Dubuque Specialty Care
Dubuque Specialty Care is a non profit - corporation facility in Dubuque, IA with 84 certified beds and a 2-star overall CMS rating. The inspection file holds 25 deficiency records. Total penalties: $53K.
2935 Kaufmann Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 5635560673
Overall CMS Rating
vs 3.0 national avg
The verdict
Dubuque Specialty Care holds a 2-star CMS overall rating — below the 3.0-star national average, with nurse staffing below the national norm. 3 inspection findings reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level.
- 2 / 5
- CMS overall rating (nat'l avg 3.0)
- 3.16
- Nursing hrs/resident-day (nat'l 3.89)
- 25
- Inspection findings on file · 3 serious
- $53K
- Federal penalties (1)
CMS combines health inspections, nurse-staffing levels, and clinical quality measures into the overall star rating. Read the components below — they often tell a sharper story than the headline.
Health Inspection
Staffing
Quality Measures
Long-Stay Quality
Facility Information
- Provider Number
- 165228
- Ownership
- Non profit - Corporation
- Provider Type
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Beds
- 84
- Residents
- 52
- In Hospital
- No
- County
- Dubuque
- Last Inspection
- Jul 30, 2025
Staffing Data
- RN Hours
- 0.57 (nat'l avg: 0.68)
- LPN Hours
- 0.59
- CNA Hours
- 2.00
- Total Nursing Hours
- 3.16 (nat'l avg: 3.89)
- PT Hours
- 0.09
- Nursing Turnover
- 56.9%
- RN Turnover
- 58.3%
What the CMS Record Reveals About Dubuque Specialty Care
Dubuque Specialty Care operates 84 certified beds in Dubuque, IA with approximately 52 residents currently in care, and carries a CMS overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars. The overall score is a composite of three weighted sub-ratings published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: health inspection results (2★), staffing levels (3★), and quality measures (4★). Because CMS caps the overall score at the health-inspection tier and then adjusts up or down based on staffing and quality, the sub-scores often tell a sharper story than the headline star count alone — a 3-star facility with weak inspection history reads differently from one held back by thin staffing.
The inspection file contains 25 deficiency records from recent surveys, of which 3 reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy threshold on the CMS scope-and-severity grid. On the enforcement side, CMS has assessed 1 penalty totaling $53K against this provider, a tangible indicator that regulators moved beyond citation into financial consequence. Staffing is reported at 3.16 total nursing hours per resident day (national average 3.89), with RN coverage at 0.57 per resident day — the single staffing metric most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.
Classified as "Non profit - Corporation" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, Dubuque Specialty Care falls into a category where comparative context matters. National research consistently shows that ownership structure, staffing hours, and turnover are the three operational levers that correlate most strongly with resident outcomes — ratings and fines are lagging indicators of those upstream choices. Reported nursing turnover at this facility is 56.9%, above the level where continuity of care typically begins to suffer. For families evaluating this facility, the CMS record should be read alongside a site visit, direct conversation with current residents and their families, and review of the state health department's most recent inspection report — the star rating is a starting point, not a verdict. All data on this page is sourced from CMS Provider Data and the Nursing Home Compare program; always verify details directly with the facility or your state survey agency before making placement decisions.
Deficiency History (25 most recent)
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 28, 2025
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Category: Environmental Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 6, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 4, 2023
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Feb 23, 2023
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Feb 26, 2023
Quality Measures
| Measure | Type | Score | Used in Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | Long Stay | 5.8% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | Long Stay | 3.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | Long Stay | 2.1% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | Long Stay | 0.0% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | Long Stay | 4.3% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | Long Stay | 0.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | Long Stay | 5.4% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Long Stay | 82.4% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Short Stay | 45.7% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Short Stay | 0.0% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | Long Stay | 19.6% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | Long Stay | 25.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Long Stay | 94.8% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Short Stay | 51.5% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | Long Stay | 2.0% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | Long Stay | 27.4% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | Long Stay | 27.3% | Yes |
Penalty History 1 penalties totaling $53K
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 2024 | Fine | $53K |
| Jul 15, 2024 | Payment Denial | - |
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Understanding Nursing Home Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall CMS rating for Dubuque Specialty Care?
What are the staffing levels at Dubuque Specialty Care?
How many beds does Dubuque Specialty Care have?
Does Dubuque Specialty Care have any deficiencies on record?
Has Dubuque Specialty Care received any fines or penalties?
Who owns Dubuque Specialty Care?
When was Dubuque Specialty Care last inspected?
What quality measures are tracked for Dubuque Specialty Care?
Data Sources
Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare. Ratings, staffing, deficiency, quality measure, and penalty data are from CMS Provider Data. For informational purposes only. Always verify information directly with the facility or your state health department.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.