Quick answers
- Where is Kern River Transitional Care?
- 5151 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, in Kern County, California.
- What is the phone number of Kern River Transitional Care?
- (661) 325-9900, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of Kern River Transitional Care?
- Medicare overall rating: 1 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has Kern River Transitional Care been fined?
- Medicare lists 1 fine totaling $77,720.
- What did inspectors find at Kern River Transitional Care?
- In its last three inspection cycles (May 13, 2021 to April 29, 2026), Medicare lists 91 health citations; the most serious was level G. 1 was level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Medicare ratings, explained
Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.
Inspections, fines and staffing
In its last three inspection cycles (May 13, 2021 to April 29, 2026), Kern River Transitional Care had 91 health citations; the most serious was level G (actual harm to residents). 1 of them was level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). It was fined $77,720 in total (1 fine, the latest on December 7, 2023). Nurse staffing is 4.71 hours per resident per day; the California average is 4.54 and the national average is 3.90.
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.
Inspection history: last three cycles
State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.
What the letters A to L mean
| Seriousness | Isolated (a few residents) | Pattern (some) | Widespread (many) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No actual harm, potential for minimal harm | A | B | C |
| No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm | D | E | F |
| Actual harm to residents | G | H | I |
| Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety | J | K | L |
Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.
Most recent cycle: April 24, 2025 — 24 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: April 24, 2025 (standard health inspection); April 29, 2026 (complaint investigation).
Show 24 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0552 Level F
“Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.”
F0726 Level F
“Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.”
F0880 Level F
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0947 Level F
“Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.”
F0655 Level E
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
F0761 Level E
“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.”
F0850 Level E
“Hire a qualified full-time social worker in a facility with more than 120 beds.”
F0867 Level E
“Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.”
F0868 Level E
“Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0584 Level D
“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.”
F0623 Level D
“Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.”
F0644 Level D
“Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0677 Level D
“Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.”
F0679 Level D
“Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.”
F0687 Level D
“Provide appropriate foot care.”
F0690 Level D
“Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”
F0698 Level D
“Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.”
F0790 Level D
“Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0847 Level D
“Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.”
Previous cycle: May 16, 2024 — 27 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: May 16, 2024 (standard health inspection); December 5, 2024 (complaint investigation); December 9, 2024 (complaint investigation); December 31, 2024 (complaint investigation); February 25, 2025 (complaint investigation); May 15, 2025 (complaint investigation); May 16, 2025 (complaint investigation); July 28, 2025 (complaint investigation).
Show 27 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0761 Level E
“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.”
F0552 Level D
“Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0690 Level D
“Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”
F0726 Level D
“Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0552 Level D
“Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.”
F0849 Level D
“Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0550 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”
F0554 Level D
“Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0584 Level D
“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.”
F0636 Level D
“Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.”
F0644 Level D
“Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.”
F0645 Level D
“PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0690 Level D
“Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”
F0812 Level D
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
Earlier cycle: May 13, 2021 — 40 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: May 13, 2021 (standard health inspection); December 7, 2023 (complaint investigation); January 5, 2024 (complaint investigation); January 10, 2024 (complaint investigation); February 8, 2024 (complaint investigation); February 26, 2024 (complaint investigation); March 17, 2024 (complaint investigation); April 9, 2024 (complaint investigation); April 16, 2024 (complaint investigation); May 16, 2024 (complaint investigation); June 25, 2024 (complaint investigation); June 28, 2024 (complaint investigation); July 9, 2024 (complaint investigation); July 16, 2024 (complaint investigation); July 23, 2024 (complaint investigation); July 31, 2024 (complaint investigation); August 2, 2024 (complaint investigation); August 22, 2024 (complaint investigation); September 5, 2024 (complaint investigation).
F0600 Level G
“Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Show 38 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0839 Level F
“Employ staff that are licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with state laws.”
F0607 Level E
“Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.”
F0609 Level E
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0656 Level E
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0692 Level E
“Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.”
F0726 Level E
“Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.”
F0804 Level E
“Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.”
F0880 Level E
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0657 Level D
“Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0837 Level D
“Establish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility.”
F0585 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0698 Level D
“Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0742 Level D
“Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0625 Level D
“Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.”
F0686 Level D
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0725 Level D
“Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0610 Level D
“Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0554 Level D
“Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0655 Level D
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
F0688 Level D
“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.”
F0694 Level D
“Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.”
1 more citations of lower seriousness are not listed here. See all of them on Medicare Care Compare.
Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.
Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →
Fire safety citations (18)
E0031 Level F
“Provide emergency officials' contact information.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0353 Level D
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0345 Level D
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0363 Level D
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
K0500 Level D
“Meet other general requirements that are deficient.”
K0761 Level D
“To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.”
K0901 Level D
“Ensure that building systems meet requirements determined by risk assessment procedures performed by qualified personnel.”
K0918 Level D
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0920 Level D
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
E0041 Level E
“Implement emergency and standby power systems.”
K0211 Level D
“Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.”
K0353 Level D
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0363 Level D
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
K0712 Level D
“Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.”
K0919 Level D
“Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.”
K0920 Level D
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
K0923 Level D
“Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.”
Fines and payment denials
Total fines over about the last three years: $77,720 (1 fine). A payment denial means Medicare stopped paying for new admissions for a time.
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| December 7, 2023 | Fine | $77,720 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Penalties file, data updated October 1, 2026.
Staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.
| Measure | This home | California | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day | 0.59 | 0.68 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 1.20 | 1.20 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 2.92 | 2.66 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 4.71 | 4.54 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 4.12 | 4.10 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 0.39 | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Nursing staff turnover (per year) | 47.8% | 36.6% | 45.3% |
| RN turnover (per year) | 22.7% | 37.8% | 42.5% |
| Administrators who left in the last year | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Part of a group of 277 nursing homes: Pacs Group.
Legal business name: Bakersfieldidence Opco LLC.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (1)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence Group North LLC | Direct owner | 100% | May 1, 2018 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.
Compare with other nursing homes
Key facts
| Type | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Certified beds | 140 |
| Average residents per day | 133.1 |
| Takes part in | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Ownership | For profit – limited liability company |
| Group or chain (affiliated entity) | Pacs Group |
| Legal business name | Bakersfieldidence Opco LLC |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 2019-04-16 |
| Resident and family councils | Resident council |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 5151 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308 |
| County | Kern County |
| State | California |
| Phone | (661) 325‑9900 |
| CMS Certification Number | 555912 |
| Name in Medicare records | KERN RIVER TRANSITIONAL CARE |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
What to ask when you call or visit
A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.
- Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
- Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
- How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
- Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
- What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
- Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
- What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
- Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
- Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
- Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.
Other nursing homes nearby
By straight-line distance (not driving distance).
- San Joaquin Nursing Center and Rehabilitation Cent2.9 mi · Bakersfield, CA · 3 of 5 stars
- The Orchards Post-Acute3.1 mi · Bakersfield, CA · 2 of 5 stars
- Valley Healthcare Center3.5 mi · Bakersfield, CA · 1 of 5 stars
- Rosewood Health Facility4.2 mi · Bakersfield, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- Height Street Skilled Care5.1 mi · Bakersfield, CA · 2 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Adventist Health Bakersfield2.7 mi · Bakersfield, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Mercy Hospital2.8 mi · Bakersfield, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital3.1 mi · Bakersfield, CA · Acute Care Hospital
Sources
- Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
- Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13