The Sequoias
501 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028
The Sequoias is a nursing home in Portola Valley, California. This page lists the citations, fines and star ratings that CMS publishes for it. Each one has a date and a link to CMS.
CMS star ratings
- 5 of 5CMS overall star rating
- 5 of 5CMS health inspection star rating
- 2 of 5CMS staffing star rating
- 5 of 5CMS quality measures star rating
Facts from CMS
- Phone
- (650) 851-1501
- Last standard health inspection
- August 7, 2025 (1 year ago)
- Certified beds
- 43
- Residents per day, on average
- 33
- Ownership type
- Non profit - Corporation
- Legal business name
- Sequoia Living INC
- Chain
- Not listed by CMS
- Takes part in
- Medicare
Fewer health citations than the California average (20 vs 50).
Inspections, fines and changes
This list shows every citation and fine in CMS's current data, which covers about the last three years. It also shows changes CMS made to this home's ratings and records.
CMS update of October 28, 2026
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 2 of 5.
CMS update of July 29, 2026
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 5 of 5 to 4 of 5.
Staffing
Total nurse staffing reported to CMS went from 4.9 to 4.3 hours per resident per day.
CMS update of November 20, 2025
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 5 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 5 of 5.
5 citations
Health inspection on August 7, 2025
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation F0812. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 29, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0812 2 times since 2024.
Citation F0582. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 29, 2025.
Citation F0657. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 29, 2025.
Citation F0755. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 29, 2025.
Citation F0881. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 29, 2025.
7 citations
Fire safety inspection on August 7, 2025
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation K0918. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0918 2 times since 2024.
Citation K0355. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
Citation K0363. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0363 2 times since 2024.
Citation K0919. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0919 2 times since 2021.
Citation K0920. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
Citation K0353. Severity C: potential for minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0353 3 times since 2021.
Citation K0712. Severity C: potential for minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
CMS lists it as corrected on August 22, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0712 2 times since 2024.
CMS update of February 26, 2025
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 5 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 3 of 5.
CMS update of June 26, 2024
Fine
CMS changed the fine from October 30, 2023 from $12,587 to $12,704.
9 citations
Health inspection on May 24, 2024
CMS lists this as a standard inspection and a complaint inspection.
Citation F0812. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0584. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0640. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0641. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0656. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0726. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0758. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
Citation F0761. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
CMS has cited this home for F0761 2 times since 2021.
Citation F0851. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 1, 2024.
12 citations
Fire safety inspection on May 24, 2024
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation E0037. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0345. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
CMS has cited this home for K0345 2 times since 2021.
Citation K0347. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation E0039. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0291. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0293. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0353. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0712. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0918. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0324. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0363. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
Citation K0923. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 26, 2024.
CMS update of January 31, 2024
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 5 of 5 to 4 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 5 of 5 to 1 of 5.
Fine
October 30, 2023 (3 years ago)
CMS fine of $12,703 on October 30, 2023.
6 citations
Health inspection on December 30, 2021
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation F0655. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
Citation F0658. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
Citation F0814. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
Citation F0880. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
Citation F0692. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
Citation F0761. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 27, 2022.
4 citations
Fire safety inspection on December 30, 2021
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation K0345. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 31, 2022.
Citation K0321. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 31, 2022.
Citation K0353. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 31, 2022.
Citation K0919. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 31, 2022.
Owners and managers
CMS lists these owners and managers for this home. Names are as CMS writes them.
- SEQUOIA LIVING INC5% or greater direct ownership interest · 100% · since 01/18/1967
- MCVEY, SARAH5% or greater indirect ownership interest · no percentage provided · since 09/24/2019
- CHEN, CANOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 10/01/2017
- MCVEY, SARAHOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 09/24/2019
- WASLEY-FAIRLEY, SUZANNEOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 08/01/2022
Questions
When was The Sequoias last inspected?
CMS lists August 7, 2025 as the date of its most recent standard health inspection.
How many citations (violations) does The Sequoias have?
CMS lists 20 health citations since December 30, 2021. CMS also calls these deficiencies.
Has The Sequoias been fined?
CMS lists 1 fine in the past three years, $12,703 in total.
What is the CMS star rating of The Sequoias?
Its CMS overall star rating is 5 of 5.
Is The Sequoias a Special Focus Facility?
No. CMS does not list it as a Special Focus Facility or a candidate.