The home failed to give an adequate reason and proper information when transferring or discharging a resident. Cited April 2024 — isolated incident, actual harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 622 — 42 CFR §483.15 — S/S: G
Nursing home report
EMERALD COAST CENTER
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL · Medicare-certified · 120 beds
In good standing
For-profitChain member
Data as of September 1, 2026
4 of 5 overall
EMERALD COAST CENTER in Fort Walton Beach has a 4-star overall rating, with 4 stars for health inspections and quality, and 3 stars for staffing; reported nurse staffing is 3.23 hours per resident per day, below the 4.1 federal benchmark. It had $0 in fines over the last 24 months, and recent inspection issues involved resident transfer/discharge notices and food handling standards.
Facility ratings
Health inspections
Staffing
3.2318 hrs/resident/day
Quality measures
Last inspection: July 29, 2026Penalties, last 24 months: $0
Federal guidance recommends at least 4.1 nursing hours per resident each day. This facility reports 3.2318.
Staffing detail
- Registered nurses
- 0.58
- Licensed practical nurses
- 0.55
- Nurse aides
- 2.09
- Weekend nursing
- 3.12
Hours per resident per day.
Total staff turnover: 42%
Registered nurse turnover: 52%
Resident outcomes
Each measure compares a year ago with the most recent quarter. Green means the facility moved the right way; red means the wrong way.
Negative outcomes
Lower is better — fewer affected residents. A decrease is good (green); an increase is concerning (red).
Long-stay residents on antipsychotic medication
14%10.4%Improving
Residents with a fall causing major injury
0%0%No change
Residents with pressure ulcers (bedsores)
8.1%4.6%Improving
Residents with a urinary tract infection
0%0%No change
Residents who lost too much weight
3.6%2.3%Improving
Residents who were physically restrained
0%0%No change
Residents needing more help with daily activities
8.9%7.2%Improving
Residents whose ability to walk got worse
9.3%9.8%Worsening
Long-stay residents on antianxiety or sleep medication
14.1%11.1%Improving
Short-stay residents newly given an antipsychotic
0%0%No change
Residents with a long-term catheter
0%0%No change
Residents with new or worsening incontinence
8.3%3.2%Improving
Residents with depressive symptoms
2.4%5.1%Worsening
Positive outcomes
Higher is better — e.g. vaccinations. An increase is good (green); a decrease is concerning (red).
Long-stay residents given the seasonal flu vaccine
—100%—
Long-stay residents given the pneumonia vaccine
100%100%No change
Short-stay residents given the seasonal flu vaccine
—98.7%—
Short-stay residents given the pneumonia vaccine
100%100%No change
What the inspectors found
The home failed to notify the resident and family in time before a transfer or discharge, including their right to appeal. Cited April 2024 — isolated incident, actual harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 623 — 42 CFR §483.15 — S/S: G
The home failed to make sure food was safely sourced, stored, prepared, and served according to professional standards. Cited April 2023 — widespread issue, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 812 — 42 CFR §483.60(i) — S/S: F
The home failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity and could make their own choices and communicate freely. Cited September 2025 — isolated incident, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 550 — 42 CFR §483.10(a) — S/S: D
The nursing home failed to develop and carry out a complete care plan that met each resident’s needs with clear steps and timelines. Cited September 2025 — isolated incident, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 656 — 42 CFR §483.21(b)(1) — S/S: D
Recent history
- STAFFING
Reported nurse staffing was below the federal recommendation of 4.1 hours per resident per day.
- STAFFING
Reported nurse staffing was below the federal recommendation of 4.1 hours per resident per day.
- INSPECTION
Health inspection found 3 health deficiencies.
See what inspectors found
- INSPECTION
Health inspection found 6 health deficiencies.
See what inspectors found
- INSPECTION
Health inspection found 2 health deficiencies.
See what inspectors found
Penalties & enforcement
On record with Medicare: 2 fines · $17,114 in total fines.
- $8,557
Federal fine
Apr 26, 2024
Operator & ownership
- Ownership
- For profit - Individual
- Chain
- Part of HEARTHSTONE SENIOR COMMUNITIES · 8 homes · 1.9 stars avg
- Occupancy
- 102.2 residents on an average day (85% of 120 beds)
- Resident voice
- Resident & family councils
- Medicare history
- Certified for 53 years
Things at a nursing home change — inspections, staffing, ownership, news.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — public records, updated monthly. GoodStanding presents official records with plain-language summaries. Always visit a facility in person.