THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
The Highlands at Owasso has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average quality with some concerns about care and management. They rank #187 out of 282 nursing homes in Oklahoma, placing them in the bottom half of facilities in the state, and #25 out of 33 in Tulsa County, where only a few local options are better. Unfortunately, the facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 7 in 2024 to 8 in 2025. Staffing is a significant concern, rated at 2 out of 5 stars, with a high turnover rate of 70%, which is above the state average of 55%. Although there have been no fines recorded, the RN coverage is lower than 90% of Oklahoma facilities, which could impact the quality of care. Recent inspector findings revealed several concerning issues, such as the Director of Nursing working beyond the allowed census limit and failures in implementing a water management plan to prevent waterborne pathogens, which raises concerns about resident safety. Overall, while there are some strengths, such as no fines, families should weigh these serious weaknesses when considering this facility for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Oklahoma
- #187/282
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 70% turnover. Very high, 22 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Oklahoma facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 10 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Oklahoma. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Oklahoma average (2.6)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
24pts above Oklahoma avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
22 points above Oklahoma average of 48%
The Ugly 18 deficiencies on record
May 2025
6 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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** On 04/18/25, a past non-compliance situation was determined to exist related to the facility's failure to provide supervision to...
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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 ensure medications were secured in a locked medication cart for 1 (treatment cart #1) of 1 medication cart observed on the center hallway.
T...
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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 ensure kitchen staff members wore a beard guard for 1 (cook #1) of 1 staff members observed for beard guards.
The administrator identified 9...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents were provided with a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage at least two days prior to the end of skilled services for 2 (#99 and...
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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
Deficiency F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the DON had not worked as a charge nurse when the facility census was above 60 residents and failed to ensure the DON worked 40 hour...
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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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a water management plan to prevent waterborne pathogens had been implemented.
The administrator reported 95 residents reside at the...
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Jan 2025
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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure proper infection control practices were utilized during medication administration for one (#16) for one resident sampl...
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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
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the call light system was functioning for one (#5) of one resident whose call light was tested.
The administrator repo...
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Dec 2024
3 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 F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to accurately transcribe admission orders as written and failed to acquire medications within four hours for one (#2) of five sampled resident...
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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
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to serve hot foods at an appealing temperature.
The DON identified 99 residents who ate meals prepared in the kitchen.
Findings:
On 12/11/24 a...
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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
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program.
The DON identified 99 res...
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Aug 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure injuries of unknown origin were reported timely for one (#1) of three residents sampled for incidents.
The ADON identified 80 reside...
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Jan 2024
3 deficiencies
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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure food was served at an appetizing temperature and was palatable.
The administrator identified 85 of the 86 residents received nutrition...
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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:
a) ensure opened foods were dated and resealed.
b) ensure food was not stored on the floor.
The administrator identified 85 out of 86 resid...
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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
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain kitchen equipment in a safe, clean operating condition.
The administrator identified 85 of 86 residents who received nourishment fro...
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Apr 2023
2 deficiencies
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 and interview, the facility failed to ensure the environment was free from clutter in the dining area and clean and free of stained furniture throughout the facility and dining ro...
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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
Deficiency F0924
(Tag F0924)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure hallways were equipped with firmly secured handrails throughou...
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Mar 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
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to provide a 30 day notice for one (#1) of three residents who were reviewed for involuntary discharged .
The facility admi...
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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
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Oklahoma facilities.
- • 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (45/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 70% turnover. Very high, 22 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
About This Facility
What is The Highlands At Owasso's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO 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 The Highlands At Owasso Staffed?
CMS rates THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 70%, which is 24 percentage points above the Oklahoma average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 60%, 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 Highlands At Owasso?
State health inspectors documented 18 deficiencies at THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO during 2023 to 2025. These included: 18 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates The Highlands At Owasso?
THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO 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 105 certified beds and approximately 97 residents (about 92% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in OWASSO, Oklahoma.
How Does The Highlands At Owasso Compare to Other Oklahoma Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Oklahoma, THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (70%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting The Highlands At Owasso?
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 The Highlands At Owasso Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO 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 2-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 The Highlands At Owasso Stick Around?
Staff turnover at THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO is high. At 70%, the facility is 24 percentage points above the Oklahoma average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 60%. 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 Highlands At Owasso Ever Fined?
THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO 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 Highlands At Owasso on Any Federal Watch List?
THE HIGHLANDS AT OWASSO 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.