Northern Mahaska Specialty Care has a 2-star overall rating, with a 2-star health inspection rating, 4-star staffing, and 3-star quality measures. It has a recent federal penalty, $39,033 in fines over the last 24 months, and reported nurse staffing of 3.20 hours per resident per day, below the 4.1-hour federal benchmark.
Last inspection: November 24, 2025Penalties, last 24 months: $39,033recent federal penalty
Federal guidance recommends at least 4.1 nursing hours per resident each day. This facility reports 3.2016.
Staffing detail
Registered nurses
0.56
Licensed practical nurses
0.57
Nurse aides
2.07
Weekend nursing
2.78
Hours per resident per day.
Total staff turnover: 31%
Registered nurse turnover: 20%
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).
Last yrNowTrend
Long-stay residents on antipsychotic medication
14.9%20.3%Worsening
Residents with a fall causing major injury
2.8%2.8%No change
Residents with pressure ulcers (bedsores)
1.3%1.1%No change
Residents with a urinary tract infection
0%0%No change
Residents who lost too much weight
12.5%3%Improving
Residents who were physically restrained
0%0%No change
Residents needing more help with daily activities
19%15.6%Improving
Residents whose ability to walk got worse
20.2%20.6%No change
Long-stay residents on antianxiety or sleep medication
18.5%14.9%Improving
Short-stay residents newly given an antipsychotic
0%0%No change
Residents with a long-term catheter
0%1.5%Worsening
Residents with new or worsening incontinence
20.3%25.6%Worsening
Residents with depressive symptoms
0%0%No change
Positive outcomes
Higher is better — e.g. vaccinations. An increase is good (green); a decrease is concerning (red).
Last yrNowTrend
Long-stay residents given the seasonal flu vaccine
—98.7%—
Long-stay residents given the pneumonia vaccine
100%100%No change
Short-stay residents given the seasonal flu vaccine
—91.4%—
Short-stay residents given the pneumonia vaccine
97.1%97.6%No change
What the inspectors found
The nursing home failed to keep the area free of hazards and provide enough supervision to prevent accidents. Cited July 2024 — isolated incident, immediate jeopardy to residents.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 689 — 42 CFR §483.25(d) — S/S: J
The home failed to ensure meals and menus were planned, updated, and followed to meet residents’ nutritional needs. Cited November 2025 — limited pattern, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 803 — 42 CFR §483.60 — S/S: E
The nursing home failed to provide and carry out an infection prevention and control program to help keep residents from getting or spreading infections. Cited November 2025 — limited pattern, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 880 — 42 CFR §483.80(a) — S/S: E
The home failed to ensure residents had a safe, clean, comfortable, homelike environment and daily care supports were provided safely. Cited December 2023 — limited pattern, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 584 — 42 CFR §483.10 — S/S: E
The home failed to provide enough nursing staff each day and ensure a licensed nurse was in charge on every shift. Cited August 2023 — limited pattern, potential for harm.
View the original federal record
F-Tag 725 — 42 CFR §483.35 — S/S: E
Recent history
STAFFING
Reported nurse staffing was below the federal recommendation of 4.1 hours per resident per day.
INSPECTION
Health inspection found 4 health deficiencies.
See what inspectors found
INSPECTION
Health inspection found 1 health deficiency.
See what inspectors found
PENALTY
A federal fine of $39,033 was recorded.
INSPECTION
Health inspection found 1 health deficiency.
See what inspectors found
Penalties & enforcement
On record with Medicare: 1 fine · $39,033 in total fines.
Federal fine
Jul 6, 2024
$39,033
Operator & ownership
Ownership
Non profit - Corporation
Chain
Part of CARE INITIATIVES · 43 homes · 3 stars avg
Occupancy
75.8 residents on an average day (96% of 79 beds)
Resident voice
Resident council
Medicare history
Certified for 30 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.