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Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF

All states › California › Lake Isabella › Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF

6412 Laurel Ave Lake Isabella, CA 93240 · Kern County

(760) 379-2681

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 74 certified beds Government

CMS certification number 555517 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the California average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 32 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 3 penalties, including $31,581 in fines, in that time.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.29 hours per resident per day at Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.18 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.98 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 36.2% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.29 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.18 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.98 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 36.2% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover — Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds74
Residents per day 55 About 75% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipGovernment - Hospital district
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJuly 1992
Legal business nameKERN VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
Located in a hospitalYes

Paying for care at Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF: Medicare and Medicaid

Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet California's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

This home is located in a hospital.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on April 23, 2026 and found 8 deficiencies, plus 7 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 32 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 32 citations at Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF across 9 inspection dates, 19 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on October 27, 2025. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (9) and nutrition and dietary (5). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals" (tag F0684, level G, October 27, 2025). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

April 23, 2026 · 8 citations

FHave 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

DHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0813 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

DHave policies on smoking.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0926 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 22, 2026)

December 17, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 28, 2026)

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 28, 2026)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 28, 2026)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 28, 2026)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 28, 2026)

October 27, 2025 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 30, 2026)

EEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0712 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 30, 2026)

June 26, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 27, 2025)

June 25, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2025)

June 12, 2025 · 5 citations

FHave 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

DProvide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0790 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

April 7, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 21, 2025)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 21, 2025)

November 25, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2025)

April 25, 2024 · 7 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0676 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides drinks consistent with resident needs and preferences and sufficient to maintain resident hydration.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0807 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 20, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on October 27, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 17, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 1 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

3 penalties in the last three years, including $31,581 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Oct 27, 2025 Fine $21,548
Oct 27, 2025 Payment Denial 51 days of payments denied
Nov 25, 2024 Fine $10,033

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 1/5 5/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 1/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 0.2 mi
    Kern Valley Healthcare District Lake Isabella
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 43m for patients treated and sent home

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Bakersfield Post Acute Bakersfield · 33.6 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 99 beds · Medicaid
Height Street Skilled Care Bakersfield · 35.6 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 99 beds · Medicaid
The Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield Bakersfield · 35.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 160 beds · Medicaid
Arvin Post Acute Arvin · 37.6 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 81 beds · Medicaid
San Joaquin Nursing Center and Rehabilitation Center Bakersfield · 37.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 99 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF ›   All nursing homes in Lake Isabella ›

Compare Kern Valley Healthcare District DP SNF with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/california/lake-isabella/kern-valley-healthcare-district-dp-snf/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.