All states › California › Novato › Novato Healthcare Center
1565 Hill Road Novato, CA 94947 · Marin County
CMS certification number 555844 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Novato Healthcare Center 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 Novato Healthcare Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the California average of 3.2.
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 3.75 hours per resident per day at Novato Healthcare Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.49 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.46 hours, 8% below its all-week average.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Novato Healthcare Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Novato Healthcare Center 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.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on November 13, 2025 and found 17 deficiencies, plus 30 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 111 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 111 citations at Novato Healthcare Center across 37 inspection dates, 67 of them from complaint investigations. 3 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on July 4, 2026. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (30) and freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation (21). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level G, July 4, 2026). 21 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
August 28, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
August 26, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
FEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
July 31, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
July 30, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FPost nurse staffing information every day.
July 22, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
July 4, 2026 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
EProvide 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.
June 17, 2026 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection
FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
June 4, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
May 6, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
April 16, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
March 25, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide 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.
December 31, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
December 3, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
November 20, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
November 13, 2025 · 19 citations · includes complaint inspection
FProvide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
FEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EHonor 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.
EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
EEnsure 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.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DKeep all essential equipment working safely.
DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
September 8, 2025 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
August 28, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
August 20, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
August 8, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
July 18, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FHave a Compliance and Ethics Program.
July 9, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
EMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
July 3, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
May 19, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
FEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
FDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
May 14, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
ECreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
EHave policies on smoking.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
May 1, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
April 25, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
April 23, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
March 5, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
February 24, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
FEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
FConduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
January 9, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
September 5, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
September 4, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
July 17, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
January 11, 2024 · 7 citations
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DHonor 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.
DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
October 25, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
October 9, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
April 23, 2021 · 20 citations
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EHonor 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.
EProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
EEnsure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
DHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Questions to ask on a tour of Novato Healthcare Center
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on July 4, 2026 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on August 28, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- 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
4 penalties in the last three years, including $119,968 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 4, 2026 | Fine | $29,480 |
| Aug 8, 2025 | Fine | $17,624 |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Fine | $72,864 |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Payment Denial | 70 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Novato Healthcare Center
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
-
1.1 mi
Novato Community Hospital NovatoEmergency room ★★★★★ Medicare overall 5 of 5Median ER visit 2h 36m for patients treated and sent home
- 6.5 mi
-
10.6 mi
Marinhealth Medical Center GreenbraeEmergency room ★★★★★ Medicare overall 5 of 5Median ER visit 2h 56m 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
More nursing homes near Novato Healthcare Center › All nursing homes in Novato ›
Compare Novato Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Petaluma Post-Acute Rehabilitation · Petaluma · 5 stars · 9.5 mi
- Hillcrest Post Acute · Petaluma · 5 stars · 9.6 mi
- Villa Marin · San Rafael · 4 stars · 6.7 mi
- Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center · San Rafael · 3 stars · 6.0 mi
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.