Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
Buchanan County Health Center
Independence, IA · 39 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey March 19, 2026
CMS Certification Number 16E050 · first certified October 1974
Ownership
Independently operated (no chain recorded by CMS) · Government - County
No change of ownership on CMS record since January 1, 2016, when the records begin.
Position within IA
5 citations — more than 12% 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 in the window averaged 1. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens February 2027 — about 4 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was March 2026. Facilities in IA are typically surveyed 11–13 months after the last one (median 12), measured over 700 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 three years in Maryland. How the window is measured
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Physical environment (health survey)
2 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 5 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 | 5 |
| Median facility in IA | 12 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2024 | 0 |
| March 20, 2025 | 2 |
| March 19, 2026 | 3 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-0291 | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. | 1 | 2025-03-20 |
| K-0133 | Install a two-hour-resistant firewall separation. | 1 | 2026-03-19 |
| K-0921 | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. | 1 | 2026-03-19 |
| K-0918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. | 1 | 2026-03-19 |
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | 1 | 2025-03-20 |
What the citations cover
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 2
- Construction Deficiencies 1
- Miscellaneous Deficiencies 1
- Egress Deficiencies 1
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 2 |
| Construction Deficiencies | 1 |
| Miscellaneous Deficiencies | 1 |
| Egress Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
March 19, 2026 — 3 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0133 | Install a two-hour-resistant firewall separation. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (March 18, 2026) |
| K-0918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (March 25, 2026) |
| K-0921 | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (March 26, 2026) |
March 20, 2025 — 2 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0291 | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (March 31, 2025) |
| K-0712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (March 31, 2025) |
Reflects the CMS posting of August 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.