ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
St. Johns on Fountain Lake has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about the facility's overall quality of care. It ranks #260 out of 337 nursing homes in Minnesota, placing it in the bottom half statewide, and #2 out of 3 in Freeborn County, meaning only one local option is rated higher. However, the facility's trend is improving, as issues reported decreased from 15 in 2024 to just 3 in 2025. Staffing stands out as a strength, with a 5/5 star rating and a turnover rate of 35%, which is below the Minnesota average, suggesting that staff members are experienced and familiar with the residents. On the downside, the facility has faced $16,448 in fines, reflecting average compliance issues, and it has less registered nurse coverage than 79% of Minnesota facilities, which could impact the quality of care. Specific incidents of concern include a critical finding where the facility failed to properly administer medications, resulting in 11 incorrect doses over a week. Additionally, there were serious issues with transferring residents, where one resident fell during a transfer that should have involved two staff members, and another resident had a pressure ulcer that was not adequately monitored or addressed in their care plan. While staffing is a positive aspect, these incidents highlight significant weaknesses that families should consider when researching this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Minnesota
- #260/337
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 35% turnover. Near Minnesota's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $16,448 in fines. Higher than 97% of Minnesota facilities. Major compliance failures.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 54 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Minnesota. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 27 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (35%)
13 points below Minnesota average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Minnesota average (3.2)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
11pts below Minnesota avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 27 deficiencies on record
Aug 2025
3 deficiencies
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review the facility failed to ensure medications were administered according to physician orders...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and document review the facility failed to comprehensively assess and monitor signs/symptoms of...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and document review the facility failed to maintain documentation of actual disposition of medications to include: residents name, medication name, strength, prescript...
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Nov 2024
5 deficiencies
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review the facility failed to notify the physician of neck pain following a fall for 1 of 1 resi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and document review the facility failed to ensure weekly comprehensive skin assessments with me...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review the facility failed to act upon the consultant pharmacist's recommendation for 2 of 5 res...
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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
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain holding temperatures for hot foods of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. In addition, the facility failed to ensure dietary staff fo...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure proper infection control practices were followed for 1 of 1 re...
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Sept 2024
1 deficiency
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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
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 utilize enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) for 2 of 5 ...
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Jul 2024
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review the facility failed to safely use a full body mechanical lift per manufacturer's recommen...
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Apr 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
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 interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure a comprehensive care plan was developed, and maintained to...
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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
Based on interview and document review the facility failed to administer medication per physician order and failed to evaluate and address the medication errors to prevent recurrent medication errors ...
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Jan 2024
6 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** R68's Diagnosis Report printed on 1/11/24, included hemiplegia (partial paralysis on one side of the body) following a stroke, p...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 resident (R19) was notified of lab and...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to provide services to restore, maintain and prevent lo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to consistently monitor and assess a resident for poten...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0565
(Tag F0565)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure resident concerns identified at resident council meetings were addressed and residents notified of a resolution or o...
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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, interview and document review, the facility failed to follow Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spre...
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Sept 2023
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 F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure the care plan was followed for self-administ...
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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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure hand hygiene was maintained during cares for 1 of 1 resident (R3) observed during personal cares.
Findings include:
...
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Sept 2023
1 deficiency
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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure symptoms of respiratory impairment were assessed and acted u...
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Mar 2023
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to promote a dignified dining experience for...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, document review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to coordinate services and mak...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and review of cleaning lists, the facility failed to keep the oven and drawer, microwave oven, and refrigerator clean in the facility's third-floor satellite kitchen B...
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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, interview, and policy review, the facility failed to date bread products with an expiration date or use by date when they were removed from their original box, and to close bread...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0727
(Tag F0727)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure there was a Registered Nurse (RN) on duty for eight consecutive hours per day. This failure had the potential to affect resident a...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0868
(Tag F0868)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview, review of facility documentation, and review of facility policy, the Quality Assurance (QA) committee failed to ensure required members of the committee attended the quarterly meet...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 35% turnover. Below Minnesota's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s), 2 harm violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 27 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $16,448 in fines. Above average for Minnesota. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (26/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is St Johns On Fountain Lake's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Minnesota, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is St Johns On Fountain Lake Staffed?
CMS rates ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 35%, compared to the Minnesota average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at St Johns On Fountain Lake?
State health inspectors documented 27 deficiencies at ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE during 2023 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 2 that caused actual resident harm, 22 with potential for harm, and 2 minor or isolated issues. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates St Johns On Fountain Lake?
ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 84 certified beds and approximately 70 residents (about 83% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in ALBERT LEA, Minnesota.
How Does St Johns On Fountain Lake Compare to Other Minnesota Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Minnesota, ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (35%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting St Johns On Fountain Lake?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations.
Is St Johns On Fountain Lake Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Minnesota. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at St Johns On Fountain Lake Stick Around?
ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE has a staff turnover rate of 35%, which is about average for Minnesota 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 St Johns On Fountain Lake Ever Fined?
ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE has been fined $16,448 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Minnesota average of $33,243. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is St Johns On Fountain Lake on Any Federal Watch List?
ST JOHNS ON FOUNTAIN LAKE 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.