B

Buchanan County Health Center

1600 First Street East, Independence, IA 50644
Score: 74 / 100

With a score of 74/100 and a B grade, Buchanan County Health Center is a well-regarded option in Independence, Iowa. The facility performs above average in most CMS categories, placing it in the 67th percentile statewide.

Staffing levels at Buchanan County Health Center exceed national averages, with 4.49 total nursing hours per resident per day — compared to the national average of 3.8 hours. RN coverage of 1.17 hours per resident per day also exceeds the national average of 0.7 hours.

Recent CMS inspections identified 11 deficiencies at Buchanan County Health Center, including 1 classified as serious — among the most concerning citation levels. The most notable finding involved: procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards..

Score Breakdown

Overall CMS Rating 32 / 40 pts
4 ★ CMS rating
Health Inspections 15 / 25 pts
3 ★ inspection rating
Staffing 20 / 20 pts
5 ★ staffing rating
Quality Measures 12 / 15 pts
4 ★ quality measures

🏥 Staffing Details

Staff Type Hours/Resident/Day National Avg Comparison
Total Nursing 4.49 3.8 Above Average
Registered Nurses (RN) 1.17 0.7 Above Average
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) 0.48 0.7 Below Average
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) 2.84 2.4 Above Average
Weekend Total Nursing 3.65 3.8 Average
Weekend RN Hours 0.79 0.7 Above Average

🔍 Inspection & Deficiency History

11
Total Deficiencies
Mar 19, 2025
Most Recent Inspection
⚪ 2 Minor 🟠 8 Moderate 🔴 1 Serious
View recent deficiencies (5 shown)
  • Tag 0812 Severity F
    Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
    Mar 19, 2025 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
  • Tag 0658 Severity D
    Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
    Mar 19, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
  • Tag 0689 Severity J
    Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
    Nov 25, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
  • Tag 0741 Severity D
    Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
    Nov 25, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
  • Tag 0801 Severity F
    Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qu
    Jun 5, 2024 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

📊 Resident Outcome Measures

Based on CMS quality measure data. Lower percentages are better for most metrics.

Measure This Facility Nat'l Avg
Residents with pressure ulcers 5.7% 4.5% Worse
Falls with major injury 5.3% 3.0% Worse
On antipsychotic medication 15.5% 14.5% Average
Urinary tract infections 3.8% 2.5% Worse
ADL decline (daily activities) 17.0% 14.0% Worse
Excessive weight loss 6.3% 7.5% Better
New/worsened incontinence 21.1% 45.0% Better

⚠️ Penalties & Fines

1 penalty recorded by CMS

Total fines: $4,011

How This Grade Was Calculated

This facility's grade of B is based on a score of 74 out of 100, calculated from official CMS Nursing Home Compare data:

  • Overall CMS Rating: 4★ → 32 pts (max 40)
  • Health Inspection Rating: 3★ → 15 pts (max 25)
  • Staffing Rating: 5★ → 20 pts (max 20)
  • Quality Measures Rating: 4★ → 12 pts (max 15)
  • Penalty deductions: -5 pts
  • Fine deductions: -0 pts

Grades: A=85+, B=70–84, C=55–69, D=40–54, F=below 40

Facility Details

Ownership
Government - County
Certified Beds
39
Provider Type
Medicaid
Resident Council
Yes
Family Council
No
Sprinkler System
Yes
Last Inspection
Mar 19, 2025
Deficiencies (Cycle 1)
4

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