What is Cherokee County Nursing Center's Medicare star rating?

CMS rates Cherokee County Nursing Center 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).

How many deficiencies did Cherokee County Nursing Center get at its last inspection?

2 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on July 3, 2025. The Oklahoma average is 6.4.

Has Cherokee County Nursing Center been fined?

CMS lists no fines in the last three years.

Does Cherokee County Nursing Center accept Medicaid?

It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.

Who owns Cherokee County Nursing Center?

CMS lists 7 owners and managers, and links the home to Central Arkansas Nursing Centers. Legal business name: CHEROKEE COUNTY NURSING CENTER INC.

Cherokee County Nursing Center: Inspections & Ratings

The record in brief

At its most recent standard inspection, on July 3, 2025, inspectors cited 2 health deficiencies (the Oklahoma average is 6.4, the national average 9.2).

None of its 24 health citations since February 2023 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy.

CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.

Nurses and nurse aides worked 4.13 hours per resident per day, against 3.79 across Oklahoma and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.28 of those hours.

48.5% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Oklahoma average 55.5%).

CMS links it to Central Arkansas Nursing Centers, an affiliated group of 38 nursing homes.

Health inspections

Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.

Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.

1602/23

302/24

303/25

207/25

Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit

Where its citations fall on CMS's grid

CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 24 health citations on file.

Severity

Isolated

Pattern

Widespread

Immediate jeopardy

Actual harm

Potential for more than minimal harm

13D

11E

Potential for minimal harm

July 3, 2025Standard inspection · 2 citations

D

Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

F693 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 11, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure enteral feeding bags were properly labeled for 1 (#60) of 1 resident reviewed for enteral feeding. The DON identified two residents who had enteral tube feedings.
D

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.

F761 · Pharmacy Service · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 11, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure medications were secure for 1 of 2 medication/treatment carts on the South hall. The administrator identified 99 residents resided in the facility.

March 5, 2025Complaint inspection · 3 citations

D

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

F609 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · found on a complaint visit · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 21, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to report an injury of unknown origin to the OSDH for 1 (#6) of 5 sampled residents reviewed for abuse. The DON reported 97 residents resided at the facility.
D

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

F610 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · found on a complaint visit · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 21, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to investigate an injury of unknown origin for 1 (#6) of 5 sampled residents reviewed for abuse. The DON reported 97 residents resided at the facility.
D

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

F880 · Infection Control · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · found on a complaint visit · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 21, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were followed during resident care for 1 (#9) of 3 sampled residents reviewed for PEG tube care. The infection preventionist identified three residents in the facility had PEG tubes.

February 16, 2024Standard inspection · 3 citations

E

Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

F554 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 7, 2024

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents were safe to self-administer medications for two (#34 and #66) of two sampled residents reviewed for self-administration of medications. The DON identified 99 residents resided in the facility.
E

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

F759 · Pharmacy Service · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 7, 2024

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the medication error rate was less than 5% for two (#27 and #75) of four sampled residents observed during medication pass. A total of 25 opportunities were observed with four errors. Total error rate was 16%. The DON identified 99 residents resided in the facility.
D

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

F881 · Infection Control · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 7, 2024

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to assess a resident for an infection using standardized tools and criteria for the initiation of an antibiotic for one (#58) of five sampled residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. The DON identified 99 residents resided in the facility.

February 10, 2023Standard inspection · 16 citations

E

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.

F578 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure advanced directives, including DNRs, were signed by an individual with the authority to do so for six (#36, 38, 48, 50, 57, and #71) of 33 residents whose records were reviewed for advanced directives. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 66 residents in the facility had an advanced directives and/or DNR.
E

Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.

