Quick answers
- Where is Palomar Heights Post Acute?
- 1260 E Ohio Avenue, Escondido, CA 92027, in San Diego County, California.
- What is the phone number of Palomar Heights Post Acute?
- (760) 746-1100, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of Palomar Heights Post Acute?
- Medicare overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has Palomar Heights Post Acute been fined?
- Medicare lists 1 fine totaling $8,176 and 1 payment denial.
- What did inspectors find at Palomar Heights Post Acute?
- In its last three inspection cycles (March 17, 2022 to August 21, 2026), Medicare lists 55 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 (March 17, 2022 to August 21, 2026), Palomar Heights Post Acute had 55 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 $8,176 in total (1 fine, the latest on June 21, 2024) and had 1 Medicare payment denial. Nurse staffing is 3.97 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: August 21, 2026 — 17 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: February 17, 2026 (complaint investigation); April 16, 2026 (complaint investigation); May 21, 2026 (complaint investigation); August 21, 2026 (standard health inspection).
Show 17 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0550 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”
F0578 Level D
“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.”
F0628 Level D
“Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.”
F0655 Level D
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
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.”
F0676 Level D
“Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.”
F0755 Level D
“Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.”
F0810 Level D
“Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.”
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.”
F0883 Level D
“Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0627 Level D
“Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.”
F0760 Level D
“Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.”
F0761 Level D
“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.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
Previous cycle: May 30, 2025 — 23 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: October 9, 2024 (complaint investigation); October 16, 2024 (complaint investigation); May 30, 2025 (standard health inspection).
Show 23 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0755 Level E
“Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.”
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.”
F0804 Level E
“Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.”
F0867 Level E
“Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.”
F0550 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”
F0578 Level D
“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.”
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.”
F0637 Level D
“Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition”
F0640 Level D
“Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0699 Level D
“Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.”
F0730 Level D
“Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.”
F0800 Level D
“Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
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.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0883 Level D
“Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0908 Level D
“Keep all essential equipment working safely.”
Earlier cycle: March 17, 2022 — 15 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: March 17, 2022 (standard health inspection); November 27, 2023 (complaint investigation); December 27, 2023 (complaint investigation); February 15, 2024 (complaint investigation); March 15, 2024 (complaint investigation); June 21, 2024 (complaint investigation).
F0684 Level G
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Show 14 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0638 Level E
“Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.”
F0640 Level E
“Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.”
F0801 Level E
“Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.”
F0802 Level E
“Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.”
F0803 Level E
“Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.”
F0805 Level E
“Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
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.”
F0607 Level D
“Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.”
F0600 Level D
“Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.”
F0636 Level D
“Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0908 Level D
“Keep all essential equipment working safely.”
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 (13)
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0753 Level E
“Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.”
K0353 Level D
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0353 Level F
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0918 Level F
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0324 Level D
“Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”
E0006 Level C
“Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.”
E0031 Level C
“Provide emergency officials' contact information.”
E0006 Level D
“Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.”
K0271 Level D
“Have exits that are accessible at all times.”
K0321 Level D
“Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.”
K0324 Level D
“Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”
K0363 Level D
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
Fines and payment denials
Total fines over about the last three years: $8,176 (1 fine). A payment denial means Medicare stopped paying for new admissions for a time.
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| June 21, 2024 | Fine | $8,176 |
| June 21, 2024 | Payment denial | from July 10, 2024, 9 days |
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 | 0.56 | 0.68 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 0.99 | 1.20 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 2.42 | 2.66 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 3.97 | 4.54 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 3.59 | 4.10 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 0.50 | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Nursing staff turnover (per year) | 44.9% | 36.6% | 45.3% |
| RN turnover (per year) | 25.0% | 37.8% | 42.5% |
| Administrators who left in the last year | 1.0 | 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: Palomar Heights Healthcare, LLC.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (1)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence Group Inc | Direct owner | 100% | June 15, 2022 |
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 | 98 |
| Average residents per day | 88.8 |
| Takes part in | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Ownership | For profit – limited liability company |
| Group or chain (affiliated entity) | Pacs Group |
| Legal business name | Palomar Heights Healthcare, LLC |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 2000-12-06 |
| Resident and family councils | Resident council |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 1260 E Ohio Avenue, Escondido, CA 92027 |
| County | San Diego County |
| State | California |
| Phone | (760) 746‑1100 |
| CMS Certification Number | 555764 |
| Name in Medicare records | PALOMAR HEIGHTS POST ACUTE |
| 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).
- Palomar Vista Healthcare Center0.6 mi · Escondido, CA · 2 of 5 stars
- Escondido Post Acute1.2 mi · Escondido, CA · 5 of 5 stars
- Redwood Terrace Health Center1.9 mi · Escondido, CA · 5 of 5 stars
- Valley Vista Post Acute2.0 mi · Escondido, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- Ocean View Post Acute2.4 mi · Escondido, CA · 4 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Palomar Health Downtown Campus0.9 mi · Escondido, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Marcos6.2 mi · San Marcos, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Palomar Medical Center Poway9.1 mi · Poway, 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