Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
Salem Lutheran Home
Elk Horn, IA · 64 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey August 13, 2026
CMS Certification Number 165155 · first certified May 1990
Ownership
Operated by GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY · Non profit - Church related
No change of ownership on CMS record since January 1, 2016, when the records begin.
Position within IA
13 citations — more than 56% of the 387 certified nursing homes in IA. Compared within IA rather than nationally because which state a facility is in explains about 30% of the variation in citation counts between facilities, while bed count explains under 1%. State survey agencies differ far more than the buildings do. How this is calculated
The latest survey found 3 citations; the earlier surveys on file averaged 5. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens July 2027 — about 8 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was August 2026. Facilities in IA are typically surveyed 11–13 months after the last one (median 12), measured over 692 consecutive surveys in the last two years of CMS records.
A range the record supports, not a prediction of a date. State agencies vary widely — from about 11 months in Pennsylvania to about three years in Virginia. How the window is measured
Get an email about Salem Lutheran Home
One email when it happens. No account; stop it any time with one click.
2 inspection-and-testing tags have been cited here at more than one survey. Nationally, that pattern is common: about three quarters of cited facilities have at least one repeated tag, and half of the facilities cited for sprinkler inspection and testing in CMS’s current file are cited for it again. A repeat is usually a recordkeeping gap rather than a new hazard.
Emergency preparedness
2 of the 13 citations on file are Emergency Preparedness E-tags. E-tags are cited under 42 CFR §483.73 and concern the emergency plan, training, drills, communications and supplies. Nationally about half of certified facilities have at least one. The Emergency Preparedness Index
Physical environment (health survey)
5 physical-environment citations on the health survey. Cited by the health surveyors under Appendix PP, not the Life Safety Code surveyor: equipment in safe operating condition, the call system, bed rails, pest control, hazards, the environment. Counted separately from the 13 Life Safety citations above. The Physical Environment Index
How that compares
Compared with the median facility in IA, and nationally. Surveyors differ markedly between states, so the IA figure is the meaningful one.
| Measure | Citations |
|---|---|
| This facility | 13 |
| Median facility in IA | 12 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| August 11, 2024 | 9 |
| June 26, 2025 | 1 |
| August 13, 2026 | 3 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | 2 | 2026-08-13 |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | 2 | 2025-06-26 |
| K-0914 | Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. | 1 | 2024-08-11 |
| E-0039 | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. | 1 | 2026-08-13 |
| K-0761 | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. | 1 | 2026-08-13 |
| K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | 1 | 2024-08-11 |
| E-0004 | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). | 1 | 2024-08-11 |
| K-0522 | Have an externally vented heating system. | 1 | 2024-08-11 |
What the citations cover
- Miscellaneous Deficiencies 4
- Smoke Deficiencies 3
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 2
- Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies 2
- Other 2
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Deficiencies | 4 |
| Smoke Deficiencies | 3 |
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 2 |
| Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | 2 |
| Egress Deficiencies | 1 |
| Services Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
August 13, 2026 — 3 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0039 | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 21, 2026) |
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 12, 2026) |
| K-0761 | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 2, 2026) |
June 26, 2025 — 1 citation
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (July 29, 2025) |
August 11, 2024 — 9 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0004 | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 13, 2024) |
| K-0222 | Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 27, 2024) |
| K-0345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 12, 2024) |
| K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 28, 2024) |
| K-0522 | Have an externally vented heating system. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 28, 2024) |
| K-0711 | Provide a written emergency evacuation plan. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 5, 2024) |
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (September 5, 2024) |
| K-0914 | Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 28, 2024) |
| K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (August 27, 2024) |
Reflects the CMS posting of October 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.