nursing home in Hiawassee, GA
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home
386 Belaire Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546 · (706) 896-2231
★★★★★1
Much below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★1
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★1
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home at a glance
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home is a 112-bed non-profit nursing home in Hiawassee, Georgia (Towns County).
CMS gives it 1 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Georgia average of 2.7.
Residents receive about 3.8 hours of nursing care per day (0.8 of them from registered nurses), better than the state average of 3.6 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (December 4, 2025) found 6 health citations. The Georgia average is 5.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $64,214.
Nursing staff turnover is 46.3% per year (state average 46%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 112
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- October 1, 2005
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Towns County
- CMS Certification Number
- 115701
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.3 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Worse |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.6 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Worse |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.78 hrs | 3.56 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.78 hrs | 0.50 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.02 hrs | 2.14 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.29 hrs | 3.10 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 46.3% | 46% | 45.8% | Average |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 40% | 44.5% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 6 | 5 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 2 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 150.5 | 50.6 | 80.6 | Worse |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $64,214 | $12,749 | $30,972 | Worse |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 112 | 111 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 81 | 90 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 72.1% | 81.7% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 3.8% | 3.2% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 8.5% | 5.6% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 22.5% | 19.9% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 5.8% | 2.5% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 1.4% | 0.9% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 12.7% | 15.3% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 9.4% | 15.2% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 5.6% | 5.6% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 1.6% | 11.3% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 25.6% | 20.5% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 13.6% | 15.8% | 19% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 95% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 91.4% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Georgia avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 80.3% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 33 health deficiencies and 13 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 5 citations involved actual harm, including 5 rated "immediate jeopardy".
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 4, 2025 Fire safety | 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 · Tag K0223 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 20, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 20, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 20, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0554 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Standard | 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 · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 28, 2026 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Provide emergency officials' contact information. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0031 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0372 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0781 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 | L Immediate jeopardy, widespread | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0602 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0600 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0585 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0809 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0700 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0909 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0756 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0758 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0623 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | 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 · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024 Complaint | Post nurse staffing information every day. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected July 24, 2024 |
| December 15, 2022 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0753 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | 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 · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | 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 · Tag F0761 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
| December 15, 2022 Standard | 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 · Tag F0688 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2023 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $64,214 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| June 8, 2024 | Fine | $64,214 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/25/2019 |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/11/2016 |
| STAHLKUPPE, ROBERT Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/21/2025 |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| UNION COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/03/2025 |
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/25/2019 |
| DAVENPORT, RICK Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2019 |
| GARY, THOMAS Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2019 |
| OWENBY, GREG Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2019 |
| PARIS, DINAH Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/18/2010 |
| ROWE, STEVEN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2015 |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/11/2016 |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| BIERSCHENK, KEVIN Individual | trustee of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/25/2019 |
| KEPHART, MICHAEL Individual | trustee of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/11/2016 |
| TOWNSEND, NICHOLAS Individual | trustee of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| UNION COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY Organization | trustee of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/01/1999 |
Other nursing homes near Chatuge Regional Nursing Home
Clay County Health and Rehabilitation
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★★★★★2Below averageUnion County Nursing Home
164 Nursing Home Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512 · 12.7 mi
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★★★★★4Above averageValley View Care and Rehabilitation
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★★★★★2Below averageMountain View Health Care
547 Warwoman Road, Clayton, GA 30525 · 20.9 mi
For-profit · 117 beds · Part of C. Ross Management
- Abuse citation
★★★★★1Much below averageFriendship Health and Rehab
161 Friendship Road, Cleveland, GA 30528 · 22.4 mi
For-profit · 89 beds · Part of Reliable Health Care Management
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above average- ★★★★★4Above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Chatuge Regional Nursing Home's rating?
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home has 1 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Georgia nursing homes is 2.7 stars.
How many inspection citations did Chatuge Regional Nursing Home receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 6 citations, compared with a Georgia average of 5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Chatuge Regional Nursing Home accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Chatuge Regional Nursing Home?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Chatuge Regional Nursing Home and how do I contact it?
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home is at 386 Belaire Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Phone: (706) 896-2231.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.