facebook tracking Sterling Care Bel Air, Bel Air MD: CMS Ratings & Inspections
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Sterling Care Bel Air

All states › Maryland › Bel Air › Sterling Care Bel Air

410 East Mcphail Road Bel Air, MD 21014 · Harford County

(410) 838-7810

All 2 nursing homes in Bel Air, MD (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 155 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 215312 · 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 Sterling Care Bel Air 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 Sterling Care Bel Air as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall, above the Maryland average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 45 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5.

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 3.52 hours per resident per day at Sterling Care Bel Air, below the Maryland median of 3.70 (US median: 3.72). About 0.46 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.13 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 39.7% of nursing staff left within a year (Maryland median 40.9%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.52 hours
Below the Maryland median of 3.70 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.46 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.13 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 39.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 40% a year 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 beds155
Residents per day 134 About 87% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceSeptember 1997
Part of a chainSterling Care
Legal business nameBEL AIR SNF OPERATOR LLC

Paying for care at Sterling Care Bel Air: Medicare and Medicaid

Sterling Care Bel Air 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 Maryland'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 March 12, 2026 and found 10 deficiencies, plus 1 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 Sterling Care Bel Air across 5 inspection dates, 19 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on August 21, 2025. The most common areas cited were resident rights (11) and quality of life and care (10). 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, August 21, 2025). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

March 12, 2026 · 10 citations

EProvide 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 (Apr 13, 2026)

EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 13, 2026)

DProvide 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 (Apr 13, 2026)

October 17, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0627 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 9, 2025)

August 21, 2025 · 11 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.

Actual harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

GNot hire anyone with a finding of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or theft.

Actual harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0606 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

FEnsure 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 (Oct 1, 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 (Oct 1, 2025)

EProvide 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 (Oct 1, 2025)

ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0551 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

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 (Oct 1, 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 (Oct 1, 2025)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 1, 2025)

December 13, 2024 · 13 citations · includes complaint inspection

FDispose of garbage and refuse properly.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0814 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

EProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

EEnsure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0809 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

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 (Jan 13, 2025)

EProvide 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 (Jan 13, 2025)

DGive residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0572 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

DEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

DProvide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0770 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 13, 2025)

July 2, 2019 · 10 citations

EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

EObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

DHonor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0559 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

DHonor 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 (Aug 16, 2019)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 16, 2019)

Questions to ask on a tour of Sterling Care Bel Air

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on August 21, 2025 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on August 21, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 2 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 4/5 3/5 2/5 5/5
August 2026 3/5 2/5 2/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Sterling Care Bel Air

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

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

Nearby nursing homes

Sterling Care Forest Hill Forest Hill · 1.8 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 156 beds · Medicaid
Lorien Nursing & Rehab Center Belair Bel Air · 3.6 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Sterling Care Riverside Belcamp · 7.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 129 beds · Medicaid
Glen Meadows Retirement Community Glen Arm · 10.4 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 31 beds · Medicaid
Lorien Bulle Rock Havre De Grace · 11.4 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 4/5 78 beds · Medicaid

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Other Sterling Care nursing homes in Maryland

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 6 Sterling Care 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/maryland/bel-air/sterling-care-bel-air/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.