Guthrie Cortland Medical Center
134 Homer Avenue · Cortland, NY · 13045 · 6077563909
80 certified beds Non profit - Corporation Chain: Guthrie Hospital-based
Why this verdict
- Inspectors found immediate jeopardy — danger of serious harm or death — in the most recent cycle (2 citations).
- Inspection record is far worse than the national median (deficiency count and severity).
- Federal penalties on record: $182,653 in fines in the last 24 months.
- Inspection results are getting worse cycle over cycle, not better.
- Staffing hours comfortably above national benchmarks.
Red flags
2 immediate-jeopardy citations in the most recent inspection cycle
Immediate jeopardy is the most serious finding an inspector can make: a situation likely to cause serious injury, harm, or death.
$182,653 in federal fines in the last 24 months
1 fine — CMS fines are reserved for verified, serious non-compliance.
If someone you love was harmed at a facility with findings like these, you have options — read this.
Score breakdown
Quality-measure stars are deliberately excluded — they're largely self-reported by facilities. Full method.
CMS ratings & staffing
Overall: 2 of 5 Inspections: 1 of 5 Staffing: 5 of 5 Quality measures: 5 of 5
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 4.66 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 0.85 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 3.71 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 23% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | 2 · $253,087 |
Inspection citations (15 in the current record)
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Immediate jeopardy · J March 31, 2026 · found via complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected July 17, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Immediate jeopardy · K February 25, 2026
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Corrected April 9, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D February 25, 2026
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected April 9, 2026 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · E February 25, 2026
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected April 9, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D February 25, 2026
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected April 9, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E February 25, 2026
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Corrected April 9, 2026 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · D March 15, 2024
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.
Corrected April 30, 2024 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · D March 15, 2024
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.
Corrected April 30, 2024 · Pharmacy Service
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Potential for harm · E March 15, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected April 30, 2024 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · D March 15, 2024 · found via complaint
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Corrected April 30, 2024 · Pharmacy Service
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No harm found · C March 15, 2024
Allow residents to easily view the nursing home's survey results and communicate with advocate agencies.
Corrected April 30, 2024 · Resident Rights
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Actual harm · G September 11, 2023 · found via complaint
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected November 3, 2023 · Quality of Life and Care
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Actual harm · G September 11, 2023 · found via complaint
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Corrected November 3, 2023 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · D September 11, 2023 · found via complaint
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected November 3, 2023 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D December 17, 2021
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.
Corrected February 14, 2022 · Resident Rights
Federal penalties
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| February 11, 2026 | Fine | $182,653 |
| September 11, 2023 | Fine | $70,434 |
Family & resident reviews — a separate signal, never mixed into the score
No approved reviews yet. If your family has experience with this facility, yours could be the review that helps the next family decide.
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Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 335768 · certified since October 27, 1993. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.