facebook tracking Heritage Specialty Care, Cedar Rapids IA: CMS Ratings
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Heritage Specialty Care

All states › Iowa › Cedar Rapids › Heritage Specialty Care

200 Clive Drive SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 · Linn County

(319) 396-7171

All 10 nursing homes in Cedar Rapids, IA (9 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 171 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 165310 · 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 Heritage Specialty Care 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 Heritage Specialty Care as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 45 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $14,365 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 2 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.56 hours per resident per day at Heritage Specialty Care, below the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.63 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.21 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 45.3% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%). 3 administrators left in the past year.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.56 hours
Below the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.63 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.21 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 45.3% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 50% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 3 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds171
Residents per day 125 About 73% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceFebruary 1997
Part of a chainCare Initiatives
Legal business nameCARE INITIATIVES

Paying for care at Heritage Specialty Care: Medicare and Medicaid

Heritage Specialty Care 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 Iowa'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 May 28, 2026 and found 6 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 45 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 45 citations at Heritage Specialty Care across 13 inspection dates, 28 of them from complaint investigations. 5 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on November 6, 2025. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (18) and nutrition and dietary (7). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, November 6, 2025).

May 28, 2026 · 6 citations

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 8, 2026)

DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

DEnsure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0741 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

March 2, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 26, 2026)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 26, 2026)

DEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 26, 2026)

November 6, 2025 · 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 (Nov 13, 2025)

August 26, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 23, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 23, 2025)

EHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 23, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 23, 2025)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 23, 2025)

June 12, 2025 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 19, 2025)

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 (Jun 19, 2025)

GEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Actual harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

May 22, 2025 · 4 citations

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 (Jun 6, 2025)

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 (Jun 6, 2025)

DEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 6, 2025)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 6, 2025)

March 5, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 4, 2025)

DEnsure 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 4, 2025)

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 4, 2025)

February 4, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2025)

November 20, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 (Dec 13, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 13, 2024)

October 16, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 1, 2024)

DProvide 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 (Nov 1, 2024)

August 22, 2024 · 7 citations, includes actual harm

GProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

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 (Sep 11, 2024)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

DEnsure 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 (Sep 11, 2024)

DEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

BGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

November 30, 2023 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 (Dec 21, 2023)

DEnsure 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

November 2, 2023 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

FEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

FHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 21, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Heritage Specialty Care

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on November 6, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. Several administrators left in the past year. What has changed for residents since then?
  3. CMS rates short-stay quality 2 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
  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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $14,365 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Nov 6, 2025 Fine $14,365

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 4/5 3/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 1/5
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Location

Hospitals near Heritage Specialty Care

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

  • 3.4 mi
    St Lukes Hospital Cedar Rapids
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 46m for patients treated and sent home
  • 3.5 mi
    Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 28m for patients treated and sent home
  • 20.6 mi
    Virginia Gay Hospital Vinton
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 1h 19m 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

West Ridge Care Center Cedar Rapids · 1.0 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 60 beds · Medicaid
Meth-Wick Health Center Cedar Rapids · 2.0 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 69 beds · Medicaid
The Gardens of Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids · 2.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 40 beds
Living Center West Cedar Rapids · 3.5 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 94 beds · Medicaid
Harmony Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids · 4.5 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 96 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Heritage Specialty Care ›   All nursing homes in Cedar Rapids ›

Compare Heritage Specialty Care with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Care Initiatives nursing homes in Iowa

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 43 Care Initiatives nursing homes ›

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/iowa/cedar-rapids/heritage-specialty-care/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.