Marin County, California · Nursing home
Novato Healthcare Center
1 of 5 overall from CMS
1565 Hill Road, Novato, CA 94947
At a glance
- Overall rating 1 of 5 Below the state average of 3.2
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.99 hours Below the state average of 4.52
- Nursing staff who left in a year Not reported
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 106 4 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $90,488 2 fines
- Certified beds in use 95.4% of 181 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Novato Healthcare Center is a 181-bed nursing home in Novato, California (Marin County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.99 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the California average of 4.52. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $90,488 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 181
- Residents per day (average)
- 172.7
- Certified since
- 2007 (19 yrs)
For profit - Individual Participates in Medicare and MedicaidCMS abuse citation icon: Yes
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
- Abuse citation icon. CMS assigns this icon when a home was cited for abuse where residents were found to be harmed, on its most recent standard inspection or on a complaint or infection-control inspection in the past 12 months, or was cited for abuse with potential harm in that period and again in the period before. Signs of abuse and how to report it
These labels are shown as CMS publishes them. They describe the inspection record, not what has changed since.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Novato Healthcare Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 2 fines totaling $90,488 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 44 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Nov 13, 2025 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the California average is 15.6. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- About 95.4% of certified beds are in use on an average day. Is there a waiting list, and how long is it?Certified beds and average residents in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 1 of 5 California average 3.2
- Health inspections 1 of 5 California average 2.8
- Staffing 4 of 5 California average 3.3
- Quality measures 2 of 5 California average 4.1
The vertical line marks the California average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 3.99 h California average 4.52
- Nurse aides 2.69 h California average 2.65
- Licensed practical nurses 0.80 h California average 1.20
- Registered nurses 0.51 h California average 0.67
- All staff, weekends 3.64 h California average 4.09
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 12 hours. The vertical line marks the California average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnoverNot reported
- California average36.7%
- Registered nurse turnoverNot reported
- California average38.1%
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the California and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 17.1% | 10.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 2.7% | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.6% | 1.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 39.3% | 7.3% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 1.4% | 1.6% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 93.7% | 98.6% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 15.0% | 9.8% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 17.8% | 13.7% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 97.2% | 98.2% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 6.3% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 21.1% | 10.2% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 32.4% | 12.0% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.95 | 2.25 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.81 | 1.57 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 76.6% | 94.4% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.9% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 95.5% | 93.2% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 22.8% | 23.0% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 20.3% | 11.2% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 106 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 4 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 62 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jul 4, 2026: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 13, 2025 | 44 | 10 |
| Jan 11, 2024 | 38 | 20 |
| Apr 23, 2021 | 24 | 8 |
California homes averaged 15.6 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (106)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 17, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 17, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 30, 2026)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 29, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 29, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Complaint investigation · Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 10, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 31, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 4, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 4, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 30, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Honor 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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Complaint investigation · Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 29, 2025)
Showing the 30 most recent of 106.
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2025 | Fine | $17,624 |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Fine | $72,864 |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Payment Denial | 70 days |
California homes averaged 0.8 fines and $23,986 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within California
- Size77 of 1161 by certified beds
- California average residents per day87.9
- ChainNone listed
- Resident or family councilBoth
- Homes in Marin County11
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Novato Healthcare Center?
Novato Healthcare Center has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 2.
How many beds does Novato Healthcare Center have?
Novato Healthcare Center has 181 certified beds. It averages 172.7 residents per day, about 95.4% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Novato Healthcare Center?
The home reports 3.99 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.51 hours from registered nurses. The California average is 4.52 hours and 0.67 hours from registered nurses.
Has Novato Healthcare Center been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $90,488 in the past three years. It also lists 1 payment denial.
Does Novato Healthcare Center accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 3 of 5 Smith Ranch Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Cente 80beds 92.9%in use 4.19nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Professional Post Acute Center 99beds 84.8%in use 3.84nurse hours a day
- 5 of 5 Pine Ridge Care Center 101beds 85.6%in use 4.48nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Marin County
Who to call in California
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in California.
- Long-term care ombudsman Statewide Ombudsman Hotline 1-800-231-4024 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Licensing and Certification district offices The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
California staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 555844. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.