BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Boundary County Nursing Home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, has a Trust Grade of B+, which means it is above average and recommended for families considering care options. It ranks #5 out of 79 facilities in Idaho, placing it in the top half, and is the only option in Boundary County. The facility is improving, with issues decreasing from 10 in 2023 to just 2 in 2024. Staffing is a strong point, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating with a turnover rate of only 25%, significantly lower than the Idaho average. There have been no fines recorded, indicating good compliance with regulations, and the nursing home has more RN coverage than 89% of state facilities, ensuring better oversight of resident care. However, there are some weaknesses to consider. Recent inspections revealed concerns about food handling practices, with incidents such as not washing hands during food preparation and improper food storage that could expose residents to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, a lack of adherence to safe food handling policies has been noted, which could potentially affect all residents. Overall, while Boundary County Nursing Home has many strengths, families should be aware of these operational issues.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In Idaho
- #5/79
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 25% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 23 points below Idaho's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Idaho facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 102 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Idaho nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 15 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
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5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
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Low Staff Turnover (25%) · Staff stability means consistent care
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Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (25%)
23 points below Idaho average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
No Significant Concerns Identified
This facility shows no red flags. Among Idaho's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.
The Ugly 15 deficiencies on record
Sept 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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, review of the State Survey Agency's Long-Term Care Reporting Portal, and staff interview, it was determi...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, policy review, review of the Idaho Food Code, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to appropriately store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance...
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Jul 2023
10 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 F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, review of facility policy, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure resident...
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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
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, resident interview, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure a resident's pa...
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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
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were monitored for potenti...
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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
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure potential side effects of psychotrop...
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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
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on policy review, record review, and resident and staff interview, it was determined the
facility failed to honor one res...
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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
Staffing Data
(Tag F0851)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, staff interview, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) policy manual review, it was determined the facility failed to accurately submit direct care staffing information b...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 5. Resident #12 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], with multiple diagnoses including dementia.
A quarterly MDS assessment,...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, policy review, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure resident care was pr...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, policy review, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure residents were offer...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, policy review, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to provide safe and sanitary food handling and distribution of food for the residents who received dieta...
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Jan 2019
3 deficiencies
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, staff interview, manufacturers guidelines, policy review, and record review, it was determined the facilit...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, review of facility policy and the 2017 FDA Food Code, and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure food was handled properly and maintained according to s...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, staff interview, record review, and policy review, it was determined the facility failed to ensure infection control measures were consistently implemented as they related to lau...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
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
- • Grade B+ (88/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Idaho.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Idaho facilities.
- • 25% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 23 points below Idaho's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 15 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Boundary County's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Idaho, 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 Boundary County Staffed?
CMS rates BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 25%, compared to the Idaho average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Boundary County?
State health inspectors documented 15 deficiencies at BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME during 2019 to 2024. These included: 15 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Boundary County?
BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 28 certified beds and approximately 17 residents (about 61% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in BONNERS FERRY, Idaho.
How Does Boundary County Compare to Other Idaho Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Idaho, BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (25%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Boundary County?
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 Boundary County Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BOUNDARY COUNTY 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 Idaho. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Boundary County Stick Around?
Staff at BOUNDARY COUNTY NURSING HOME tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 25%, the facility is 21 percentage points below the Idaho average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly.
Was Boundary County Ever Fined?
BOUNDARY COUNTY 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 Boundary County on Any Federal Watch List?
BOUNDARY COUNTY 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.