Cycle 1
Health 2025-12-04 · Fire 2025-12-04
6 health deficiencies
Top issue: Resident Rights (3 deficiencies)
3 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Smoke (2 deficiencies)
Hiawassee, GA
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home
1-star overall rating with 1-star inspections with $64,214 in total fines with 6 recent health deficiencies with 3 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
386 Belaire Drive, Hiawassee, GA
(706) 896-2231
Overall
1 / 5
CMS overall stars
Health inspections
1 / 5
Survey and complaint cycles
Staffing
3 / 5
RN + nurse staffing
Quality measures
2 / 5
Resident outcomes and process measures
Quick facts
Facility snapshot
Beds
112
Certified beds
Average residents
89
Average occupied residents
Ownership
Non-Profit
Publicly displayed owner type
Chain
No chain reported
Operator or chain grouping
Approved since
2005-10-01
CMS approved date
Coverage
Medicare + Medicaid
Participation flags
Changed ownership
No
Within the last 12 months
Family council
Yes
Resident and family council reported
Sprinklers
Yes
Automatic sprinklers in all required areas
Hospital-based
Yes
CMS reports the provider resides in a hospital
Staffing
Hours and turnover
RN hours / resident day
0.62
Registered nurse staffing · state 0.49 · national 0.68
LPN hours / resident day
0.93
Licensed practical nurse staffing · state 0.93 · national 0.87
Aide hours / resident day
1.81
Nurse aide staffing · state 2.15 · national 2.35
Total nurse hours
3.36
All reported nurse hours · state 3.57 · national 3.89
Licensed hours
1.55
RN + LPN hours · state 1.42 · national 1.54
Weekend hours
2.87
Weekend nurse staffing · state 3.09 · national 3.43
Weekend RN hours
0.33
Weekend registered nurse coverage · state 0.33 · national 0.47
Physical therapist
0.00
Reported PT staffing · state 0.06 · national 0.07
Adjusted RN hours
0.70
CMS adjusted RN staffing hours
Adjusted total hours
3.80
CMS adjusted total nurse staffing hours
Case-mix index
1.21
Higher values indicate more complex resident acuity
RN turnover
46%
Annual RN turnover · state 46% · national 45%
Total nurse turnover
47%
Annual nurse turnover · state 47% · national 46%
SNF VBP
Value-based purchasing
Program rank
3,231
Lower is better among SNFs in the FY 2026 VBP program.
Performance score
45.35
Composite VBP score used to determine payment impact.
Payment multiplier
0.9986
Above 1.000 increases Medicare payment; below 1.000 reduces it.
Program components
How the VBP score is built
Readmission
3.80
Baseline 21.45% · Performance 19.67% · Measure score 3.80 · Achievement 3.80 · Improvement 3.53
Healthcare-associated infections
3.53
Baseline 7.88% · Performance 6.78% · Measure score 3.53 · Achievement 3.53 · Improvement 3.31
Total nurse turnover
8.07
Baseline 37.80% · Performance 30.68% · Measure score 8.07 · Achievement 8.07 · Improvement 5
Adjusted total nurse staffing
2.73
Baseline 3.79 hours · Performance 3.85 hours · Measure score 2.73 · Achievement 2.73 · Improvement 0
SNF QRP
Medicare quality reporting measures
| Measure | Facility | National | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potentially preventable 30-day readmission | 12.27% |
10.72%
1.5 pts worse
|
No Different than the National Rate · Eligible stays 119 · Observed rate 13.45% · Lower 95% interval 8.72% |
| Discharge to community | 32.7% |
50.57%
17.9 pts worse
|
Worse than the National Rate · Eligible stays 68 · Observed rate 25% · Lower 95% interval 24.03% |
| Medicare spending per beneficiary | 0.78 |
1.02
0.2 pts better
|
|
| Drug regimen review with follow-up | 95.83% |
95.27%
0.6 pts better
|
Numerator 46 · Denominator 48 |
| Falls with major injury | 2.08% |
0.77%
1.3 pts worse
|
Numerator 1 · Denominator 48 |
| Discharge self-care score | 43.24% |
53.69%
10.4 pts worse
|
Numerator 16 · Denominator 37 |
| Discharge mobility score | 27.03% |
50.94%
23.9 pts worse
|
Numerator 10 · Denominator 37 |
| Pressure ulcers or injuries, new or worsened | 8.33% |
2.29%
6 pts worse
|
Numerator 4 · Denominator 48 · Adjusted rate 8.04% |
| Healthcare-associated infections requiring hospitalization | 6.78% |
7.12%
0.3 pts better
|
No Different than the National Rate · Eligible stays 60 · Observed rate 5% · Lower 95% interval 3.92% |
| Staff COVID-19 vaccination coverage | 0% |
8.2%
8.2 pts worse
|
Numerator 0 · Denominator 98 |
| Staff flu vaccination coverage | 37.8% |
42%
4.2 pts worse
|
Numerator 48 · Denominator 127 |
| Discharge function score | 29.73% |
56.45%
26.7 pts worse
|
Numerator 11 · Denominator 37 |
| Transfer of health information to provider | Not Available |
95.95%
|
Numerator Not Available · Denominator 8 · Too few residents or stays to report publicly. |
| Transfer of health information to patient | Not Available |
96.28%
|
Numerator Not Available · Denominator 11 · Too few residents or stays to report publicly. |
| Resident COVID-19 vaccinations up to date | Not Available |
25.2%
|
Numerator Not Available · Denominator 14 · Too few residents or stays to report publicly. |
Quality measures
Resident outcomes and process scores
| Measure | Facility | State | National | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.5 |
