Massachusetts Nursing Homes: Violations, Fines and Worst Records

Nursing staff turnover at Massachusetts nursing homes reached 38.2% in a year, versus 45.8% across the nation. In federal nursing home data from CMS, the federal agency behind Medicare, this state ranks 47th among the District of Columbia and the 50 states. Statewide, daily nurse staffing hours fell short of the federal level expected for residents at 193 of 337 reporting facilities. A total of 251 out of 341 Massachusetts homes operate for profit, so most state facilities are commercial businesses.

Over the last three inspection cycles, infection prevention and control drew 484 citations from state inspectors, the top rule cited in Massachusetts. Where inspectors found actual harm to residents or immediate danger, state facilities received another 109 citations for supervision and accident hazards. Federal enforcement records put Massachusetts 16th nationwide for fines issued per home. Since September 2023, the state's largest single penalty was a $464,490 federal fine imposed in December 2024 on Brandon Woods of New Bedford.

State inspection scores are posted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in its Nursing Home Survey Performance Tool. Every Massachusetts facility certified by Medicare or Medicaid gets a grade from that state tool. The grade reflects its three most recent standard surveys plus complaint or serious incident investigations, covering administration, food services, nursing, environment, and resident rights. Federal inspection reports for each Massachusetts home are called Form CMS-2567 statements of deficiencies. Families can also read them on the search site once known as Nursing Home Compare, now Medicare's Care Compare.

In Massachusetts, complaint visits produce 10.2% of all inspection citations. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health lets anyone report a facility online or call 1-800-462-5540. To resolve care disputes, resident advocates are available at 617-222-7495 through the Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at the Executive Office of Aging & Independence. Reports of suspected abuse involving a Massachusetts resident age 60 or older can also go to Adult Protective Services by calling (800) 922-2275.