CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Checotah Nursing Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating poor performance with significant concerns. It ranks #208 out of 282 facilities in Oklahoma, placing it in the bottom half, and is the lowest-ranked facility in McIntosh County. The situation appears to be worsening, with the number of issues increasing from 7 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. Staffing is a major weakness, rated at only 1 out of 5 stars with a concerning turnover rate of 69%, which is significantly higher than the state average. Additionally, the facility has accumulated $68,445 in fines, indicating compliance issues that are more than 91% of other Oklahoma facilities. On the positive side, the facility had an average health inspection rating of 3 out of 5 stars, suggesting some areas meet acceptable standards. However, specific incidents raise serious concerns; for example, staff failed to follow abuse reporting policies after a resident reported a CNA using inappropriate language in front of them, and there were issues with food hygiene practices, potentially affecting resident health. Overall, families should weigh these significant weaknesses against the few strengths when considering this facility for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Oklahoma
- #208/282
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 69% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $68,445 in fines. Lower than most Oklahoma facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- RN staffing data not reported for this facility.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 42 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)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
23pts above Oklahoma avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Well above median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
21 points above Oklahoma average of 48%
The Ugly 42 deficiencies on record
Oct 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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure interventions were put in place to protect one (#1) of three residents reviewed for abuse. This had the potential to affect all resi...
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Aug 2024
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure information regarding an advance directive was correct and legal for two (#9 and #20) of 10 residents reviewed for advance directive...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to store food with professional standards for food service safety.
The DM identified 27 residents who ate meals prepared by the kitchen and one ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure respiratory care was provided with professional standards of practice for four (#9, 19, 23, and #24) of four sampled r...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0802
(Tag F0802)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to employ enough staff to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
The dietary manager identified 28 residents...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to have a system of surveillance and monitoring designed to identify and prevent Legionnaires' disease.
The director of nurses identified 29 ...
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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
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to implement their abuse policy regarding an allegation of abuse which has the potential to affect all residents.
The director o...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to complete a investigation regarding an allegation of abuse which has the potential to affect all residents.
The director of nursing identif...
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Feb 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
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
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 baseline care plan was completed within 48 hours for one (...
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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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to administer medications as ordered for two (#1 and #4) of seven sampled residents reviewed for medication administration.
The MDS Coordinato...
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Jul 2023
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to complete a significant change MDS assessment for one (#13) of five sampled residents reviewed for ADLs.
The Resident Census and Conditions ...
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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
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to develop and implement new interventions to prevent falls for one (#26) of four residents sampled for falls.
The Resident Cen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the right to request, refuse, or formulate an advanced directive for four (#16, 26, 28, and #33) of 15 residents sampled for advance...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure resident assessments accurately reflected the residents' status for three (#8, 11, and #29) of 20 sampled residents wh...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
4. Res #13 had diagnoses which included age related physical disability and dementia.
A quarterly assessment, dated 05/18/23, documented the resident was severely impaired with cognition and required ...
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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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
2. Res #13 had diagnoses which included age related physical disability and dementia.
A quarterly assessment, dated 05/18/23, documented the resident was severely impaired with cognition and required...
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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 and interview the facility failed to ensure food was served in a sanitary manner.
The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents report, documented 35 residents resided in the fa...
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Oct 2021
25 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
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 transmit assessment data within 14 days after completion for one (#...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to reevaluate for preadmission screening and resident review (PASRR) Level l after a change in diagnosis for one (#12) of one resident reviewe...
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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
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete a discharge summary for one (#35) of one sampled resident who was reviewed for discharge.
The MDS coordinator identified 16 resid...
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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 interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a collaborative care plan was in place and an order for hospice services was obtained for one (#8) of one reviewed for hospice care....
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to assess the need for and risk of using bed rails for two (#8 and #20) of two sampled residents reviewed for bed rail usage.
