HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good option for families seeking care, sitting comfortably in the good range of quality. It ranks #81 out of 479 nursing homes in Missouri, placing it in the top half, and is the only facility in Douglas County. The facility is showing improvement, reducing issues from 7 in 2024 to just 1 in 2025. Staffing is a concern with a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 49%, which, while lower than the state average, indicates some instability. No fines are recorded, which is a positive sign, and the facility boasts better RN coverage than 77% of Missouri facilities, ensuring that registered nurses are available to catch potential issues. However, there have been specific concerns about food safety, such as staff failing to separate dented cans from undamaged ones and not maintaining clean food contact surfaces, which could pose health risks. While the nursing home shows strengths in areas like RN coverage and an absence of fines, the staffing challenges and food safety issues should be carefully considered.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Missouri
- #81/479
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 49% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Missouri facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 30 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Missouri. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 23 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 Missouri avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
The Ugly 23 deficiencies on record
Mar 2025
1 deficiency
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 F0728
(Tag F0728)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to have a system in placed to ensure nurse aides (NA) completed their training, competencies, and testing in a timely manner when two NA's fai...
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Aug 2024
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed ensure residents only self-administered medications if it had been determined it was clinically appropriate when staff left medi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0678
(Tag F0678)
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 a resident's choice of code status (the level of medical in...
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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, record review, and interview, the staff failed to ensure an environment as free from hazards as possible w...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
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 any resident weight loss was unavoidable when ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
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 ensure a medication error rate of less than 5% when t...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to keep all food safe from potential contamination when staff failed to keep dented cans separate from other canned goods and fa...
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May 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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure all residents were treated with dignity and respect by all staff when one staff member (Certified Medication Technicia...
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Nov 2022
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interviews, facility staff failed to complete an annual Minimum Data Set (MDS - a federally mandated ...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure physician's orders were obtained regarding placement and care of a catheter (sterile tube inserted into the bladder to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide respiratory care in accordance with professional standards of practice when facility staff failed to administer physi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. Record review of Resident #14's MDS submitted reports showed the following information:
-admitted to the facility on [DATE];
...
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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 record review the facility facility failed to provide a sanitary environment when the floors and light fixtures of the kitchen were not kept clean and free of debr...
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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 record review, the facility failed to ensure food was stored, prepared, and served in a manner that prevent possible contamination when the ice machine has a black...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to maintain equipment in the kitchen in a safe operating condition when nine stove knobs were missing. The facility census was 7...
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Oct 2019
8 deficiencies
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 interview and record review, the facility failed to report possible resident abuse to the state licensing agency (Depar...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
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 complete an investigation of possible resident-to-resident abuse fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to timely report observed darkened areas on the foot for one resident (Resident #13). The facility census was 93.
1. Record rev...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to provide a comfortable and homelike environment by fai...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide the facility's bed-hold policy to eight residents (Resident...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Record review of Resident #46's face sheet showed the following information:
-admitted on [DATE];
-readmitted on [DATE];
-Dia...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 11. Record review of Resident # 30's face sheet showed the following:
-admission date of 9/28/17;
-Diagnosis of dementia.
Record...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control system for the con...
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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
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Missouri facilities.
- • 23 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within Missouri, 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 Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 49%, compared to the Missouri average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 23 deficiencies at HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER during 2019 to 2025. These included: 23 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center?
HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 120 certified beds and approximately 72 residents (about 60% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in AVA, Missouri.
How Does Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center Compare to Other Missouri Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Missouri, HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 2.5, staff turnover (49%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE 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 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Missouri. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center Stick Around?
HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 49%, which is about average for Missouri 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 Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE 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 Heart Of The Ozarks Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
HEART OF THE OZARKS HEALTHCARE 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.