Priority Hospice Care, Inc.
A hospice in Covina, California 91723
410 W Badillo St Suite 200, Covina, California 91723. (626) 335-1082.
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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.
- 5 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- Not rated family caregiver rating
- 10of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean2
- 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?
5 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 70 hospices serving ZIP code 91723 had 7.5.
The last inspection on record was on Mar 12, 2026: a reaccreditation 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
5 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Mar 2026. 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.
Mar 12, 2026: reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission5 deficiencies
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(6)(iii))
“Observed in Patient Home. In 2 of 3 home visits conducted, it was noted the organization did not ensure that a thorough and ongoing medication reconciliation process was conducted. It was observed during home visits (HOSRRHV#1, HOSRRHV#2) wherein the nurse had failed to conduct effective medication reconciliation as evidenced by not verifying the medications currently in use by reviewing each medication bottle or prescription container during the visit.This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice Administrator who was present during the visit.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c))
The inspectors’ words, 187 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 10 of 10 active patient records reviewed, it was noted the organization failed to ensure that the written hospice plan of care was based on the patient’s goals and the timeframes required to meet those goals.. For example the following goals were not measurable:HOSRRHV#1: Pt will achieve and maintain optimal skin integrity daily for the next 90 days. HOSRRHV#2: Patient will have agitation and anxiety under control for the next 6 months. HOSRRHV#3: Safe and comfortable dying over these 6 months. HOSRRNHV#1: Patient will maintain adequate cardiac/circulatory function and fluid volume for the following 90 days. HOSRRNHV#2: Self-determined life closure in the next 6 months. HOSRRNHV#3: Pt will experience no discomfort as PO intake declines in the next 90 days. HOSRRNHV#4: Promote optimal patient safety and prevention of injury over the next 6 months. HOSRRNHV#5: Patient will achieve and maintain optimal physical comfort within the next 7 days. HOSRRNHV#6: Promote optimal patient safety and prevention of injury over the next 6 months. HOSRRNHV#7 Safe and comfortable dying within the 90 days. This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice leadership team.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(4))
The inspectors’ words, 253 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 5 of 10 active patient records reviewed, it was noted the organization failed to ensure that the hospice plan of care plan includes all services needed for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions, including medications necessary to meet the patient’s needs. Upon review of the records, multiple PRN pain medications ordered to be given for pain without specifying which medication should be administered based on specific guidance. For example: HOSRRNHV#2: Tylenol 325 mg 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed and Morphine Sulfate (concentrate) 100 mg/5ml as needed for pain/sob HOSRRNHV#3: Tylenol 650 mg 1 tablets PO as needed for pain; Tramadol HCl 50 mg 1 tablet every 6 hours for pain; and Morphine Sulfate Concentrate 100 mg/5 ml to take 0.25 ml every 2 hours as needed for pain. HOSRRNHV#4: Tylenol 160 mg/5 ml 20 ml every 8 hours as needed for pain; Tramadol HCL 50 mg. 1 tablet as needed for pain, Morphine Sulfate 20 mg/ml 5 ml every hours as needed for pain. HOSRRNHV#5: Lidocaine 5% 1 patch 1 x a day as needed for pain; Morphine Sulfate 100 mg/5ml 0.25 ml every 2 hours as needed for pain HOSRRNHV#6 Tylenol Arthritis Strength 650 mg 1 tablet PO as needed for pain; Norco 5:325 mg 1 tablet PO every 6 hours as needed for pain; Morphine Sulfate 20 mg/ml 5 mg PO every 2 hours as needed for pain. This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice leadership team.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 152 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 6 active patient records with hospice aide services, it was noted the organization had failed to ensure that the written patient care instructions for a hospice aide must be prepared by a registered nurse who is responsible for the supervision of a hospice aide. For example,HOSRRHV#2. Based on documentation, the patient was at risk to aspiration related to impaired ability to swallow, however, the hospice aide care plan did not include a written instruction related to aspiration. HOSRRNHV#5, the patient was on continuous oxygen at 4 LPM via nasal cannula, however, the hospice aide care plan did not address whether the oxygen could be removed for the bath and for how long. Lastly, HOSRRNHV#6 a review of hospice aide assignments revealed missing written instructions regarding patient precautions related to prescribed blood thinner medication (Eliquis). This finding was discussed and validated by the hospice leadership team.”
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Supervision of hospice aides (42 CFR 418.76(h)(1)(i))
“Observed in Record Review. In 2 of 6 active patient records with hospice aide services, it was noted the organization failed to ensure that hospice aide supervision was conducted at the patient’s home no less than every 14 days as required. During review of record HOSRRHV#2 documentation showed a gap of 15 days between the 01/28/26-02/12. Also noted in HOSRRNHV#5, has gap of 16 days from 01/20 - 02/05/26. This finding was discussed and validated by the Hospice leadership team.”
The one inspection in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2026 | Reaccreditation inspection by The Joint Commission | 5 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Dec 19, 2013.
- Ownership: for-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): 8.3 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 19% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 75.3% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 87% at home, 5% in assisted living, 5% in a nursing facility, 3% elsewhere.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 8.3 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 19% |
| Visits near death | 75.3% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- 9 owners or officers are people: Byron F Garcia (owns 5% or more directly, 50%); Byron F Garcia (corporate officer, 50%); Byron F Garcia (corporate director, 50%); Byron F Garcia (managing employee (on the payroll), 50%); Byron F Garcia (runs it (operational or managerial control), 50%); Mary Ann Llamas Garcia (owns 5% or more directly, 50%); Mary Ann Llamas Garcia (corporate officer, 50%); Mary Ann Llamas Garcia (managing employee (on the payroll), 50%); Mary Ann Llamas Garcia (runs it (operational or managerial control), 50%).
- 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.
What do families say?
- CMS gives no family caregiver survey rating: “The number of cases is too small to report Star Ratings.”
- In CMS’s survey of family caregivers (Oct 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2025): 86% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 80% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 56.98% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 4.6% 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 | Not rated |
| 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 70 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 91723, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 7.5; this one had 5.
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 |
|---|---|
| Priority Hospice Care, Inc. This hospice | 5 |
| Trusted Hospice Care, Inc. | Not given |
| Angel Hospice Care, Inc. | Not given |
| Saint Laura Palliative and Hospice Care, Inc. | 8 |
| Eos Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. | 27 |
| Vitas Healthcare Corp | 18 |
| Assisted Hospice Care | Not given |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital Hospice Program | 3 |
| Providence at Home With Compassus Hospice Care La County | 5 |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital Valley Continuing Care | 10 |
| Vnacare | 9 |
| Hospice of Presbyterian | 8 |
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.