Home › Georgia › Towns County › Chatuge Regional Nursing Home
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home
386 Belaire Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546 · CMS Certification Number (CCN) 115701
At a glance
- CMS overall rating
- ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5
- Health inspection citations
- 33 in the last 3 inspection cycles (5 immediate jeopardy, 0 actual harm, 19 from complaints)
- Fire safety citations
- 13
- Fines (last 3 years)
- 1 fine, total $64,214
- Payment denials
- 0
- Most recent standard inspection
- December 4, 2025
- Official record
- Medicare Care Compare page for this facility
Source: CMS Nursing Home Provider Information: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
CMS star ratings
CMS rates every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home from 1 to 5 stars. Health inspection stars are relative to other homes in the same state: the top 10% get 5 stars and the bottom 20% get 1 star. CMS says to use the ratings together with other information, including a visit. Technical Users’ Guide
| Rating | This facility | Georgia average | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 | 2.7 | 3 |
| Health inspections | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 | 2.9 | 2.8 |
| Staffing | ★★★★☆ 4 of 5 | 2.3 | 2.9 |
| Quality measures | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 | 2.9 | 3.6 |
| Long-stay quality | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 | Not published | Not published |
| Short-stay quality | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 | Not published | Not published |
Averages: CMS State and US Averages: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Health inspections
| Inspection cycle | Standard survey date | Health citations | From standard survey | From complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 (most recent) | December 4, 2025 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Cycle 2 | June 8, 2024 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
CMS weighted health inspection score: 150.5 (lower is better; it counts citation severity, complaints and repeat revisits). Citations from infection control inspections: Not published. How to read these citations
33 health citations across 3 inspection dates, newest first. The letter is CMS’s scope/severity code: A–C means potential for minimal harm, D–F potential for more than minimal harm, G–I actual harm, and J–L immediate jeopardy.
December 4, 2025: 6 citations (Standard)
| Severity | Tag | What was cited | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | F-0759 | Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
| D | F-0757 | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
| D | F-0656 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
| D | F-0628 | Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
| D | F-0558 | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
| D | F-0554 | Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/28/2026 |
June 8, 2024: 19 citations (Standard + Complaint)
| Severity | Tag | What was cited | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | F-0909 | Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame. Environmental Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| L | F-0835 | Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently. Administration Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| E | F-0809 | Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| E | F-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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0758 | Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0756 | Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| C | F-0732 | Post nurse staffing information every day. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| E | F-0700 | Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0695 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0684 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0657 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0640 | Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0623 | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| J | F-0610 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| J | F-0609 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| J | F-0602 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| J | F-0600 | Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| F | F-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. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| D | F-0550 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies | Standard + Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
December 15, 2022: 8 citations (Standard)
| Severity | Tag | What was cited | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | F-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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0695 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0688 | Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0677 | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0656 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0644 | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0610 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| D | F-0609 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
Source: CMS Health Deficiencies: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Fire safety inspections
13 fire safety citations across 3 inspection dates
| Date | Severity | Tag | What was cited | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/04/2025 | D | K-0353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/20/2026 |
| 12/04/2025 | D | K-0345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/20/2026 |
| 12/04/2025 | D | K-0223 | Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector. Egress Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/20/2026 |
| 06/08/2024 | D | K-0923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 06/08/2024 | D | K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 06/08/2024 | D | K-0781 | Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters. Miscellaneous Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 06/08/2024 | D | K-0372 | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. Smoke Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 06/08/2024 | D | K-0211 | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 06/08/2024 | F | E-0031 | Provide emergency officials' contact information. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 07/24/2024 |
| 12/15/2022 | D | K-0920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| 12/15/2022 | D | K-0918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| 12/15/2022 | D | K-0753 | Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations. Miscellaneous Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
| 12/15/2022 | D | K-0211 | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Corrected 01/29/2023 |
Automatic sprinklers in all required areas: Yes. CMS does not count fire safety citations in the health inspection star rating.
Source: CMS Fire Safety Deficiencies: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Penalties
| Date | Type | Fine amount | Payment denial |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2024 | Fine | $64,214 | — |
Source: CMS Penalties: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Georgia average | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 3.78 | 3.56 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day | 0.78 | 0.5 | 0.69 |
| LPN/LVN hours per resident per day | 0.98 | Not published | Not published |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 2.02 | Not published | Not published |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day, weekends | 3.29 | Not published | Not published |
| RN hours per resident per day, weekends | 0.28 | Not published | Not published |
| Total nursing staff turnover (%) | 46.3 | 46 | 45.8 |
| Registered nurse turnover (%) | 40 | Not published | Not published |
| Administrators who have left | 0 | Not published | Not published |
Reported hours come from the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data that facilities submit to CMS each quarter.
Source: CMS Provider Information; State and US Averages: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Facility details
- Legal business name
- Chatuge Regional Hospital INC
- Ownership type
- Non profit - Corporation
- Chain
- Not published
- Ownership changed in last 12 months
- No
- Certified beds
- 112
- Average residents per day
- 80.7
- Participates in
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Located inside a hospital
- Yes
- Continuing care retirement community
- No
- Resident and family council
- Resident
- First approved for Medicare/Medicaid
- October 1, 2005
- County/parish
- Towns
Source: CMS Provider Information: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Owners and managers reported to CMS
18 ownership and management records
| Name | Role | Type | Ownership % | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| DAVENPORT, RICK | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| GARY, THOMAS | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| OWENBY, GREG | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| PARIS, DINAH | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| ROWE, STEVEN | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| UNION COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY | TRUSTEE OF THE SNF | Organization | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN | TRUSTEE OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL | TRUSTEE OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS | TRUSTEE OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| UNION COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY | ADP OF THE SNF | Organization | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN | ADP OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL | ADP OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| STAHLKUPPE, ROBERT | ADP OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS | ADP OF THE SNF | Individual | NOT APPLICABLE | undefined undefined, NaN |
Source: CMS Ownership: data.cms.gov · data as of September 1, 2026 · last checked October 25, 2026
Check it yourself
- Medicare Care Compare: Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. Full inspection reports, quality measures and staffing.
- HFR online complaint form. The state agency also takes nursing home complaints.
- Ask the facility to show you its most recent inspection report and plan of correction.
Page built from CMS data files processed September 1, 2026 (CMS refreshes monthly). Last checked October 25, 2026. Not a ranking or endorsement.