Kaiser Foundation Hospital San Diego Hospice
A hospice in San Diego, California 92108
8954 Rio San Diego Dr, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92108. (619) 641-4100.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026. We couldn’t read Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ list since Oct 27, 2026: qcor.cms.gov now refuses our reader. This record is as of then.
- 7 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- 3of 5 family caregiver rating
- 10of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean3
- Star ratings
- CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
7 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 43 hospices serving ZIP code 92108 had 8.
The last inspection on record was on Apr 30, 2025: a follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
When those deficiencies happened
7 deficiencies in 2 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2025. Most serious: Standard-level. The last 3 years, to Oct 27, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, as cited
Rule titles as CMS’s inspectors cite them, set in sentence case.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Apr 30, 2025: follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission1 deficiency
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Coordination of services (42 CFR 418.56(e)(2))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 3 patient records reviewed, the Surveyor noted an ordered service had not documented an evaluation within the appropriate time frame. For example, in HRRHV#1, the patient had an order for physical therapy evaluation placed on initial evaluation; however, by the date of survey, there had been no evaluation or patient communication documented in the patient record (28 days). Of note, this was a hospice patient needing a service from Home Health. This was validated with HCO leadership present during the record review.”
Aug 30, 2024: initial inspection by The Joint Commission6 deficiencies
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Timeframe for completion of assessment (42 CFR 418.54(b))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 20 patient records reviewed, During RRHV# 1’s patient record review it was noted the organization had not ensured it completed the comprehensive assessment no later than five calendar days after the election of hospice care. For example: review of RRHV# 1’s patient record revealed an initial bereavement risk assessment completed approximately 40 days after the election of benefit (EOB). This was reviewed, discussed, and validated with the Clinical Supervisor.”
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(6)(iv))
The inspectors’ words, 239 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 1 of 4 home visits conducted with medication reconciliation, During RRHV# 1’s home observation it was noted the organization had not ensured the hospice nurse conducted a medication assessment that identified all medications per organization policy Medication Profile that included reviewing the in home medication list, prescription bottles, and the hospice medication list for a complete medication reconciliation. For example: during RRHV# 1’s home observation the registered nurse (RN) was observed completing a medication reconciliation with the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) nurse. The SNF nurse inquired if the hospice RN would like a copy of the medication administration record (MAR) and the hospice RN shared it was not necessary as she/he would compare the medications in the medication drawer with the hospice profile. The hospice RN then proceeded to review the medications and on the Lorazepam bottle found a prescription that read to give the Lorazepam every 4 hours as needed. The hospice RN shared they had changed the lorazepam order to every 8 hours, as it was listed on the hospice medication list and the Lorazepam every 4 hours as needed was discontinued. In addition, the hospice RN shared the SNF MAR was reviewed last week and validated the medication change. However, review of the SNF MAR revealed Ativan every 4 hours as needed in addition to Lorazepam every 8 hours as needed. This was observed, reviewed, and validated with the Clinical Supervisor.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 163 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 2 of 20 patient records reviewed, During RR# 1 and RR# 4’s patient records review it was noted the organization had not ensured the plan of call included all the services needed for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions to include interventions to management plan and symptoms. For example: review of RR# 1’s patient record revealed RR# 1 had diagnosis of dysphagia, was on a pureed diet and had aspiration precautions. However, review of RR# 1’s plan of care revealed no goals or interventions related to dysphagia, pureed diet, and aspiration precautions. Review of RR# 4’s plan of care revealed wound care orders for the right inner thigh to apply Medi honey to the wound bed and change dressing at routine hospice visits and if the dressing is dislodge. However, there was no documentation of what type of dressing for the wound care. This was reviewed, discussed, and validated with the Clinical Supervisor.”
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Serving the hospice patient and family (42 CFR 418.100(a)(1))
“Observed in Patient Home. In 1 of 6 home visits conducted, During RRHV# 1’s home observation it was noted the organization had not ensured it respected, protected, and promoted patients’ rights. For example: during RRHV# 1’s home observation at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) the registered nurse (RN) was observed completing a patient assessment with the room door open and the roommate sitting in between the beds with the privacy curtain open. This was observed, discussed, and validated with the Patient Care Services.”
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Content (42 CFR 418.104(a)(3))
The inspectors’ words, 361 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 1 of 4 home visits conducted with medication reconciliation, During RRHV# 5’s home observation it was noted the organization had not ensured the patient record contained information that reflected the patient’s care, treatment, or services. For example: review of RRHV# 5’s medication profile revealed a Lidocaine patch for pain. However, during the medication reconciliation RRHV# 5’s spouse shared that RRHV# 5 had not used it since the start of care as it did not work. Review of RRHV# 5’s plan of care revealed a start of care date approximately 55 days prior to the surveyor home observation. This was observed, discussed, and validated with the Clinical Supervisor. Observed in Record Review. During RR# 4’s patient record review it was noted the organization had not ensured the patient record contained information that reflected the patient’s care, treatment, or services. For example: review of RR# 4’s patient record revealed documentation the RR# 4 had a stage II pressure ulcer to the right upper thigh and wound care was to be completed every routine skilled nurse visit. Review of RR# 4’s SN visit notes revealed documentation that wound care was provided with no documentation of what kind of wound care was provided. This was reviewed, discussed, and validated with the Clinical Supervisor. Observed in Record Review. In 2 of 20 patient records reviewed, During RRHV# 2’s patient record review it was noted the organization had not ensured the patient record contained information that reflected the patient’s care, treatment, or services. For example: review of RRHV# 2’s patient record revealed RRHV# 2 had a right chest wall port-a-cath. However, review of the registered nurse (RN) comprehensive assessment revealed no documentation of a right chest wall port-a-cath. Further review of the Skilled Nurse (SN) visit notes revealed no documentation of a right chest wall port-a-cath. Review of RRHV# 2’s plan of car and subsequent updated plans of care revealed no documentation of a right chest wall port-a-cath. Further review of RRHV# 2’s patient record revealed documentation dated approximately 42 days after the start of care of a right chest wall port-a-cath. This was reviewed, discussed, and validate with the Clinical Supervisor.”
