Federal nursing home survey record · CMS-certified nursing home· Not a state assisted-living licensing record
LAKE RIDGE CARE CENTER OF BUFFALO, INC.
BUFFALO, MN · 56 certified beds · Last Life Safety survey January 8, 2026
CMS Certification Number 245513 · first certified February 1988
Ownership
Operated by CASSIA · Non profit - Corporation
No change of ownership on CMS record since January 1, 2016, when the records begin.
Position within MN
7 citations — more than 19% of the 338 certified nursing homes in MN. Compared within MN 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 4 citations; the earlier surveys in the window averaged 1.5. With 3 surveys on file this is a direction of travel, not a conclusion.
When is the next survey likely?
The window opens December 2026 — about 2 months from now. This facility’s last Life Safety survey was January 2026. Facilities in MN are typically surveyed 11–14 months after the last one (median 13), measured over 613 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
Get an email about LAKE RIDGE CARE CENTER OF BUFFALO, INC.
One email when it happens. No account; stop it any time with one click.
Emergency preparedness
1 of the 7 citations on file is 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)
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 7 Life Safety citations above. The Physical Environment Index
How that compares
Compared with the median facility in MN, and nationally. Surveyors differ markedly between states, so the MN figure is the meaningful one.
| Measure | Citations |
|---|---|
| This facility | 7 |
| Median facility in MN | 12 |
| Median facility nationally | 11 |
Survey history
| Survey date | Citations |
|---|---|
| October 18, 2023 | 2 |
| December 6, 2024 | 1 |
| January 8, 2026 | 4 |
Most-cited tags
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Times cited | Last cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-0271 | Have exits that are accessible at all times. | 1 | 2026-01-08 |
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | 1 | 2024-12-06 |
| K-0363 | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. | 1 | 2026-01-08 |
| K-0372 | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. | 1 | 2026-01-08 |
| E-0034 | Provide a means of sharing information on occupancy/needs. | 1 | 2023-10-18 |
| K-0321 | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. | 1 | 2026-01-08 |
| K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | 1 | 2023-10-18 |
What the citations cover
- Smoke Deficiencies 3
- Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies 2
- Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies 1
- Egress Deficiencies 1
| Category | Citations |
|---|---|
| Smoke Deficiencies | 3 |
| Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | 2 |
| Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | 1 |
| Egress Deficiencies | 1 |
Every citation on file
As published by CMS, newest survey first. Descriptions are CMS’s own wording.
January 8, 2026 — 4 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0271 | Have exits that are accessible at all times. | Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 31, 2026) |
| K-0321 | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 25, 2026) |
| K-0363 | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 25, 2026) |
| K-0372 | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (February 25, 2026) |
December 6, 2024 — 1 citation
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (December 26, 2024) |
October 18, 2023 — 2 citations
| Tag | What the surveyor checks | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-0034 | Provide a means of sharing information on occupancy/needs. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (November 24, 2023) |
| K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | Deficient, Provider has date of correction (November 24, 2023) |
Reflects the CMS posting of August 1, 2026. Surveys conducted in the last few months may not appear yet.