Laporte City Specialty Care

1100 HWY 218 N, LA PORTE CITY, IA 50651 (319) 342-2125
Non profit - Corporation 46 Beds CARE INITIATIVES Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#42 of 392 in IA
Last Inspection: January 2025

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

Overview

Laporte City Specialty Care has received a Trust Grade of A, indicating it is an excellent facility that is highly recommended for families considering care options. It ranks #42 out of 392 nursing homes in Iowa, placing it in the top half, and is the best option among 12 facilities in Black Hawk County. The facility has shown improvement over time, with issues decreasing from 1 in 2024 to none in 2025, and it has a solid staffing rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 39%, which is lower than the state average. Notably, the facility has not incurred any fines, highlighting its compliance with regulations. However, some concerns were raised during inspections, including a lack of access to dietary information for staff and unclean bathrooms that were not maintained daily, which could affect resident comfort and safety. Overall, while there are some weaknesses, the facility's strengths in staffing and compliance make it a strong candidate for families seeking care.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In Iowa
#42/392
Top 10%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Better
1 → 0 violations
Staff Stability
○ Average
39% turnover. Near Iowa's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Iowa facilities.
Skilled Nurses
○ Average
Each resident gets 35 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Iowa. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 4 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★☆
4.0
Staff Levels
★★★☆☆
3.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2024: 1 issues
2025: 0 issues

The Good

  • 4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover below average (39%)

    9 points below Iowa average of 48%

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 39%

Near Iowa avg (46%)

Typical for the industry

Chain: CARE INITIATIVES

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 4 deficiencies on record

Jan 2024 1 deficiency
CONCERN (F)

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

Deficiency F0801 (Tag F0801)

Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents

Based on observation and staff interview the facility failed to ensure a qualified dietary professional served as a Dietary Manager for 43 of 43 residents. The facility reported a census of 43 residen...

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Based on observation and staff interview the facility failed to ensure a qualified dietary professional served as a Dietary Manager for 43 of 43 residents. The facility reported a census of 43 residents. Findings include: During an interview and observation of the kitchen on 1/2/24 at 9:36 AM with the Dietary Manager revealed she is not certified, when asked to provide a list of diets and adaptive equipment she informed she did not have access to that information and has been here only a week, however an observation of a white board in the kitchen showed a list of resident diets and adaptive equipment. During an interview on 1/2/24 at 2:43 PM the Administrator revealed they currently do not have a Certified Dietary Manager, she informed however the Dietary Manager in place is new to her role and other facilities Certified Dietary Managers are helping out but they are not employed by this facility.
Dec 2022 3 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

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

Safe Environment (Tag F0584)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview and policy review the facility failed to maintain a clean environment with 1 out of 4 bath...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview and policy review the facility failed to maintain a clean environment with 1 out of 4 bathrooms observed with brown substance on walls, floor and baseboard. The facility reported a census of 44 residents. Findings include: During an observation on 11/29/22 at 09:08 AM in room [ROOM NUMBER] bathroom noted a build up of a brown substance on the floor around the base of the toilet. The wall has a smeared brown substance behind the handrail next to the toilet and on the baseboard behind the toilet. During an interview on 11/29/22 09:41 AM with Staff B, housekeeper stated no housekeeper or supervisor at this facility. I am the only housekeeper in the building today so after cleaning the general areas I will have to clean all the bathrooms and rooms. The toilets should be cleaned every day and I would say they are not getting done every day but maybe every other day. I cleaned them yesterday and they definitely were not very clean and you could tell they needed more attention. During an observation on 11/30/22 at 8:01 AM the brown substance remains on the wall, baseboard and at the base of the toilet in the bathroom of room [ROOM NUMBER]. During an interview on 12/01/22 at 8:14 AM the Administrator stated I would expect the bathrooms to be cleaned daily. During an observation on 12/01/22 at 8:26 AM the surveyor showed the administrator the bathroom she confirmed the bathroom was dirty and had an odor. Review of the undated Housekeeping Schedule - 1 housekeeper provided by the facility the document directed staff When cleaning the room you want to: 1. Clean the bathroom - mirror, sink, grab bar, towel bars, paper towel dispenser, toilet , wood shelf, step-on can/flower pot 2. Empty garbage's in the room and bathroom 3. Sweep and mop room floor and bathroom floors- move all small furniture, get under the bed and behind furniture and doors. 4. Must remain in the area while floors are wet from mopping 5. Check bathroom supplies- paper towels, cups, soap, 2 spare toilet paper, garbage bags, gloves. The Housekeeping Daily Cleaning Schedule Task to Do Form undated provided by the facility directed staff in resident bathroom to spot clean walls beside toilets, sinks, and sides of cabinets and dispensers.
CONCERN (D)

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

Deficiency F0657 (Tag F0657)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on clinical record review, staff interviews and facility policy review the facility failed to address a diuretic medication in 1 out of 5 resident reviewed for unnecessary medication (Resident #...

