The Highlands
Decorah, IA · Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home (CCN 165178) · 86 certified beds
Health inspection: 2 · Quality measures: 3 · Staffing: 4
Federal fines: 2 totaling $93,839 · 1 payment denial
Phone: (563) 382-3603 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
The Highlands has a CMS overall star rating of 2 out of 5, which is below the Iowa state average of 3.07. Its health inspection rating is 2 out of 5 and its staffing rating is 4 out of 5.
The Highlands reports 3.90 total nurse hours per resident per day, including 0.44 RN hours per resident per day, with a staffing star rating of 4 out of 5. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 53.3%.
The Highlands has 2 federal fines on record totaling $93,839.00, plus 1 payment denial. No abuse icon or Special Focus status is indicated in the available CMS data for this facility.
About this facility
The Highlands is a non-profit, corporation-owned nursing home in Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, certified for both Medicare and Medicaid since 1993. The facility has 86 certified beds with an average of 75.4 residents.
According to CMS Care Compare, The Highlands holds an overall star rating of 2 out of 5, which is below the Iowa state average of 3.07. Its health inspection rating is 2 out of 5, its staffing rating is 4 out of 5, and its quality measure (QM) rating is 3 out of 5.
Nurse staffing data reported to CMS shows total nurse hours of 3.90 per resident per day, with 0.44 RN hours per resident per day. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 53.3%.
On penalties, CMS records show 2 federal fines totaling $93,839.00, and 1 instance of payment denial for this facility. There is no abuse icon or Special Focus status noted in the provided data for The Highlands. Ownership has not changed in the past 12 months, so current ratings reflect the current operator.
No chain affiliation is indicated in the available data for this facility.
Families evaluating this facility should review the full inspection history and quality measures directly on Medicare Care Compare, as this summary reflects only the data provided as of the most recent CMS reporting period.
Questions families ask
What is this nursing home's CMS overall star rating and how does it compare to the state average?
The Highlands has an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is below the Iowa state average of 3.07.
Does this facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or both?
The Highlands is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid.
How well is this facility staffed — nurse hours per resident and turnover?
Total nurse staffing is 3.90 hours per resident per day, including 0.44 RN hours, with a staffing rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Nursing staff turnover is 53.3%.
Does this facility have federal fines or penalties on record?
Yes, CMS records show 2 fines totaling $93,839.00 and 1 payment denial for The Highlands.
Has CMS flagged this facility for abuse or placed it in the Special Focus program?
The data provided does not indicate an abuse icon or Special Focus status for this facility.
How large is this facility and how many residents live there?
The Highlands has 86 certified beds with an average daily population of 75.4 residents.
Who owns this facility — and is it part of a chain?
The Highlands is owned by a non-profit corporation; no chain affiliation is indicated in the available data.
How long has this facility been Medicare/Medicaid certified?
The Highlands was first approved for Medicare and Medicaid certification in 1993.
What do the four different CMS star ratings mean?
CMS rates facilities on overall quality (2 stars), health inspections (2 stars), staffing (4 stars), and quality measures (3 stars), each reflecting a different aspect of care.
Does this facility offer short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care?
The provided data does not specify rehabilitation services; contact the facility at (563) 382-3603 or check Medicare Care Compare for details.
What should I look for when touring this facility?
The data provided does not cover tour details; contact the facility at (563) 382-3603 to arrange a visit and verify current conditions.
How do I verify this facility's current record on Medicare Care Compare?
You can review The Highlands' full current record at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/nursing-home/165178?state=IA.
Data: CMS Care Compare (Aug2026 refresh). Star ratings, staffing hours, and penalty records are CMS's official published measures. Always tour the facility, review the current inspection record, and verify details with Medicare before making care decisions.