St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
1301 Saint Luke Drive · Spencer, IA · 51301 · 7122625931
79 certified beds Non profit - Corporation Part of a CCRC
Why this verdict
- Inspectors found immediate jeopardy — danger of serious harm or death — in the most recent cycle (1 citation).
- Inspection record is far worse than the national median (deficiency count and severity).
- Federal penalties on record: $90,076 in fines in the last 24 months.
The complete Safety Report — $19
Everything on this page plus the full citation-by-citation history with inspector findings, the complete penalty record, staffing vs benchmarks, side-by-side nearby comparisons, and the printable tour checklist. One PDF, emailed in minutes, yours to keep and share with family.
Red flags
1 immediate-jeopardy citation 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.
$90,076 in federal fines in the last 24 months
2 fines — 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: 4 of 5
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 3.86 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 0.89 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 3.57 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 47% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | 2 · $90,076 |
Inspection citations (24 in the current record)
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Immediate jeopardy · J September 4, 2025 · found via complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Infection Control
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Potential for harm · E September 4, 2025
Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · E September 4, 2025 · found via complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025 · found via complaint
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D September 4, 2025 · found via complaint
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Corrected September 17, 2025 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Immediate jeopardy · J August 22, 2024 · found via complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected September 5, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D August 22, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · E August 22, 2024
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D August 22, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D August 22, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E August 22, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · E August 22, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected September 12, 2024 · Infection Control
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Potential for harm · D April 25, 2024 · found via complaint
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Corrected May 25, 2024 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · D April 25, 2024 · found via complaint
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected May 25, 2024 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
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Potential for harm · E April 25, 2024 · found via complaint
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Corrected May 25, 2024 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · E April 25, 2024 · found via complaint
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected May 25, 2024 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · D August 17, 2023
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected September 17, 2023 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D August 17, 2023
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Corrected September 17, 2023 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D August 17, 2023
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Corrected September 17, 2023 · Nursing and Physician Services
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Potential for harm · D August 17, 2023
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Corrected September 17, 2023 · Nutrition and Dietary
Federal penalties
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2025 | Fine | $81,679 |
| August 22, 2024 | Fine | $8,397 |
| August 22, 2024 | Payment Denial | 21 days |
Family & resident reviews — a separate signal, never mixed into the score
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Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 165484 · certified since July 7, 2003. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.