Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the CMS Five-Star rating measure?
CMS Five-Star ratings evaluate nursing homes on three dimensions: health inspections (results from on-site surveys), staffing levels (nurse hours per resident per day), and quality measures (clinical outcome metrics like fall rates and pressure ulcer rates). Each component receives its own star rating; the overall rating combines all three, weighted toward health inspections.
What is a 'deficiency' in a nursing home inspection?
A deficiency is a finding where a nursing home failed to meet a federal quality or safety standard during a CMS health inspection survey. Deficiencies are classified by scope (isolated, pattern, or widespread) and severity (from minimal harm to immediate jeopardy). Serious deficiencies (categories G–L involving actual harm or jeopardy) are weighted heavily in the health inspection star rating.
Does a 1-star CMS rating mean a nursing home is unsafe?
No. A 1-star overall rating means the facility scored in the bottom band of CMS's Five-Star measures relative to other nursing homes in its state. It is a comparative performance band, not a determination that the home is unsafe, unfit, or unauthorized to operate. Combine the rating with the facility's inspection citations, staffing hours, an in-person visit, and direct verification on Medicare.gov Care Compare before any placement decision.
How current is the data?
CMS updates Nursing Home Compare data monthly for most measures. Our database reflects the most recent CMS data download. Inspection findings are generally current to within 30-60 days. For the most current information about a specific facility, visit the official Medicare Nursing Home Compare tool at medicare.gov.
What are staffing hours per resident day (HPRD)?
HPRD is the average number of hours of nursing care each resident receives per day. CMS tracks RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) hours separately using payroll data submitted by facilities. Higher HPRD generally correlates with better care outcomes. CMS adjusts raw hours for case-mix to account for facilities caring for higher-acuity residents.
Does PlainNursing include assisted living facilities?
No. PlainNursing covers only Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) in the CMS dataset. Assisted living facilities are state-regulated and not included in the CMS Nursing Home Compare database.
Is PlainNursing affiliated with CMS or Medicare?
No. PlainNursing is an independent data portal and is not affiliated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, or any government agency. We present publicly available CMS data to help families and researchers compare nursing homes.