Hearth Record

Fort Bayard Medical Center

A nursing home in Santa Clara, New Mexico 88026

41 Fort Bayard Road, Santa Clara, New Mexico 88026. (575) 537-8604.

CMS’s own record, on Care Compare

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The short answer

Record last released by CMS on Oct 8, 2026.

The last 24 months 45 citations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. Most serious: immediate jeopardy to health or safety (K). Every month

Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.

What these words mean8
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.
Scope and severity (A to L)
CMS grades each nursing home deficiency with a letter. A to C: no actual harm, with potential for minimal harm. D to F: no actual harm, but potential for more. G to I: actual harm. J to L: immediate jeopardy. Within each band, the letter rises as more residents were affected or could be: one or a few, a pattern, or widespread. Source: CMS, nursing home scope and severity grid (State Operations Manual, chapter 7).
Nurse staffing hours
The hours registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides worked, per resident per day, from the payroll records each home sends CMS. Source: CMS, Payroll-Based Journal.
Fines and payment denials
A fine (civil money penalty) is money CMS makes a nursing home pay when it falls short of federal rules. A payment denial means Medicare and Medicaid stop paying for new admissions until the home meets the rules again. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.430 and 488.417.
Immediate jeopardy
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.
Capacity
The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.

What did inspectors find?

22 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The New Mexico average is 17.9.

Last standard inspection Nov 17, 2025.

Most serious in three years: immediate jeopardy to health or safety (K), at a complaint inspection on Jun 11, 2024

Source:

CMS, Provider Information, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

When those citations happened

45 citations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. Most serious: immediate jeopardy to health or safety (K). The last 3 years, to Oct 24, 2026.

45 citations by month over the last 3 years. Each cell is one month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2023 NovDec
2024 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2025 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2026 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOct

Hover or focus a month to read it.

No visit on record Visited, nothing cited A stronger orange is more serious, on its source’s own levels, read onto four bands: from the least serious it publishes to the most
Source:

Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.

All 45 citations in the last three years

Grouped by inspection, newest first. Each carries , from A, the least serious, to L, the most. 12 came from complaint inspections.

Source:

CMS, Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

Apr 8, 2026: complaint inspection1 citation
  • Honor the resident’s right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Rule F0550. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: May 23, 2026.

Nov 17, 2025: standard inspection21 citations
  • Honor the resident’s right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Rule F0550. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Honor the resident’s right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

    Rule F0561. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).

    Rule F0603. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident’s ability to function.

    Rule F0605. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Rule F0641. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident’s needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Rule F0656. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Rule F0657. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

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

    Rule F0658. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

    Rule F0685. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Provide 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.

    Rule F0688. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

    Rule F0690. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

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

    Rule F0697. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

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

    Rule F0698. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Ensure 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.

    Rule F0761. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.

    Rule F0791. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

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

    Rule F0842. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

    Rule F0851. F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Rule F0880. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Rule F0881. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Rule F0883. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

  • Educate 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.

    Rule F0887. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jan 26, 2026.

Jul 10, 2025: complaint inspection4 citations
  • Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

    Rule F0552. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Aug 24, 2025.

  • Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident’s ability to function.

    Rule F0605. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Aug 24, 2025.

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Rule F0609. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Aug 24, 2025.

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

    Rule F0842. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Aug 24, 2025.

Jan 24, 2025: complaint inspection2 citations
  • Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

    Rule F0604. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Apr 1, 2025.

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Rule F0657. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Apr 1, 2025.

Aug 9, 2024: standard inspection12 citations
  • Honor the resident’s right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Rule F0550. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

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

    Rule F0582. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Honor 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.

    Rule F0584. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

    Rule F0604. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident’s most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Rule F0655. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Rule F0657. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident’s health.

    Rule F0692. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

    Rule F0700. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Post nurse staffing information every day.

    Rule F0732. F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

    Rule F0756. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

    Rule F0758. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Rule F0880. F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Oct 25, 2024.

Jun 11, 2024: complaint inspection5 citations
  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Rule F0684. K: immediate jeopardy to health or safety. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jul 26, 2024.

