facilities near Bellingham, WA?
- Compare Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services with other nursing homes in Bellingham, WA on our facilities page. Filter by star rating, bed count, and recent inspection results to find the best match for your needs.
Compare Nursing Homes in Bellingham, WA
| Facility | Rating | Violations | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services (this facility) | ★★☆☆☆ | 157 | 84 |
| Mt Baker Care Center | ★★★★★ | 59 | 70 |
| Alderwood Park Health And Rehab Of Cascadia | ★★★★☆ | 163 | 102 |
| Avalon Healthcare Bellingham | ★★★★☆ | 257 | 105 |
| Highland Health And Rehabilitation Of Cascadia | ★★★☆☆ | 127 | 44 |
| North Cascades Health And Rehabilitation | ★★☆☆☆ | 171 | 122 |
| Shuksan Rehabilitation And Health Care | ★☆☆☆☆ | 180 | 52 |
Editorial Standards & Data Oversight
Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog.
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize complex regulatory data, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional Review: All content undergoes standards and compliance oversight by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal, using professional regulatory data auditing protocols.
This page is maintained by NursingHomeNews.org and is not affiliated with Avamere Bellingham Health Care & Rehab Services.