The Redwoods Post-Acute
1267 Meridian Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
The Redwoods Post-Acute is a nursing home in San Jose, 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
- 3 of 5CMS overall star rating
- 2 of 5CMS health inspection star rating
- 4 of 5CMS staffing star rating
- 5 of 5CMS quality measures star rating
Facts from CMS
- Phone
- (408) 265-4211
- Last standard health inspection
- January 17, 2025 (1 year ago)
- Certified beds
- 152
- Residents per day, on average
- 142.9
- Ownership type
- For profit - Corporation
- Legal business name
- Better Care INC
- Chain
- Links Healthcare Group
- Takes part in
- Medicare and Medicaid
More health citations than the California average (56 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.
1 citation
Health inspection on July 28, 2026
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
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 August 27, 2026.
CMS has cited this home for F0880 3 times since 2019.
1 citation
Health inspection on May 18, 2026
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Citation F0842. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
CMS lists it as corrected on June 4, 2026.
CMS update of April 29, 2026
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 4 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS quality measures star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 5 of 5.
CMS update of November 20, 2025
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 2 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS quality measures star rating changed from 5 of 5 to 4 of 5.
CMS update of July 30, 2025
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 3 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 2 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
CMS update of April 30, 2025
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 2 of 5.
9 citations
Health inspection on January 17, 2025
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation F0758. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 February 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0758 2 times since 2023.
Citation F0759. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0759 2 times since 2023.
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 February 10, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0812 3 times since 2019.
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 February 10, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0814 2 times since 2019.
Citation F0578. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 5, 2025.
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 February 10, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0656 4 times since 2019.
Citation F0684. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0684 4 times since 2019.
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 February 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0755 3 times since 2019.
Citation F0757. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 5, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0757 2 times since 2019.
5 citations
Fire safety inspection on January 17, 2025
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation E0039. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 11, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for E0039 2 times since 2023.
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 February 6, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0345 2 times since 2023.
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 February 6, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0918 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0926. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 6, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0926 2 times since 2023.
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 February 6, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0324 2 times since 2023.
1 citation
Health inspection on October 25, 2024
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Citation F0686. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
CMS lists it as corrected on October 30, 2024.
CMS update of July 31, 2024
CMS abuse icon
CMS removed its abuse icon from this home.
3 citations
Health inspection on June 25, 2024
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Citation F0559. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 2, 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 2, 2024.
CMS has cited this home for F0641 2 times since 2023.
Citation F0684. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
CMS lists it as corrected on July 2, 2024.
CMS update of April 25, 2024
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 2 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS quality measures star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 5 of 5.
1 citation
Health inspection on April 11, 2024
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
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 May 24, 2024.
23 citations
Health inspection on February 14, 2023
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Severity K is the highest of CMS's four levels. CMS uses it when residents' health or safety is at serious risk right away.
30 of 1,165 California homes (3%) got a citation at the immediate jeopardy level in 2023.
Citation F0880. Severity K: immediate jeopardy, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 26, 2023.
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 March 25, 2023.
Citation F0726. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 March 25, 2023.
Citation F0755. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 April 26, 2023.
Citation F0759. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 25, 2023.
Citation F0760. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 25, 2023.
Citation F0761. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 March 25, 2023.
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 March 13, 2023.
Citation F0921. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 26, 2023.
Citation F0550. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 5, 2023.
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 April 26, 2023.
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 April 5, 2023.
CMS has cited this home for F0584 2 times since 2019.
Citation F0623. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 5, 2023.
CMS has cited this home for F0623 2 times since 2019.
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 April 5, 2023.
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 April 5, 2023.
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 April 26, 2023.
Citation F0684. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 5, 2023.
Citation F0690. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 5, 2023.
Citation F0698. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 26, 2023.
CMS has cited this home for F0698 2 times since 2019.
Citation F0740. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 26, 2023.
Citation F0756. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 25, 2023.
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 March 25, 2023.
Citation F0813. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 25, 2023.
24 citations
Fire safety inspection on February 14, 2023
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 March 7, 2023.
Citation K0712. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation K0926. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation K0321. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 March 7, 2023.
Citation K0346. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation K0347. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
Citation E0004. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0009. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Include a process for Emergency Preparedness collaboration.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0015. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0023. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0026. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0033. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Establish methods for sharing information.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0034. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide a means of sharing information on occupancy/needs.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0035. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide family notifications of emergency plan.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation E0039. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
Citation K0161. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Use approved construction type or materials.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
CMS has cited this home for K0161 2 times since 2019.
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 March 7, 2023.
Citation K0354. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
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 March 7, 2023.
17 citations
Health inspection on August 15, 2019
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation F0803. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
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 September 23, 2019.
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 September 23, 2019.
Citation F0552. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0580. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
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 September 23, 2019.
Citation F0623. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0637. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
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 September 23, 2019.
Citation F0684. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0689. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0698. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
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 September 23, 2019.
Citation F0757. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0800. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0814. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
Citation F0849. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on September 23, 2019.
4 citations
Fire safety inspection on August 15, 2019
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation K0161. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Use approved construction type or materials.
CMS lists it as corrected on October 3, 2019.
Citation K0211. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
CMS lists it as corrected on October 3, 2019.
Citation K0700. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Meet requirements for operating features, such as evacuation plans, fire drills, smoking regulations, draperies, decorations and the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors.
CMS lists it as corrected on October 3, 2019.
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 October 3, 2019.
Owners and managers
CMS lists these owners and managers for this home. Names are as CMS writes them.
- BETTER CARE INC5% or greater direct ownership interest · 100% · since 07/02/2017
- HOUSE, JOSHOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 11/01/2023
- RODRIGUEZ, CURTISOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 07/02/2017
- SABOUNCHI, SAMANOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 11/01/2024
- TILFORD, TOBYOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 07/02/2017
Questions
When was The Redwoods Post-Acute last inspected?
CMS lists January 17, 2025 as the date of its most recent standard health inspection.
How many citations (violations) does The Redwoods Post-Acute have?
CMS lists 56 health citations since August 15, 2019. CMS also calls these deficiencies.
Has The Redwoods Post-Acute been fined?
CMS lists no fines for this home in the past three years.
What is the CMS star rating of The Redwoods Post-Acute?
Its CMS overall star rating is 3 of 5.
Is The Redwoods Post-Acute a Special Focus Facility?
No. CMS does not list it as a Special Focus Facility or a candidate.