The Birch at Sutherland
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
The Birch at Sutherland has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about the quality of care provided at this facility. Ranking #168 out of 177 nursing homes in Nebraska puts it in the bottom half, and as the last of four facilities in Lincoln County, it has limited local competition. While the trend is improving, with the number of issues reduced from 15 in 2024 to 7 in 2025, there are still critical problems, including a failure to prevent a resident's elopement and inadequate pain management for another resident. Staffing is a weakness here, with a 2 out of 5 rating and an alarming 82% turnover rate, meaning that many staff are leaving, which can disrupt care continuity. On a positive note, the facility has not incurred any fines, which is a good sign, but the average RN coverage means they may not have the oversight necessary to catch all issues effectively.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Nebraska
- #168/177
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 82% turnover. Very high, 34 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Nebraska facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 35 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Nebraska. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 41 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
Below Nebraska average (2.9)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
36pts above Nebraska avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
34 points above Nebraska average of 48%
The Ugly 41 deficiencies on record
Sept 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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(I)Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to accurately assess a...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.02(H)Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to investigate and report to the regulatory agencies possible incident of abuse and or neglect...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.04Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to complete competencies to ensure proficiency for 8 of 9 sampled staff which had the potential to...
Read full inspector narrative →
Apr 2025
4 deficiencies
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
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to assess non-verbal indications of pain, and implement, monitor and revise interventions to...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12--006.04(F)(i)(5)
Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to notify the physician of ongoing pain for 1 (Resident 3) of 3 sampled residents. The...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(E)
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan (CCP, a document that includes measurable objectiv...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to assess and evaluate underlying causes of behavior to prevent the unnecessary use of a psych...
Read full inspector narrative →
Dec 2024
9 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** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(B)
Based on record review and interview, the Minimum Data Set (MDS, a federally man...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(F)(i)
Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to develop baseline care plans (a document that outlines a resident's healthcare needs and safety...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(E)(iii)
Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan (CCP, a document that outlines a resident's needs and the ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(F)(iii)
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to identify and update the comprehensive care plan with interventions after...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-00609(H)(iv)(5)
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to provide interventions for constipation for 1 (Resident 15) of 1 sampled resident. The faci...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)(vi)(3)(g)
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews; the facility failed to administer oxygen following the prescriber's orders for 1 (Resident 9) ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.10D
Based on observations, record review and interviews; the facility failed to ensure a medication error rate of less than 5%. Observations of 26 medications...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.18(D)
Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to perform hand hygiene and change gloves while performing catheter care for o...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12.006.11(E)
Based on observations, interview, and record review, the facility failed to stor...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record reviews, the facility failed to implement safety checks, education, or hazard assessments to ensu...
Read full inspector narrative →
Feb 2024
5 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
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09B
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to code dialysis on the ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09C1c
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to revise a Care Plan ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0698
(Tag F0698)
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 remove a dressing per the physician's order and failed...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.17
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews; the facility staff failed to perform wound care to prevent the potential for cross-contamination and...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09D1c
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provi...
Read full inspector narrative →
Nov 2023
7 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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05 (21)
Based on observations, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ma...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number NAC 17512-006.09D4
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, the facility failed to implement interventions to maintain range of motion for 1 (Resident 13) of 2...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09D
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, the facility failed to implement interventions for pain management, failed to evaluate the effectiv...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC12-006.04D2
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to have a qualified Dietary Manager. This had the potential to affect all of the residents who c...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.11E
Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to maint...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C.
An observation on 11/15/23 at 10:05 AM of NA-B revealed NA-B doffed their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required and...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure their Infection Control Nurse completed specialized training in infection prevention and control prior to assuming the role of the I...
Read full inspector narrative →
Aug 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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.09D1
Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to follow r...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.09D1b
Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to follow the plan of care for resident transfers (movement from one surface to an...
Read full inspector narrative →
Sept 2022
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.05 (4)
Based on interview and record review; the facility failed to honor bathing preference for 1 of 1 sampled residents; Resident 30. The facility identifie...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.05(5)
Based on interview and record review; the facility failed to notify the guardian...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** B) An interview on 8/31/22 at 2:30 PM revealed Resident 31 had been hospitalized on e time since the initial admission date of 7...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
B.
Record review of the admission Record dated 8/30/22 for Resident 5 revealed that Resident 5 admitted into the facility on 6/6/21. Diagnoses included dementia, intellectual disabilities, and fatigue...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number
175 NAC 12-006.09D7
Based on observations and interview, the facility failed to ensure a mattress was secured to a bed in order to reduce the risk of accidents for one curre...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** Licensure Reference Number
175 NAC 12-006.09D8b
Based on observation, record review, and interview; the facility staff failed to...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.18A (1)
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.18B3
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure that resident rooms and...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
B.
On 08/31/22 at 08:45 AM an observation revealed 4 dumpsters outside of the back of the facility. 3 of the dumpsters lids were open with garbage visible. One of the dumpsters lids was closed.
On 08...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** G.
Observation on 8/31/22 at 8:45 AM revealed RN-F (Registered Nurse) changed a bandage on the right heel of Resident #17 . RN-F...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0886
(Tag F0886)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that staff were tested for Covid-19 as required to prevent the potential for Covid-19. This affected all facility residents. The faci...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "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 fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Nebraska facilities.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s), 1 harm violation(s), Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 41 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • Grade F (13/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 82% turnover. Very high, 34 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
About This Facility
What is The Birch At Sutherland's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns The Birch at Sutherland an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Nebraska, 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 The Birch At Sutherland Staffed?
CMS rates The Birch at Sutherland's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 82%, which is 36 percentage points above the Nebraska average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 83%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at The Birch At Sutherland?
State health inspectors documented 41 deficiencies at The Birch at Sutherland during 2022 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 1 that caused actual resident harm, and 39 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates The Birch At Sutherland?
The Birch at Sutherland 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 AVID HEALTHCARE GROUP, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 60 certified beds and approximately 44 residents (about 73% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Sutherland, Nebraska.
How Does The Birch At Sutherland Compare to Other Nebraska Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Nebraska, The Birch at Sutherland's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (82%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting The Birch At Sutherland?
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?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations, the facility's high staff turnover rate, and the below-average staffing rating.
Is The Birch At Sutherland Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, The Birch at Sutherland 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 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Nebraska. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at The Birch At Sutherland Stick Around?
Staff turnover at The Birch at Sutherland is high. At 82%, the facility is 36 percentage points above the Nebraska average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 83%. 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 The Birch At Sutherland Ever Fined?
The Birch at Sutherland 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 The Birch At Sutherland on Any Federal Watch List?
The Birch at Sutherland 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.