Optima Care Castle Hill
615 23rd St, Union City, NJ 07087
Optima Care Castle Hill is a nursing home in Union City, New Jersey. 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
- 2 of 5CMS overall star rating
- 1 of 5CMS health inspection star rating
- 4 of 5CMS staffing star rating
- 5 of 5CMS quality measures star rating
Facts from CMS
- Phone
- (201) 348-0818
- Last standard health inspection
- March 10, 2025 (1 year ago)
- Certified beds
- 215
- Residents per day, on average
- 140.7
- Ownership type
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Legal business name
- Optima Care Union City, LLC
- Chain
- Optima Care
- Takes part in
- Medicare and Medicaid
More health citations than the New Jersey average (32 vs 24).
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 July 29, 2026
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 4 of 5.
Fine
CMS changed the fine from January 15, 2026 from $12,740 to $8,281.
CMS update of April 29, 2026
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 4 of 5 to 3 of 5.
Staffing
Total nurse staffing reported to CMS went from 3.7 to 3.3 hours per resident per day.
CMS update of February 25, 2026
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 2 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 1 of 5.
1 citation
Health inspection on January 15, 2026
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Severity J is the highest of CMS's four levels. CMS uses it when residents' health or safety is at serious risk right away.
32 of 348 New Jersey homes (9%) got a citation at the immediate jeopardy level in 2026.
Citation F0689. Severity J: immediate jeopardy, 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 January 16, 2026.
CMS has cited this home for F0689 2 times since 2025.
Fine
January 15, 2026 (9 months ago)
CMS fine of $8,281 on January 15, 2026.
1 citation
Health inspection on December 4, 2025
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Citation F0610. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
CMS lists it as corrected on January 20, 2026.
CMS has cited this home for F0610 2 times since 2025.
CMS update of November 20, 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 June 25, 2025
Star rating
The CMS overall star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 2 of 5.
Star rating
The CMS health inspection star rating changed from 2 of 5 to 1 of 5.
15 citations
Health inspection on March 10, 2025
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 April 30, 2025.
Citation F0550. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 18, 2025.
Citation F0609. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
Citation F0610. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
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 April 18, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0655 2 times since 2023.
Citation F0677. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
Citation F0684. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
Citation F0688. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
Citation F0689. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 April 18, 2025.
Citation F0690. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
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 18, 2025.
Citation F0695. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 2, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0695 2 times since 2023.
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 April 18, 2025.
Citation F0558. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
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 18, 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 April 18, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0656 2 times since 2023.
15 citations
Fire safety inspection on March 10, 2025
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation E0004. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
CMS lists it as corrected on April 18, 2025.
Citation E0018. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 30, 2025.
Citation E0029. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Develop a communication plan.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 30, 2025.
Citation E0041. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 20, 2025.
Citation K0232. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 12, 2025.
Citation K0281. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Install proper backup exit lighting.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 12, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0281 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0293. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
CMS lists it as corrected on April 30, 2025.
Citation K0311. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 13, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0311 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0321. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
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 May 12, 2025.
Citation K0353. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 13, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0353 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0355. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 2, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0355 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0914. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 2, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for K0914 2 times since 2023.
Citation K0363. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 2, 2025.
Citation K0753. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 2, 2025.
Citation K0921. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
CMS lists it as corrected on May 12, 2025.
CMS update of February 26, 2025
Star rating
The CMS staffing star rating changed from 3 of 5 to 4 of 5.
1 citation
Health inspection on February 10, 2025
Citation F0880. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2025.
CMS has cited this home for F0880 2 times since 2023.
1 citation
Health inspection on August 30, 2024
CMS lists this as a complaint inspection.
Citation F0921. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
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 August 30, 2024.
CMS update of August 29, 2024
Changed ownership in the last 12 months
CMS no longer shows a change of ownership in the past 12 months.
CMS update of April 25, 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 1 of 5 to 2 of 5.
13 citations
Health inspection on January 13, 2023
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation F0661. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation F0801. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
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.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
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 February 28, 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 February 28, 2023.
Citation F0655. Severity D: potential for more than minimal 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 February 28, 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 February 28, 2023.
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 February 28, 2023.
Citation F0658. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation F0676. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation F0695. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
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 28, 2023.
Citation F0759. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation F0836. Severity C: potential for minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
12 citations
Fire safety inspection on January 13, 2023
CMS lists this as a standard inspection.
Citation K0741. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation K0914. Severity F: potential for more than minimal harm, widespread.
The rule CMS cited:
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 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 10, 2023.
Citation K0281. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Install proper backup exit lighting.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
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 February 10, 2023.
Citation K0311. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 10, 2023.
Citation K0341. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation K0351. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
CMS lists it as corrected on March 10, 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 10, 2023.
Citation K0355. Severity E: potential for more than minimal harm, pattern.
The rule CMS cited:
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 10, 2023.
Citation K0374. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 28, 2023.
Citation K0911. Severity D: potential for more than minimal harm, isolated.
The rule CMS cited:
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
CMS lists it as corrected on February 10, 2023.
Owners and managers
CMS lists these owners and managers for this home. Names are as CMS writes them.
- MENDEL, ERIC5% or greater direct ownership interest · 100% · since 07/26/2022
- DOMINGO, MARGOTOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 07/26/2022
- MENDEL, ERICOperational/managerial control · not applicable · since 07/26/2022
Questions
When was Optima Care Castle Hill last inspected?
CMS lists March 10, 2025 as the date of its most recent standard health inspection.
How many citations (violations) does Optima Care Castle Hill have?
CMS lists 32 health citations since January 13, 2023. CMS also calls these deficiencies.
Has Optima Care Castle Hill been fined?
CMS lists 1 fine in the past three years, $8,281 in total.
What is the CMS star rating of Optima Care Castle Hill?
Its CMS overall star rating is 2 of 5.
Is Optima Care Castle Hill a Special Focus Facility?
No. CMS does not list it as a Special Focus Facility or a candidate.