CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME

4419 TRAM ROAD, PANAMA CITY, FL 32404 (850) 747-5401
Government - State 120 Beds FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#19 of 690 in FL
Last Inspection: April 2025

Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.

Overview

Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home has received an excellent Trust Grade of A, indicating high quality and strong recommendations from residents and families. It ranks #19 out of 690 facilities in Florida, placing it in the top half, and is the best option among 5 facilities in Bay County. The facility is improving, having reduced its number of issues from 2 in 2024 to none in 2025. Staffing is rated 5 out of 5 stars, which is a strength, although the turnover rate of 47% is average compared to state norms. While there have been no fines reported, there are concerns such as missing personal belongings for a resident and safety hazards in the laundry area due to leaking machines, indicating some areas need attention despite the overall positive rating.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In Florida
#19/690
Top 2%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Better
2 → 0 violations
Staff Stability
⚠ Watch
47% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Florida facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 53 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Florida. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 3 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★☆☆☆
2.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2024: 2 issues
2025: 0 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 47%

Near Florida avg (46%)

Higher turnover may affect care consistency

Chain: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFF

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 3 deficiencies on record

Feb 2024 2 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Grievances (Tag F0585)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Resident #26 On 01/29/2024 at approximately 1:54 PM, an interview was conducted with Resident #26, who reported that he had bought a jogging suit, a big sweater, a light and heavy weight zip up jacket...

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Resident #26 On 01/29/2024 at approximately 1:54 PM, an interview was conducted with Resident #26, who reported that he had bought a jogging suit, a big sweater, a light and heavy weight zip up jacket, and hoodie that had all gone missing about two weeks before Christmas. He stated that he had reported it to the Social Worker, but did not hear anything back. On 01/31/24 at approximately 10:27 AM. a record review was conducted of the facility's grievance logs, which revealed no grievances related to Resident #26. A review of progress notes showed no documentation for missing personal property. On 01/31/2024 at approximately 10:34 AM, an interview was conducted with the Social Worker, where she indicated that Resident #26 did report these items missing to her, but that Resident #26 couldn't tell her if the items had been labeled or not. The Social Worker indicated that she did not complete a grievance log but does have a log for lost items that she keeps up with on her computer. She stated that she has debated on whether to file a grievance for missing items or not but decided to just keep a log on her computer instead. When asked to review the log for lost items, the Social Worker indicated she was not able to locate it right now. She stated she spoke with the son of Resident #26 about the missing items and advised him to notify staff when new items come in so that they can be labeled with the resident's name. On 01/31/2024 at approximately 11:00 AM, the policy titled Resident Grievances (dated 08/24/2009 and last revised date of 10/18/2017) revealed the Social Worker acts as the Grievance Officer. Under Procedures on section 2 of the policy number 3, the policy states, All alleged abuse, mistreatment, neglect, injuries of unknown source, and/or misappropriation of property by anyone furnishing services on behalf of the provider will be reported to the Administrator immediately, and will be referred to the Risk Manager, and/or designee, for investigation and reporting of abuse, neglect and misappropriation of property, as per federal and state law. On 01/31/24 at approximately 11:20 AM, an interview was conducted with the Administrator and the Social Worker. The Administrator indicated that the Delta side of the building has a book for grievance logs and presented the book with grievances for missing items. When asked if Resident #26's grievance would be in this book, she indicated that it would not. She indicated that Alpha side has it's own system of keeping up with missing items and Resident #26 is on the Alpha side. When asked how missing items are followed up, results documented, and/or resident notified of results, the Social Worker indicated that she would go look for her log on her computer and return with it. On 01/31/24 at approximately 11:55 AM, the Social Worker returned with a notebook of printed papers inside that included the name of Resident #26 with missing items noted. There was no follow up, investigation, or tracking record noted on the form. The Social Worker indicated that she mostly keeps up with the missing items and status of the search for them in her head. On 01/31/24 at approximately 01:44 PM, an interview was conducted with the Administrator. When asked what the expectation of the facility is when residents report missing personal property, the Administrator indicated that, when residents first bring it up to them and if it's something small such as a missing shoe, eyeglasses, or a remote, then they should look for it and wait to see if the items can be located. If they can find the personal property, then the issue is resolved and nothing else is done, but if it becomes a pattern then she would expect it to go on grievance form. Based on observations, interviews, and record review the facility failed to ensure that all grievances were resolved for 2 of 2 residents sampled for personal property. (Resident #11 and #26) The findings include: Resident #11 On 01/29/24 at approximately 1:00 PM, an interview was conducted with Resident #11 concerning personal property. Resident #11 indicated that he had a cell phone go missing a few months ago. He also stated when clothing goes to the laundry, it often goes missing and does not come back. When asked if he had notified the facility, Resident #11 stated that he had. A review was conducted of the facility's grievance logs which revealed no grievance form concerning Resident #11's missing cell phone. On 2/1/24 at approximately 9:57 AM, an interview was conducted with the facility's Social Worker. The Social Worker stated that she was notified of Resident #11's missing cell phone, but that she did not fill out a grievance form because she kept missing items on a log in her computer. A review of the missing item log revealed an entry stating, 12/4/23- [Resident #11] has been missing his phone. There was no resolution or follow up documentation concerning the missing cell phone. When asked about the resolution for the missing cell phone, the Social Worker stated, I did not complete the documentation of the conversation with the family, or that we looked for the phone in laundry and other places, and it could not be found. Social Worker A went on to state that she notified the family, and they were not pleased but the family would buy Resident #11 another phone. On 2/1/24 at approximately 10:42 AM, an interview was conducted with the Administrator concerning missing items. The Administrator indicated that her expectation would be to follow the policy for grievances.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Safe Environment (Tag F0921)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to maintain a safe environment for staff in the laundry room. The findings include: On 2/1/24 at approximately 12:40 PM, a tour was conducte...

