nursing home in Forest Lake, MN
Birchwood Health Care Center
604 1st Street NE, Forest Lake, MN 55025 · (651) 464-5600
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★1
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Birchwood Health Care Center at a glance
Birchwood Health Care Center is a 100-bed non-profit nursing home in Forest Lake, Minnesota (Washington County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Minnesota average of 3.2.
Residents receive about 3.9 hours of nursing care per day (0.8 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 4.2 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (June 12, 2026) found 11 health citations. The Minnesota average is 7.1.
Federal regulators fined it 4 times in the past three years, totaling $139,646.
Nursing staff turnover is 37.7% per year (state average 42.2%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 100
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Lifespark
- Medicare-certified since
- December 1, 1974
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Washington County
- CMS Certification Number
- 245200
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.86 hrs | 4.19 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.78 hrs | 1.06 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.08 hrs | 2.52 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.56 hrs | 3.71 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 37.7% | 42.2% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 50% | 38.6% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 11 | 7 | 9 | Worse |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 4 | 2 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 116.3 | 63.9 | 80.6 | Worse |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 4 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $139,646 | $24,507 | $30,972 | Worse |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 5 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 100 | 71 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 84 | 60 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 84.3% | 84.1% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 2% | 4% | 3.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 2.6% | 5.2% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 12% | 17.1% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.4% | 1.9% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 12.3% | 18.2% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 13.7% | 20.5% | 14.1% | Average |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 5.7% | 4.1% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 9.4% | 4.1% | 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) | 9.8% | 12.5% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 28.6% | 24.5% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 98.1% | 96.1% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 97.4% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Minnesota avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 1.3% | 1.9% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 88.7% | 82.7% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 98.2% | 88.1% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 39 health deficiencies and 16 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 4 citations involved actual harm, including 2 rated "immediate jeopardy".
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | 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. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Fire safety | Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0311 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 30, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected June 11, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 28, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Standard | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 28, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Standard | 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 28, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 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 July 28, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 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 July 28, 2026 |
| June 12, 2026 Standard | Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected July 28, 2026 |
| May 6, 2026 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 11, 2026 |
| December 19, 2025 Complaint | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 23, 2026 |
| November 13, 2025 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected November 9, 2025 |
| November 13, 2025 Complaint | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 9, 2026 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0341 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | 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. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Standard | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Standard | Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Standard | Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 27, 2025 |
| April 10, 2025 Complaint | 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 May 27, 2025 |
| February 9, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Fire safety | Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0293 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0781 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper storage of liquid oxygen. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0930 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 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 March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | 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 March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 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 March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | 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 March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| February 9, 2024 Standard | Post nurse staffing information every day. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected March 11, 2024 |
| January 10, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2024 |
| January 10, 2024 Complaint | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2024 |
| January 10, 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 February 3, 2024 |
| January 10, 2024 Complaint | 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 February 3, 2024 |
| January 10, 2024 Complaint | Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2024 |
| January 10, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2024 |
| January 4, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2024 |
| December 6, 2023 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| September 1, 2023 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 27, 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 5 federal penalties in the past three years, including $139,646 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Payment Denial | 14 days from July 16, 2026 |
| May 6, 2026 | Fine | $90,790 |
| November 13, 2025 | Fine | $10,519 |
| February 9, 2024 | Fine | $29,234 |
| January 4, 2024 | Fine | $9,103 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEGIS THERAPIES, INC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2009 |
| CHEBLI, YASSER Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2022 |
| GRAPE TREE MEDICAL STAFFING LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2023 |
| KING, RYAN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2025 |
| KRAMER, TRISHA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/20/2024 |
| LIFESPARK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/09/2025 |
| LIFESPRK HOLDINGS, INC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/30/2020 |
| MILLER, MEGAN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2025 |
| SENIOR CARE COMMUNITIES Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/30/1999 |
| SHIFTSTER LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2023 |
| TWSL. LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/30/2020 |
| MARSHALL, SUSAN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2007 |
| MARTIN, RICHARD Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2007 |
| TOULOUSE, MOLLY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/30/2017 |
| CHEBLI, YASSER Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2022 |
| KING, RYAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2025 |
| LIFESPARK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/30/2020 |
| MILLER, MEGAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2025 |
Other nursing homes near Birchwood Health Care Center
Meadows on Fairview
25565 Fairview Avenue, Wyoming, MN 55092 · 2.5 mi
Non-profit · 14 beds · Part of Ebenezer Senior Living
★★★★★4Above averageParmly on the Lake LLC
28210 Old Towne Road, Chisago City, MN 55013 · 6.9 mi
For-profit · 91 beds · Part of Monarch Healthcare Management
★★★★★2Below averageWaverly Gardens
5919 Centerville Road, North Oaks, MN 55127 · 11.7 mi
Non-profit · 60 beds · Part of Presbyterian Homes & Services
- Abuse citation
★★★★★3AverageChristian Community Home of Osceola, INC
2650 65th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020 · 13.8 mi
Non-profit · 40 beds
★★★★★2Below averageCerenity Care Center White Bear Lake
1900 Webber Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 · 14.2 mi
Non-profit · 132 beds
★★★★★4Above averageEcumen North Branch
5379 -383rd Street, North Branch, MN 55056 · 15.2 mi
Non-profit · 50 beds · Part of Ecumen
★★★★★3Average
Frequently asked questions
What is Birchwood Health Care Center's rating?
Birchwood Health Care Center has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Minnesota nursing homes is 3.2 stars.
How many inspection citations did Birchwood Health Care Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 11 citations, compared with a Minnesota average of 7.1. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Birchwood Health Care Center 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 Birchwood Health Care Center?
It is non profit - corporation and part of Lifespark. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Birchwood Health Care Center and how do I contact it?
Birchwood Health Care Center is at 604 1st Street NE, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Phone: (651) 464-5600.
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.