Th...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to remove expired medications and/or date multi-dose medication vials when opened. This had the potential to affect 32 of 32 residents identifie...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0568
(Tag F0568)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide quarterly statements of trust account balances for 10 (#7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 21, 27, and #29) of 11 sampled residents whose tr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0570
(Tag F0570)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to have a surety bond in a sufficient amount to assure the security of all personal funds deposited with the facility. This had the potential ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. Resident (Res) #28 was admitted with diagnoses that included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A review of the clinical record revealed no documentation Res #28 had been provided information ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. Resident (Res) #20 was admitted to the facility with diagnoses that included vascular dementia.
Res #20's Care Plan, dated 05/27/21, did not address the use of bed rails.
Res #20's MDS assessment...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. Resident (Res) #27 was admitted with diagnoses that included a tracheostomy.
Res #27's Care Plan, dated 03/02/21, documented Res #27 would demonstrate proper suctioning technique to the nurse. It ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Resident (Res) #8 was admitted with diagnoses that included dementia.
A Physician's Order, dated 09/30/21 documented Res #8 ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide respiratory care in accordance with professional standards of practice for one (#27) of one sampled resident reviewed...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
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 pain management medications for one (#27) of one sampled re...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide medications as ordered by the physician and/or administer medications per current standards of practice for two (#23 ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to act upon pharmacy recommendations and to have policy and procedures for monthly medication regimen reviews for two (#12 and #23) of five sa...
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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** 2. Resident (Res) #20 admitted with diagnoses that included dementia and psychosis.
A Physician's Order, dated 05/17/21, docume...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined the facility failed to have a medication error rate of less than 5% for two (#23 and #25) of seven residents observed receiving me...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to follow the menu plan and prepare a meal reviewed by a clinically qualified nutrition professional. This had the potential to ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to prepare food that was palatable, attractive, and at an appetizing temperature for the residents.
The dietary manager identified 32 residents...
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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, interview, and record review, the facility failed to prepare and serve food in a sanitary manner for the residents. This had the potential to affect 32 of 32 residents who ate me...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0909
(Tag F0909)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to inspect resident beds for safety for two (#8 and #20) of two residents reviewed for resident beds. The facility failed to hav...
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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
2. On 10/21/21 at 8:14 a.m., LPN #1 was observed performing finger stick blood sugar tests for Residents (Res) #7, #23, and #25. With each resident, LPN #1 placed her clean supplies on the same piece ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to utilize antibiotic use protocols and have a system to monitor antibiotic use. This had the potential to affect 32 of 32 residents who resid...
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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 interview and record review, the facility failed to have a qualified Infection Preventionist. This had the potential to affect 32 of 32 residents who resided at the facility.
Findings:
On 1...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "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
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • 42 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • $68,445 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Oklahoma. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (25/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 69% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Checotah Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much 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 Checotah Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 69%, which is 23 percentage points above the Oklahoma average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Checotah Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 42 deficiencies at CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER during 2021 to 2024. These included: 42 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Checotah Nursing Center?
CHECOTAH NURSING 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 82 certified beds and approximately 39 residents (about 48% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in CHECOTAH, Oklahoma.
How Does Checotah Nursing Center Compare to Other Oklahoma Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oklahoma, CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (69%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Checotah Nursing Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Checotah Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CHECOTAH NURSING 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 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Oklahoma. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Checotah Nursing Center Stick Around?
Staff turnover at CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER is high. At 69%, the facility is 23 percentage points above the Oklahoma average of 46%. 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 Checotah Nursing Center Ever Fined?
CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER has been fined $68,445 across 1 penalty action. This is above the Oklahoma average of $33,763. Fines in this range indicate compliance issues significant enough for CMS to impose meaningful financial consequences. Common causes include delayed correction of deficiencies, repeat violations, or care failures affecting resident safety. Families should ask facility leadership what changes have been made since these penalties.
Is Checotah Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
CHECOTAH 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.