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Based on clinical record review, staff interviews and facility policy review the facility failed to address a diuretic medication in 1 out of 5 resident reviewed for unnecessary medication (Resident # 9). The facility reported a census of 44 resident. Findings included; The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment for Resident # 9 dated 11/9/22, included diagnoses of anemia and cancer. The MDS listed the Resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) as 15 (intact cognition). The MDS showed Resident # 9 took a medications in the drug classification of diuretic for 7 days in the reference period. The Medication Administration Record (MAR) dated 11/2022, directed bumetanide (diuretic) 1 milligram (mg) daily for edema. The Care Plan for Resident # 9 dated 10/25/22, failed to address the use of the diuretic and failed to address what the staff are expected to monitor for the medications effectiveness. On 12/01/22 at 10:58 AM the Director of Nursing (DON) stated she expected diuretics addressed on the Care Plan. The facility provided a policy titled Goals and Objectives, Care Plan dated 4/2009, directed at point #1; Care plan goals and objectives are defined as the desired outcome for a specific resident problem.
CONCERN (E)

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

Assessment Accuracy (Tag F0641)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to complete accurate minimum data set assessments for 4 out of 14...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to complete accurate minimum data set assessments for 4 out of 14 residents reviewed (Resident #9, 17, 25 and #36). The facility reported a census of 44 residents. Findings include: 1. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) for Resident #25 dated 11/2/22 stated the resident received an antipsychotic medication 7 day. Review of the medication administration record revealed resident did not receive antipsychotic medication. During an interview on 11/30/22 at 3:19 PM with the MDS Coordinator stated Resident # 25 is not receiving an antipsychotic and she has not been on the medication. The MDS was coded wrong. We follow the Resident Assessment Instrumnet (RAI) manual for policy when filling out the MDS. 2. The MDS dated [DATE] indicated Resident #36 had a fall with major injury. During an interview on 11/30/22 at 2:33 PM the Director of Nursing (DON) states she can not recall any injuries from a fall for Resident # 36. During an interview on 11/30/22 at 2:35 PM the MDS Coordinator stated Resident # 36 MDS is coded incorrectly. I checked and she should not have a major injury checked. The medications are probably coded wrong also I think I was looking at that as if they are taking psychotropic medications. 3. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment for Resident # 9 dated 11/9/22, included diagnoses of anxiety and depression. The MDS listed the Resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) as 15 (intact cognition). The MDS showed Resident # 9 took a medications in the drug classification of antipsychotic for 7 days in the reference period. The Medication Administration Record (MAR) dated 11/2022, failed to direct the use of an antipsychotic medication. During an interview on 11/30/22 at 11:51 AM, Staff Registered Nurse (RN) reported, Resident # 9 never received an antipsychotic medication. Interview 11/30/22 at 3:19 PM, the MDS Coordinator, reported she coded Resident # 9 for an antipsychotic medication. The MDS Coordinator, confirmed the resident took an antidepressant 4. The MDS for Resident # 17 dated 10/19/22, included diagnoses of non-Alzheimer's dementia and psychotic disorder. The MDS showed Resident # 9 took a medications in the drug classification of antianxiety medication for the 7 days in the reference period. The MAR dated 11/17/22, failed to include a medication in the drug classification of antianxiety medication. Interview 11/30/22 at 3:19 PM, the MDS Coordinator, reported Resident # 17 is on antipsychotic medication and she coded it incorrectly on the MDS dated [DATE]. During an interview on 12/01/22 10:54 AM the DON states the expectation is the MDS will be completed timely and accurately.
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 Iowa.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Iowa facilities.
  • • Only 4 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 Laporte City Specialty Care's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns Laporte City Specialty Care an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Iowa, 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 Laporte City Specialty Care Staffed?

CMS rates Laporte City Specialty Care's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 39%, compared to the Iowa average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at Laporte City Specialty Care?

State health inspectors documented 4 deficiencies at Laporte City Specialty Care during 2022 to 2024. These included: 4 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Laporte City Specialty Care?

Laporte City Specialty Care is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by CARE INITIATIVES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 46 certified beds and approximately 43 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in LA PORTE CITY, Iowa.

How Does Laporte City Specialty Care Compare to Other Iowa Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Iowa, Laporte City Specialty Care's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (39%) 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 Laporte City Specialty Care?

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 Laporte City Specialty Care Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, Laporte City Specialty Care 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 Iowa. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Laporte City Specialty Care Stick Around?

Laporte City Specialty Care has a staff turnover rate of 39%, which is about average for Iowa 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 Laporte City Specialty Care Ever Fined?

Laporte City Specialty Care 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 Laporte City Specialty Care on Any Federal Watch List?

Laporte City Specialty Care 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.