2.2
0.3 pts worse
|
1.9
0.6 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 2.5 · Observed 2.2 · Expected 1.7 · Used in QM five-star |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 3.3 |
2.0
1.3 pts worse
|
1.8
1.5 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 3.3 · Observed 3.2 · Expected 1.6 · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% |
91.2%
8.8 pts better
|
93.4%
6.6 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 100.0% · Q2 100.0% · Q3 100.0% · Q4 100.0% · 4Q avg 100.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% |
95.0%
5 pts better
|
95.5%
4.5 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q3-2025Q2 · 4Q avg 100.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 2.6% |
3.2%
0.6 pts better
|
3.3%
0.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 2.2% · Q2 3.3% · Q3 2.3% · Q4 2.4% · 4Q avg 2.6% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 3.4% |
9.6%
6.2 pts better
|
11.4%
8 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 7.1% · Q2 2.4% · Q3 2.5% · Q4 1.4% · 4Q avg 3.4% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 3.4% |
5.9%
2.5 pts better
|
5.4%
2 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 6.0% · Q2 2.5% · Q3 1.3% · Q4 3.8% · 4Q avg 3.4% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 26.9% |
20.7%
6.2 pts worse
|
19.6%
7.3 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 24.1% · Q2 25.6% · Q3 30.5% · Q4 27.5% · 4Q avg 26.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 26.5% |
21.4%
5.1 pts worse
|
16.7%
9.8 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 28.8% · Q2 26.9% · Q3 31.8% · Q4 18.0% · 4Q avg 26.5% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% |
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 0.0% · Q2 0.0% · Q3 0.0% · Q4 0.0% · 4Q avg 0.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 8.8% |
17.9%
9.1 pts better
|
16.3%
7.5 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 13.1% · Q2 5.9% · Q3 0.0% · Q4 16.1% · 4Q avg 8.8% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 10.2% |
16.2%
6 pts better
|
14.9%
4.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 10.8% · Q2 3.8% · Q3 11.7% · Q4 14.7% · 4Q avg 10.2% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 1.9% |
1.1%
0.8 pts worse
|
1.0%
0.9 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 2.5% · Q2 1.2% · Q3 1.3% · Q4 2.5% · 4Q avg 1.9% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 4.7% |
2.5%
2.2 pts worse
|
1.7%
3 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 4.6% · Q2 3.4% · Q3 4.8% · Q4 6.2% · 4Q avg 4.7% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 10.6% |
16.1%
5.5 pts better
|
19.8%
9.2 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 11.0% · Q2 11.0% · Q3 7.2% · Q4 13.3% · 4Q avg 10.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 6.6% |
6.2%
0.4 pts worse
|
5.1%
1.5 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 5.4% · Q2 6.9% · Q3 5.2% · Q4 9.1% · 4Q avg 6.6% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 98.5% |
80.4%
18.1 pts better
|
81.7%
16.8 pts better
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q1 95.0% · Q4 100.0% · 4Q avg 98.5% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 5.8% |
12.2%
6.4 pts better
|
12.0%
6.2 pts better
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 5.8% · Observed 6.2% · Expected 12.1% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 6.2% |
2.2%
4 pts worse
|
1.6%
4.6 pts worse
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 · Q4 5.0% · 4Q avg 6.2% · Used in QM five-star |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 12.5% |
24.2%
11.7 pts better
|
23.9%
11.4 pts better
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 · Adjusted 12.5% · Observed 12.5% · Expected 23.9% · Used in QM five-star |
Survey summary
Recent inspection cycles
Cycle 2
Health 2024-06-08 · Fire 2024-06-08
19 health deficiencies
Top issue: Freedom from Abuse and Neglect and Exploitation (4 deficiencies)
6 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Gas and Vacuum and Electrical Systems (2 deficiencies)
Cycle 3
Health 2022-12-15 · Fire 2022-12-15
8 health deficiencies
Top issue: Quality of Life and Care (3 deficiencies)
4 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Gas and Vacuum and Electrical Systems (2 deficiencies)
Fire safety
Fire-safety citations
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
K223 · Egress Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Corrected 2026-01-20
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
K345 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Corrected 2026-01-20
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
K353 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Corrected 2026-01-20
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
E31 · Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Provide emergency officials' contact information.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
K211 · Egress Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