F638 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure quarterly MDS assessments were completed no later than 14 days after the assessment reference date for seven, (#5, 31, 35, 36, 53, 70, and #92) of 24 residents whose MDS assessments were reviewed. The Resident Census and Condition of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
E

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

F641 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure resident assessments accurately reflected residents' current status for three (#12, 57, and #60) of 24 residents whose assessments were reviewed. The facility failed to accurately code for: a. dialysis for Res #60. b. hallucinations and delusions for Res #12. c. PASRR Level II for Res #57. d. prognosis for Res #57. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
E

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

F684 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to provide needed care and services in accordance with professional standards of practice for two (#36 and #87) of four residents reviewed for skin issues. The facility failed to: a. assess and monitor skin issues for Res #36. b. accurately measure wounds for Res #87. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
E

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

F698 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident received post dialysis assessments when the resident returned from dialysis for one (#60) of one resident reviewed for dialysis. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented one resident residing in the facility received dialysis.
E

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.

F700 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wrote2. Res #36 had diagnoses which included dementia, muscle wasting and atrophy, weakness, and lack of coordination. An admission/Medicare assessment, dated 10/31/22, documented Res #36 was moderately impaired in cognition and required limited assistance with ADLs. A care plan, dated 11/04/22, documented the resident had a self care performance deficit related to confusion, dementia, and limited mobility and required limited assistance with bed mobility. The care plan documented the resident may use positioning rails as needed for repositioning. On 02/06/23 at 1:53 p.m., Res #36 was observed lying on his bed in his room. Quarter bed rails were observed in the up position on both sides at the head of the bed. A review of Res #36's EHR did not reveal an assessment or consent for the use of bed rails. 3. [...]
E

Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

F756 · Pharmacy Service · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents' PCP addressed irregularities documented on the MRR per facility policy for five (#12, 13, 38, 76, and #92) of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
E

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

F812 · Nutrition and Dietary · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview the facility failed to store, prepare, and serve food in a sanitary manner. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents who lived in the facility.
E

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.

F909 · Environmental · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wrote2. Res #36 had diagnoses which included dementia, muscle wasting and atrophy, weakness, and lack of coordination. An admission/Medicare assessment, dated 10/31/22, documented Res #36 was moderately impaired in cognition and required limited assistance with ADLs. A care plan, dated 11/04/22, documented the resident had a self care performance deficit related to confusion, dementia, and limited mobility and required limited assistance with bed mobility. The care plan documented the resident may use positioning rails as needed for repositioning. On 02/06/23 at 1:53 p.m., Res #36 was observed lying on his bed in his room. Quarter bed rails were observed in the up position on both sides at the head of the bed. A review of Res #36's EHR did not reveal an assessment or consent for the use of bed rails. 3. [...]
D

Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

F582 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure an ABN notice was provided to a resident who was discharged from skilled services, had benefit days remaining, and remained in the facility, for one (#35) of three residents reviewed for beneficiary notices. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 17 resident residing in the facility were receiving skilled services.
D

Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

F637 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure comprehensive MDS assessments were completed by the 14th calendar day after a determination of significant change was made for two (#14 and #99) of 24 residents whose MDS assessments were reviewed. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
D

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

F657 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to revise care plans for one (#70) of 24 sampled residents whose care plans were reviewed. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form, dated 02/06/23, documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
D

Ensure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.

F728 · Nursing and Physician Services · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure nurse aides were certified within four months of hire. The BOM identified 12 nurse aides which were employed at the facility.
D

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

F757 · Pharmacy Service · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure medications were adequately monitored for one (#38) of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. The facility failed to obtain PT/INR labs for a resident who received warfarin. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
D

Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.

F770 · Administration · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure physician ordered laboratory tests were obtained for one (#12) of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents documented 99 residents resided in the facility.
D

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

F842 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) March 23, 2023

Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure resident records were accurately documented for one (#38) of 24 residents whose records were reviewed. The facility EHR contained documentation of cares and services provided when the resident was not present in the facility. The Resident Census and Conditions of Residents form documented 99 residents resided in the facility.

Fire safety inspections

1 fire safety citation on file: 1 on February 10, 2023.

Every fire safety citation1 citation

F
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

K 761 · February 10, 2023 · Corrected (the home has a date of correction)

Fines and payment denials

CMS lists no fines or payment denials against this home in the last three years. The national average is 0.9 fines per home.

Staffing

Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.

