DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Diversicare of Copper Basin in Copperhill, Tennessee, has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns regarding its quality of care. Ranking #240 out of 298 nursing homes in Tennessee places it in the bottom half of the state, while it is the only option in Polk County. Unfortunately, the facility's situation is worsening, with the number of issues increasing from 5 in 2022 to 6 in 2023. Staffing is a relative strength, with a turnover rate of 0%, significantly better than the state average of 48%, and the facility has good RN coverage, exceeding 88% of other Tennessee facilities. However, there are serious concerns, including four critical deficiencies noted by inspectors, although specific details were not provided. Families should weigh these strengths against the significant weaknesses before making a decision.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Tennessee
- #240/298
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- Turnover data not reported for this facility.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Tennessee facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 54 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Tennessee. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 18 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 Tennessee average (2.8)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 18 deficiencies on record
Mar 2025
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure resident hea...
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CONCERN
(D)
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** Based on review of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual 3.0, medical record review, observation and interview the fac...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, and interviews the facility failed to provide advanced notice of care pl...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure oxygen tubin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and interview the facility failed to ensure the medical record was complete and accurate related ...
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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 facility policy review, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the kitchen cooking equipment was maintained in a sanitary condition and failed to discard an expired cold ...
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Mar 2022
5 deficiencies
4 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Deficiency Text Not Available
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CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Deficiency Text Not Available
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CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0743
(Tag F0743)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Deficiency Text Not Available
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CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0865
(Tag F0865)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Deficiency Text Not Available
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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
Deficiency Text Not Available
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May 2019
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on the medical record review and interview, the facility failed to notify the physician when a resident refused to have an...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 the facility policy review, medical record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to develop a baselin...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, medical record review, and interview, the facility failed to revise the comprehensive care p...
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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 review of facility policy, medical record review, and interview the facility failed to ensure a Physician's Order was o...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to obtain a Physician's ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, observation and interview, the facility failed to obtain a Physician's O...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Medical record review revealed Resident #360 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including Gout, Constipation,...
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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
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Tennessee facilities.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 4 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 18 deficiencies on record, including 4 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • Grade F (0/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Diversicare Of Copper Basin's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Tennessee, 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 Diversicare Of Copper Basin Staffed?
CMS rates DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes.
What Have Inspectors Found at Diversicare Of Copper Basin?
State health inspectors documented 18 deficiencies at DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN during 2019 to 2025. These included: 4 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 Diversicare Of Copper Basin?
DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by DIVERSICARE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 135 certified beds and approximately 29 residents (about 21% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in COPPERHILL, Tennessee.
How Does Diversicare Of Copper Basin Compare to Other Tennessee Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Tennessee, DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.8 and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Diversicare Of Copper Basin?
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 Diversicare Of Copper Basin Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 4 Immediate Jeopardy citations (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 Tennessee. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Diversicare Of Copper Basin Stick Around?
DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN has not reported staff turnover data to CMS. Staff turnover matters because consistent caregivers learn residents' individual needs, medications, and preferences. When staff frequently change, this institutional knowledge is lost. Families should ask the facility directly about their staff retention rates and average employee tenure.
Was Diversicare Of Copper Basin Ever Fined?
DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN 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 Diversicare Of Copper Basin on Any Federal Watch List?
DIVERSICARE OF COPPER BASIN 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.