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Personnel qualification (42 CFR 418.114(a))
The inspectors’ words, 149 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 4 patient records reviewed with LVN death attendance, In 1 of 4 patient records reviewed, where the patient passed while on service with the LVN attending the death, the staff did not provide patient care within the scope of their license. The surveyor noted the LVN pronounced the patient’s death in RR #11 as evidenced by the documentation from the death visit stated the clinician noted no signs of life, and the time of death was recorded, and the mortuary notified prior to notifying the physician. This was confirmed with Clinical Supervisor, Director of Patient Care Services, and the Administrator. This was validated with the LVN who indicated they were the one who determined the time of death along with the family and did not call the physician and instead left a message for the IDG members in TEAMs regarding the death.”
All 2 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission | 1 deficiency cited |
| Aug 30, 2024 | Initial inspection by The Joint Commission | 6 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Dec 19, 1986.
- Ownership: non-profit.
- No For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual. deficiency or CMS’s most serious finding: the place’s failure to meet a rule caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to someone in its care. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 489.3. on record in the last three years.
CMS, Hospice General Information. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Has anything been proven against it?
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- 0 deficiencies cited in the last three years came from inspections that included a complaint investigation.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Who does the caring?
- From Medicare claims (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024): 14.2 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 9.7% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 86.6% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 93% at home, 7% in assisted living.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 14.2 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 9.7% |
| Visits near death | 86.6% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- Kaiser Foundation Hospitals runs it.
- 24 owners or officers are people: David J Barger (corporate director, 100%); Margaret E Porfido (corporate director, 100%); Richard P Shannon (corporate director, 100%); Regina M Benjamin (corporate director, 100%); Judith A Johansen (corporate director, 100%); David F Hoffmeister (corporate director, 100%); Arnold Eugene Washington (corporate director, 100%); Jeffrey E Epstein (corporate director, 100%); Ramon F Baez (corporate director, 100%); Gregory A Adams (corporate officer, 100%); Gregory A Adams (corporate director, 100%); Matthew T Ryan (corporate director, 100%); Leslie S Heisz (corporate director, 100%); Allegra M Rich (managing employee (under contract)); Jenny Ming (corporate director); Michelle J Gaskill-Hames (corporate officer); Jason Thomas (managing employee (on the payroll)); Jason Thomas (runs it (operational or managerial control)); Douglas A Lemieux (managing employee (on the payroll)); Ines Gaeta (runs it (operational or managerial control)); Teresa Ramirez (managing employee (on the payroll)); Angel Vargas (corporate officer); Angel Vargas (managing employee (on the payroll)); Angel Vargas (runs it (operational or managerial control)).
- No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
- No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
CMS, Hospice All Owners and Hospice Enrollments. Released Sep 29, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Organisation | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Hospitals | Runs it (operational or managerial control) | 100% | Jul 13, 2009 |
What do families say?
- Family caregivers rate it 3 of 5 in CMS’s survey (Oct 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2025): 82% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 83% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 92.38% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 39.3% had visits from a nurse or social worker on at least 2 of their last 3 days (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
CMS, CAHPS Hospice Survey and Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Family caregiver survey ratingCMS star rating from its survey of patients’ family caregivers, 1 to 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Hospice Care IndexCMS’s Hospice Care Index, 0 to 10 (higher is better): a point for each of ten measures from Medicare claims on which the hospice meets CMS’s threshold | 10 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 43 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 92108, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 8; this one had 7.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital San Diego Hospice This hospice | 7 |
| Apreva Hospice | 10 |
| Mission Hospice Services of San Diego LLC | 3 |
| Divine Light Hospice | Not given |
| Vista Community Hospice Inc. | 13 |
| Vitas Healthcare Corporation of California | 3 |
| Sharp Hospicecare | 12 |
| Gentiva | 21 |
| Lightbridge Hospice | 11 |
| Silverado Hospice San Diego | 6 |
| Advantage Health Systems | 10 |
| Seaport Hospice | Not given |
What the record doesn’t say
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- Only complaints that led to a citation appear; complaints that didn’t aren’t published.
- CMS ended its Special Focus Program for hospices with serious problems on Feb 14, 2025, so no hospice is marked as one.
- Hospice quality measures have a gap from October 2025: CMS replaced its patient assessment then, and public results from the new one (HOPE) are expected around November 2027.
Sources
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice General Information (yc9t-dgbk).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Provider Data (252m-zfp9).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CAHPS Hospice Survey (gxki-hrr8).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, QCOR hospice inspection reports (Hospice Survey Reports - Oct 2021 through Sep 2026.xlsx).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice All Owners (e983965e-1603-4cb8-82b5-c40090e380d1).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Enrollments (25704213-e833-4b8b-9dbc-58dd17149209).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice ZIP Data (95rg-2usp).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: CMS. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 27, 2026.
From the hospice
The public record above comes first. Anything the hospice adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the hospice will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the hospice”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.