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Rule F0689. H: actual harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jul 26, 2024.

  • Plan the resident’s discharge to meet the resident’s goals and needs.

    Rule F0660. D: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jul 26, 2024.

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

    Rule F0661. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jul 26, 2024.

  • Ensure the resident’s doctor reviews the resident’s care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.

    Rule F0711. E: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. From a complaint. Correction date, as CMS recorded it: Jul 26, 2024.

Is it certified, and in good standing?

  • Certified for Medicare and Medicaid since Jun 20, 2009.
  • Not on CMS’s special focus list.
  • No abuse icon from CMS.
  • No change of ownership in the last 12 months.
  • CMS lists its ownership as government, state.
Source:

CMS, Provider Information. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

Has it been fined or penalized?

  • 1 fine in the last three years, $83,501 in all.
  • 1 Medicare payment denial in the last three years.
  • 12 citations in the last three years came from complaint inspections.
Source:

CMS, Penalties and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

Fines and payment denials, newest first
DateKindAmount
Jun 11, 2024Medicare payment denialNot given
Jun 11, 2024Fine$83,501

Who does the caring?

6.27 nurse hours per resident per day

The New Mexico average is 3.54.

CMS publishes staffing about four months after the fact.

Source:

CMS, Provider Information and State and US Averages. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

Staffing measures
MeasureThis homeNew Mexico average
Nurse hours per resident per day6.273.54
Of which registered nurses1.210.63
At weekends5.063.10
Nursing staff turnover33.1%53.3%
Registered nurse turnover9.7%53.6%
Administrators who leftNot givenNot given

Who owns it?

  • 9 owners or officers are people: Sherri A Bays (corporate officer, 100%); Sherri A Bays (corporate director, 100%); Sherri A Bays (runs it (operational or managerial control), 100%); Jason R Hamilton (corporate officer, 100%); Jason R Hamilton (corporate director, 100%); Jason R Hamilton (runs it (operational or managerial control), 100%); A person CMS lists without a name (additional disclosable party (controls, leases property to, or provides services to the home)); A person CMS lists without a name (owns a share through other companies); A person CMS lists without a name (additional disclosable party (controls, leases property to, or provides services to the home)).
  • No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
  • No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
Source:

CMS, All Owners. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly.

CMS, Provider Information. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

How do residents fare?

  • CMS rates its quality measures 3 of 5 (New Mexico average 3.8).
Source:

CMS, Provider Information and State and US Averages. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

CMS’s star ratings, from 1 to 5
MeasureRating
Overall rating3 of 5
Health inspections2 of 5
Staffing5 of 5
Quality measures3 of 5

How does it compare nearby?

  • Among the 12 nearest homes, within 91.8 miles, this one had the 6th most health citations at the latest inspection cycle (22; the middle value was 21).
Source:

CMS, Provider Information. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

What the record doesn’t say

  • Complaints that didn’t lead to a citation aren’t published.
  • Inspections reach CMS’s data about six weeks after they happen, and staffing about four months after.
  • CMS publishes the inspectors’ full written findings in a separate monthly file, which isn’t loaded yet.
  • Fines and Medicare payment denials are the only enforcement CMS publishes; state licence actions aren’t included.

Sources

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Provider Information (4pq5-n9py).

    Released Oct 8, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health Deficiencies (r5ix-sfxw).

    Released Oct 8, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Penalties (g6vv-u9sr).

    Released Oct 8, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, All Owners (afe44b85-cc6d-40d7-b5df-00ae8910d1d2).

    Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, State and US Averages (xcdc-v8bm).

    Released Oct 8, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated monthly. 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.

Source:

This copy of the record was made on Oct 24, 2026.

From the home

The public record above comes first. Anything the home adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.

Replies

None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the home 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 home”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

From the homeNone yet. Replies and paid listings aren’t open, and when they open they will sit here, below the record.

1 of 4

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Who published it, when, and how often it changes sit beside each fact, with a link to the agency’s own file.

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