BALLARD NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Ballard Nursing Center in Ada, Oklahoma, has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some significant concerns. Ranking #147 out of 282 facilities in the state places it in the bottom half, and #2 of 3 in Pontotoc County suggests only one local option is better. The facility is showing improvement, as it decreased issues from 13 in 2024 to just 1 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength with a 3/5 star rating and 50% turnover, which is better than the state average, indicating staff stability. However, there have been serious concerns, including a critical incident where a resident left the facility unsupervised, posing a risk for elopement, and issues with cleanliness in resident areas that need to be addressed.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Oklahoma
- #147/282
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 50% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $12,740 in fines. Lower than most Oklahoma facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 21 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Oklahoma. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 15 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 Oklahoma average (2.6)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Near Oklahoma avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 15 deficiencies on record
May 2025
1 deficiency
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** On 05/20/25, a past non-compliance Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) situation was determined to exist related to the facility's failure t...
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Mar 2024
13 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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident had a physician order to self-administer medications for one (#37) of one sampled resident reviewed for sel...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure call lights accommodated residents needs for two (#10 and #37) of two sampled residents reviewed for accommodation of needs.
The DON ...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident's code status was accurate for one (#21) of one s...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to update the care plan related to hospice services for one (#17) of two sampled resident reviewed for hospice services.
The DON identified 1...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0661
(Tag F0661)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview the facility failed to complete a discharge summary that included a recapitulation of the r...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure an antianxiety medication was monitored for effectiveness and side effects for one (#13) of five sampled residents reviewed for unne...
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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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the physical environment was kept clean and maintained in good repair.
The DON identified 53 residents resided in the...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of abuse for one (#38) of three sampled residents reviewed for abuse.
The ...
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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** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a dialysis resident received monitoring before...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure medications were administered as ordered for one (#13) of five sampled residents reviewed for unnecessary medications.
The DON identi...
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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 ensure the kitchen was kept clean and maintained in good repair.
The DM identified 51 residents received services from the kitchen. Two resid...
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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
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure infection control measures were followed during fingerstick glucose monitoring for nine (#7, 13, 20, 24, 29, 33, 42, 5...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to educate, offer, and screen residents for eligibility to receive the pneumococcal vaccination for one (#34) and failed to educate, offer, an...
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Feb 2023
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a specific condition and diagnosis was documen...
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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
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 15 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $12,740 in fines. Above average for Oklahoma. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade D (41/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Ballard Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BALLARD NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Oklahoma, 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 Ballard Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates BALLARD NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 50%, compared to the Oklahoma average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Ballard Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 15 deficiencies at BALLARD NURSING CENTER during 2023 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 14 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 Ballard Nursing Center?
BALLARD NURSING CENTER 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 IHS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 73 certified beds and approximately 67 residents (about 92% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in ADA, Oklahoma.
How Does Ballard Nursing Center Compare to Other Oklahoma Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oklahoma, BALLARD NURSING CENTER's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (50%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Ballard Nursing Center?
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 Ballard Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BALLARD NURSING CENTER 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 Oklahoma. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Ballard Nursing Center Stick Around?
BALLARD NURSING CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 50%, which is about average for Oklahoma 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 Ballard Nursing Center Ever Fined?
BALLARD NURSING CENTER has been fined $12,740 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Oklahoma average of $33,206. 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 Ballard Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
BALLARD NURSING 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.