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HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER

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HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER is a for profit - corporation facility in LAKELAND, FL with 179 certified beds and a 2-star overall CMS rating. The facility has 33 deficiency records on file.

4240 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS RD, LAKELAND, FL 33813

Phone: 8636468699

Overall Rating

2/5

Health Inspection

2/5

Staffing

3/5

Quality Measures

4/5

Long-Stay Quality

5/5

Facility Information

Provider Number
105620
Ownership
For profit - Corporation
Provider Type
Medicare and Medicaid
Beds
179
Residents
158
In Hospital
No
County
Polk
Last Inspection
Mar 7, 2024

Staffing Data

RN Hours
0.63 (nat'l avg: 0.68)
LPN Hours
0.64
CNA Hours
2.02
Total Nursing Hours
3.28 (nat'l avg: 3.89)
PT Hours
0.09
Nursing Turnover
51.4%
RN Turnover
41.7%

What the CMS Record Reveals About HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER

HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER operates 179 certified beds in LAKELAND, FL with approximately 158 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 33 deficiency records from recent surveys, all falling in the no-harm or minimal-harm bands of the CMS scope-and-severity grid. No fines or payment denials have been assessed against this provider, suggesting issues — if any — did not rise to the enforcement threshold. Staffing is reported at 3.28 total nursing hours per resident day (national average 3.89), with RN coverage at 0.63 per resident day — the single staffing metric most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.

Classified as "For profit - Corporation" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER 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 51.4%, 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 (33 most recent)

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Nov 5, 2025 Tag: 0755

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 4, 2025

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 5, 2025 Tag: 0697

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 4, 2025

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Apr 17, 2025 Tag: 0773

Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.

Category: Administration Deficiencies

Corrected: May 12, 2025

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Apr 17, 2025 Tag: 0585

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.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: May 12, 2025

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 6, 2024 Tag: 0761

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.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 6, 2024 Tag: 0585

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.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 6, 2024 Tag: 0584

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: Sep 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0684

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0582

Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0925

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Category: Environmental Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0921

Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Category: Environmental Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0842

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0761

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.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0759

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0755

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0695

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0694

Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0690

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0675

Honor each resident's preferences, choices, values and beliefs.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0644

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: Apr 7, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Mar 7, 2024 Tag: 0641

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 7, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 16, 2023 Tag: 0757

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 4, 2023

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0806

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0759

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0755

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0695

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0692

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0625

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: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0623

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: Dec 16, 2021

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 18, 2021 Tag: 0550

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 16, 2021

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Feb 28, 2020 Tag: 0761

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.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Mar 28, 2020

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Feb 28, 2020 Tag: 0759

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Mar 28, 2020

Quality Measures

Measure Type Score Used in Rating
Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay 8.6% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight Long Stay 7.4% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay 0.0% 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 0.0% 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 3.5% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Long Stay 98.9% No
Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Short Stay 81.2% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay 1.1% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay 8.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication Long Stay 35.1% No
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Long Stay 100.0% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Short Stay 77.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay 2.9% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence Long Stay 16.6% No
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay 14.6% Yes

Penalty History

No penalties on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall CMS rating for HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER?
HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER has an overall CMS rating of 2 out of 5 stars. This rating combines health inspection results (2★), staffing levels (3★), and quality measures (4★).
What are the staffing levels at HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER?
HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER reports 3.28 total nursing hours per resident day (national average: 3.89). RN hours are 0.63 per resident day (national average: 0.68). Nursing staff turnover is 51.4%.
How many beds does HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER have?
HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER has 179 certified beds with approximately 158 residents. The facility is located at 4240 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS RD, LAKELAND, FL 33813.
Does HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER have any deficiencies on record?
Yes, HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER has 33 deficiencies on record from recent inspections. Most deficiencies are classified as no harm or minimal harm.
Has HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER received any fines or penalties?
No, HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER has no fines or penalties on record.
Who owns HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER?
HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER is classified as "For profit - Corporation" ownership. The facility type is "Medicare and Medicaid".
When was HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER last inspected?
The most recent health inspection for HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER was on Mar 7, 2024. The facility received a health inspection rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
What quality measures are tracked for HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER?
HIGHLANDS LAKE CENTER is evaluated on 17 quality measures, of which 8 are used in the CMS star rating calculation. These include measures for both long-stay and short-stay residents covering areas like infections, falls, pressure ulcers, and medication use.

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.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainNursing Editorial