Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley
80 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01862
Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley is a nursing home in Billerica, Massachusetts. This page lists the citations, fines and star ratings that CMS publishes for it. Each one has a date and a link to CMS.
At a glance
- CMS overall star rating3 of 5
- Last standard health inspectionDecember 10, 2025 (11 months ago)
- Health citations since November 22, 202327 (Massachusetts average 28)
- Fines in the past three years1, $161,920 in total
- CMS flagsNone listed by CMS
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One email per CMS update, only when something changed: a new citation, a fine, a star rating change, a new owner. Early access follows one home per address.
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CMS flags
CMS does not list this home as a Special Focus Facility or a candidate. CMS does not show an abuse icon for it. CMS lists no change of ownership in the past 12 months.
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 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 July 29, 2026
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Health inspection on April 23, 2026
1 citationCMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Show the 1 citation
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 May 18, 2026.
CMS update of March 25, 2026
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 2 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 2 of 5.
CMS abuse icon
CMS removed its abuse icon from this home.
CMS update of February 25, 2026
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5.
CMS abuse icon
CMS added its abuse icon to this home.
Fine
CMS changed the fine from December 4, 2024 from $272,265 to $161,920.
CMS update of January 14, 2026
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 1 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Special Focus Facility
CMS no longer lists this home as a Special Focus Facility candidate.
CMS abuse icon
CMS removed its abuse icon from this home.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0655 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0656 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0694 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0698 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0761 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0812 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0842 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0880 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0600 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0686 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0726 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0835 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0837 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0838 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0840 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0841 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health citation
CMS removed citation F0865 from the health inspection on December 4, 2024.
Health inspection on December 10, 2025
4 citationsCMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Show the 4 citations
Citation F0698. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
CMS lists it as corrected on December 26, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0698 2 times since 2024.
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 December 26, 2025.
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 December 26, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0761 3 times since 2023.
Citation F0808. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
CMS lists it as corrected on December 26, 2025.
CMS update of November 20, 2025
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0223 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0321 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0324 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0345 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0353 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0372 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Fire safety citation
CMS removed citation K0712 from the fire safety inspection on December 10, 2024.
Health inspection on August 14, 2025
1 citationCMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Show the 1 citation
Citation F0552. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 5, 2025.
CMS update of July 30, 2025
Star rating
The CMS quality measures star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 4 of 5.
CMS update of April 30, 2025
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 4 of 5.
CMS update of February 26, 2025
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5. CMS changed how it scores this rating for many homes at once.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5.
Special Focus Facility
CMS now lists this home as a Special Focus Facility candidate.
CMS abuse icon
CMS added its abuse icon to this home.
Health inspection on December 4, 2024
17 citationsCMS lists this as a standard inspection and a complaint inspection.
Severity H is the second-highest of CMS's four levels. It means a resident was harmed.
69 of 341 Massachusetts homes (20%) got a citation at the actual harm level in 2024.
CMS fine of $161,920 on December 4, 2024.
Show the 17 citations
Citation F0600. Severity H: actual harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0686. Severity H: actual harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0841. Severity H: actual harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0655. Severity G: actual harm, isolated.
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 2, 2025.
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 January 2, 2025.
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 January 2, 2025.
Citation F0835. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0837. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0838. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
Citation F0865. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
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 2, 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 January 2, 2025.
Citation F0694. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
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 January 2, 2025.
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 2, 2025.
Citation F0840. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Employ or obtain outside professional resources to provide services in the nursing home when the facility does not employ a qualified professional to furnish a required service.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 2, 2025.
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 January 2, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0842 2 times since 2023.
CMS update of April 25, 2024
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 3 of 5.
CMS update of February 29, 2024
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 3 of 5.
CMS update of January 31, 2024
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 3 of 5.
Health inspection on November 22, 2023
4 citationsCMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Show the 4 citations
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 December 12, 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 December 12, 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 December 12, 2023.
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 December 12, 2023.
Fire safety inspection on November 22, 2023
1 citationCMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Show the 1 citation
Citation E0041. Severity C: potential for minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on December 15, 2023.
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
- (978) 667-2166
- Last standard health inspection
- December 10, 2025 (11 months ago)
- Certified beds
- 124
- Residents per day, on average
- 103.6
- Ownership type
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Legal business name
- Merrimack Valley Operations, LLC
- Chain
- Life Care Centers of America
- Takes part in
- Medicare and Medicaid
Fewer health citations than the Massachusetts average (27 vs 28).
Owners and managers
CMS lists these owners and managers for this home. Names are as CMS writes them.
- PRESTON, FORRESTIndirect ownership interest · not applicable · since 08/06/2015
- LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.Operational/managerial control · not applicable · since 08/06/2015
- FAUSTIN, MOSELINEOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 05/22/2023
- FINKEL, NOAHOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 11/01/2021
- FLETCHER, TODDOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 05/01/2021
Show 7 more
- JANIAK, ANDREAOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 08/24/2022
- LAY, LISAOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 04/24/2017
- LONG, ZOFIAOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 07/01/1999
- PRESTON, AUBREYOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 11/27/2024
- PRESTON, FORRESTOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 08/06/2015
- SWANKER, RICHARDOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 01/01/2022
- ZIEGLER, JAMESOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 08/06/2015
Questions
When was Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley last inspected?
CMS lists December 10, 2025 as the date of its most recent standard health inspection.
How many citations (violations) does Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley have?
CMS lists 27 health citations since November 22, 2023. CMS also calls these deficiencies.
Has Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley been fined?
CMS lists 1 fine in the past three years, $161,920 in total.
What is the CMS star rating of Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley?
Its CMS overall star rating is 3 of 5.
Is Life Care Center Of Merrimack Valley a Special Focus Facility?
No. CMS does not list it as a Special Focus Facility or a candidate.