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Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to maintain a safe environment for staff in the laundry room. The findings include: On 2/1/24 at approximately 12:40 PM, a tour was conducted of the laundry's dirty linen room, which revealed standing water on the floor in front and behind the three industrial washing machines that the facility uses to launder the resident's linens and personal clothing. (Photographic evidence obtained) On 2/1/24 at approximately 12:57 PM, an interview was conducted with the Supervisor of Laundry and Housekeeping concerning the leaking washing machines. The Laundry Supervisor indicated that the washing machines have been leaking for about 2 months now and that she has been reporting the issue to maintanence. The supervisor went on to state that a plumber did come out to look at the washing machines on 1/29/24, but they are still leaking. The Laundry Supervisor stated that they have been notifing the Administrator as well. She stated she tries to keep it mopped up as much as possible and have been putting blankets down to keep the water out of the walk area. On 2/1/24 at approximately 1:00 PM, an interview was conducted with Staff B, a maintenance worker, concerning the leaking washing machines. Maintenance Worker B stated that he had informed his supervisor a couple of weeks ago, and the issue had been looked at by an outside repairman a few days prior, but they could not find a leak. Maintenance Worker B stated that his helper checked the drains and found and removed a knife which helped some. He stated he was going to take a look at the machines again today to see if he could find the leak. On 2/1/24 at approximately 1:30 PM, an interview was conducted with the Administrator, who indicated that they have been working on the issue to try and get it fixed. The Administrator stated that another outside repairman was supposed to look at the machines again soon.
Sept 2022 1 deficiency
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

PASARR Coordination (Tag F0644)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to refer a resident with a diagnosis of a seriou...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to refer a resident with a diagnosis of a serious mental disorder for a PASARR (pre-admission screening and resident review) level II for 1 of 1 sampled residents reviewed for PASARR. (Resident #40) The findings include: Review of Resident #40's medical record revealed the resident was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and had a level I PASARR completed on 7/1/2021. Further review revealed the resident was prescribed Seroquel (an antipsychotic medication) on 8/26/2021 with a diagnosis of mood disorder. Review of a psychiatric physician progress note dated 10/20/2021 revealed the physician added a diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder and the resident had additional diagnoses of unspecified dementia without behavioral disturbance, depressive episodes, and anxiety disorder effective 8/11/2021. The record failed to contain evidence of a level II PASARR resident review. An interview was conducted with the facility Licensed Clinical Social Worker on 9/13/2022 at 3:31 PM. She reviewed Resident #40's record and confirmed a level II PASARR had not been completed. She stated she was not aware of the requirement to request a level II if a diagnosis of serious mental disorder was added after admission. Review of the facility policy for Social Services Practice Guidelines revealed the facility shall Assist in coordination with the Department of Children and Families to submit initial review or additional documentation for PASRR Level II screening.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

  • "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
  • "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"

Our Honest Assessment

Strengths
  • • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Florida.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Florida facilities.
  • • Only 3 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Florida, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.

How is Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Staffed?

CMS rates CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 47%, compared to the Florida average of 46%.

What Have Inspectors Found at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans?

State health inspectors documented 3 deficiencies at CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME during 2022 to 2024. These included: 3 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans?

CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility is operated by FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 120 certified beds and approximately 116 residents (about 97% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in PANAMA CITY, Florida.

How Does Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Compare to Other Florida Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Florida, CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (47%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans?

Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"

Is Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Florida. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Stick Around?

CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has a staff turnover rate of 47%, which is about average for Florida nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.

Was Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Ever Fined?

CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.

Is Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans on Any Federal Watch List?

CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.