Measure	This home	Oklahoma	United States
All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides)	4.13	3.79	3.86
Registered nurses	0.28	0.34	0.69
All nursing staff on weekends	3.73	3.44	3.42
Nurse aides	2.77
Licensed practical nurses	1.07
Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year)	48.5%	55.5%	45.8%
Registered nurse turnover	not reported	53.6%	42.9%
Administrators who left	0

CMS expects 3.16 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.

Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records

Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 4.29 on weekdays and 3.73 on weekends, 13% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 0.0% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 4.29 in April to June 2025 to 4.13 in January to March 2026.

Quarter	All nursing staff	Registered nurses	Weekdays	Weekends	Contract staff share	Days with no RN hours	Residents a day
Jan to Mar 2026	4.13	0.28	4.29	3.73	0.0%	0 of 90	106
Oct to Dec 2025	3.93	0.28	4.07	3.59	0.0%	0 of 92	105
Jul to Sep 2025	4.05	0.28	4.23	3.59	0.0%	0 of 92	104
Apr to Jun 2025	4.29	0.26	4.50	3.77	0.0%	0 of 91	100
United States, Jan to Mar 2026	3.75	0.62	3.92	3.33	5.3%	0.5% of days
Oklahoma, Jan to Mar 2026	3.79	0.32	3.94	3.42	2.2%	1.6% of days

Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.

Quality measures

The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.

Measure	This home	Oklahoma	US
Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	18.5	13.6	13.9
Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	2.6	1.9	0.8
Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	4.2	2.8	1.6
Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	1.1	4.7	3.2
Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	0.9	1.8	1.6
Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	9.9	13.7	14.1
Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	4.7	4.7	4.6
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	10.7	17.5	15.4
Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	30.2	27.3	23.8
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	14.3	16.6	12.0
Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	2.5	2.3	1.9
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	1.8	3.0	1.8

Owners and operators

Legal business name: CHEROKEE COUNTY NURSING CENTER INC. CMS links this home to Central Arkansas Nursing Centers, a group of 38 nursing homes averaging 3.6 stars overall.

Name	Role	Type	Since
Morton, Michael	Corporate officer	Individual	12/12/2024
Sams, Jerry	Corporate officer	Individual	12/12/2014
Seratt, James	Operational/managerial control	Individual	12/10/2024
Ward Manor Inc	Adp of the SNF	Organization	12/12/2024
Erwin, Mark	Adp of the SNF	Individual	12/10/2024
Morton, Michael	Adp of the SNF	Individual	12/12/2024
Seratt, James	Adp of the SNF	Individual	12/10/2024

As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.

Questions to ask on a visit

Chosen from this home's own inspection record.

When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on February 10, 2023: "Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months."
How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on July 3, 2025: "Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube."
How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on July 3, 2025: "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."
How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on February 16, 2024: "Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate."

Other nursing homes nearby

University Park Skilled Nursing and Therapy Memory
Tahlequah, 0.9 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 28 citations
Sequoyah Pointe Skilled Nursing and Therapy
Tahlequah, 1.2 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 22 citations
Fort Gibson Care & Rehab Center
Fort Gibson, 18.7 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 35 citations
Stilwell Nursing and Rehab
Stilwell, 20 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 24 citations
Eastgate Village Care & Rehab Center
Muskogee, 24.1 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 24 citations
Wagoner Health & Rehab
Wagoner, 24.3 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 37 citations

Oklahoma contacts for a concern about a nursing home

These are the official offices in Oklahoma. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.

Inspections and complaints: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Long Term Care Service, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
Resident advocate: Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the Attorney General, 1-800-211-2116. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
State inspection reports: OSDH Long Term Care Surveys search, where Oklahoma publishes its own records on licensed homes.

Common questions

What is Cherokee County Nursing Center's Medicare star rating?: CMS rates Cherokee County Nursing Center 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
How many deficiencies did Cherokee County Nursing Center get at its last inspection?: 2 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on July 3, 2025. The Oklahoma average is 6.4.
Has Cherokee County Nursing Center been fined?: CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
Does Cherokee County Nursing Center accept Medicaid?: It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
Who owns Cherokee County Nursing Center?: CMS lists 7 owners and managers, and links the home to Central Arkansas Nursing Centers. Legal business name: CHEROKEE COUNTY NURSING CENTER INC.

Sources

Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.