LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center has a Trust Grade of C, indicating it is average and in the middle of the pack compared to other facilities. It ranks #26 out of 41 in Hawaii, placing it in the bottom half, and #4 out of 7 in Hawaii County, meaning only three local options are better. The facility is currently improving, with a decrease in issues from 14 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. However, staffing is a concern, with a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 59%, significantly higher than the state average of 36%. On a positive note, there have been no fines recorded, which is good, but there is less RN coverage than 85% of other facilities in Hawaii, which may impact the quality of care. Recent inspector findings noted that the facility failed to notify the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman of residents' discharges, which raises concerns about communication practices. Additionally, there were issues with not meeting the specific care needs of residents, particularly those with hearing impairments. Overall, while the facility has some strengths, there are important weaknesses that families should consider carefully.
- Trust Score
- C
- In Hawaii
- #26/41
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 59% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Hawaii facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 51 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Hawaii. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 27 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Near Hawaii average (3.4)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
13pts above Hawaii avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
11 points above Hawaii average of 48%
The Ugly 27 deficiencies on record
Oct 2024
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, resident interview, staff interview, and review of policy, the facility did not have the call bell in reach for one Resident (R)14 out of six Residents sampled. As a result of t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to exercise reasonable care for the protection of the property from loss or theft for one out of 22 sampled residents (Resident (R) 9). As a ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and Record Review (RR) the facility failed to assure one of the sampled residents (Resident (R) ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to ensure controlled medication was reconciled for one of four medication carts sampled. Review of the Controlled Medication Reconciliation L...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interview, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals are stored in a locked compartment. Proper storage of medications is necessary to prom...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, Record Review (RR) of Resident's Electronic Health Record (EHR) and interview, the facility failed to assure one of the sampled resident's (Resident (R) 132) urinary catheter tub...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3) Reviewed R35's EHR which documented the resident was discharged to an acute hospital on [DATE]. R35's EHR did not contain doc...
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Jul 2024
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure nursing staff had the appropriate competencies and skill set...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure pharmacy services included a thorough process to assure accu...
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Oct 2023
14 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review (RR), the facility failed to accommodate 1 of 3 Residents' (Resident 69) need...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review (RR), staff interview and facility policy review, the facility failed to notify the physician when Resident (R)70 became COVID positive and had a significant change in physical ...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and facility document review, the facility failed to implement their written abuse policy and procedure for an alleged physical abuse of one of the facility residents (Resident (R)...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
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 review of policy, the facility failed to provide written notice of discharge for on...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
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 review of policy, the facility failed to provide written notice of bed-hold policy ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, staff interview and review of the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 User's Manual, the facility failed to accurately record that one Resident (R)...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop and/or implement a baseline care plan that provided effective and person-centered care for 2 of 7 residents (Resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0676
(Tag F0676)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to provide the necessary care and services to meet the a...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure there was an ongoing resident-centered activit...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 10 residents (Resident 89) sampled for ac...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to provide Gradual Dose Reduction (GDR) to one out of five sampled re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure proper glove use procedures were followed by...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4) Cross-reference to F676 ADLs/Maintain Abilities. The facility failed to implement the interventions in Resident (R)69's Commu...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
5) Observation was conducted on 10/25/23 at 10:50 AM in the nourishment room. The thermometer reading in the refrigerator was 48 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermometer was observed on the refrigerator do...
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Sept 2022
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to issue a Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to report an allegation of misappropriation ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on document review, interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to complete pre-employment reference checks in accordance with the facility's abuse prohibition/screening policies...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Hawaii facilities.
- • 27 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade C (55/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 59% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Hawaii, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 59%, which is 13 percentage points above the Hawaii average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 56%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 27 deficiencies at LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER during 2022 to 2024. These included: 27 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center?
LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by OHANA PACIFIC MANAGEMENT CO., a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 100 certified beds and approximately 91 residents (about 91% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in HILO, Hawaii.
How Does Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Compare to Other Hawaii Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Hawaii, LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.4, staff turnover (59%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Hawaii. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Stick Around?
Staff turnover at LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER is high. At 59%, the facility is 13 percentage points above the Hawaii average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 56%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Ever Fined?
LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER 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 Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
LEGACY HILO REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER 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.