K372 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
K781 · Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
K920 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
K923 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
K211 · Egress Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
K753 · Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
K918 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
K920 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Corrected 2023-01-29
Inspection history
Recent health citations
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F554 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Corrected 2026-01-28
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F558 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Corrected 2026-01-28
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F628 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Corrected 2026-01-28
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2026-01-28
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F757 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Corrected 2026-01-28
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-12-04
F759 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Corrected 2026-01-28
L · Immediate jeopardy
2024-06-08
F835 · Administration Deficiencies
Health
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Corrected 2024-07-24
J · Immediate jeopardy
2024-06-08
F600 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected 2024-07-24
J · Immediate jeopardy
2024-06-08
F602 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Corrected 2024-07-24
J · Immediate jeopardy
2024-06-08
F609 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Corrected 2024-07-24
J · Immediate jeopardy
2024-06-08
F610 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected 2024-07-24
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F585 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Corrected 2024-07-24
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F700 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
Corrected 2024-07-24
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F761 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Corrected 2024-07-24
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F809 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Health
Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
Corrected 2024-07-24
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F909 · Environmental Deficiencies
Health
Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F550 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F623 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F640 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F657 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F684 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F695 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F756 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-06-08
F758 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Corrected 2024-07-24
C · Minimal harm
2024-06-08
F732 · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Health
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Corrected 2024-07-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F609 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F610 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Health
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F644 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F677 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F688 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F695 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2023-01-29
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2022-12-15
F761 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Health
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Corrected 2023-01-29
Penalties and ownership
What sits behind the stars
$64,214
2024-06-08
Fine
Fine · fine $64,214
Fine
Ownership
Bierschenk, Kevin
Corporate Director · Individual
Davenport, Rick
Corporate Director · Individual
Gary, Thomas
Corporate Director · Individual
Kephart, Michael
Operational/Managerial Control · Individual
Owenby, Greg
Corporate Director · Individual
Paris, Dinah
Corporate Director · Individual
Rowe, Steven
Corporate Director · Individual
Townsend, Nicholas
Operational/Managerial Control · Individual
Townsend, Nicholas
Corporate Director · Individual
Nearby options
Other facilities in reach
#1
Clay County Health and Rehabilitation
Hayesville, NC
4-star overall rating with 4-star inspections with 3 recent health deficiencies with 2 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
#2
Union County Nursing Home
Blairsville, GA
4-star overall rating with 4-star inspections with 3 recent health deficiencies
#3
Valley View Care and Rehabilitation
Andrews, NC
2-star overall rating with 2-star inspections with $9,770 in total fines with 6 recent health deficiencies with 3 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
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