Dubuque Specialty Care
2935 Kaufmann Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Dubuque County · (563) 556-0673
84 certified beds, about 52 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1994
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
2 of 5
Health inspections
2 of 5
Staffing
3 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 165228 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on July 30, 2025, inspectors cited 8 health deficiencies (the Iowa average is 6.5, the national average 9.2).
Of 23 health citations since May 2023, 2 were rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents.
CMS lists 1 fine totaling $53,372 in the last three years; the largest was $53,372, and the latest is dated July 15, 2024.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 2.89 hours per resident per day, against 3.82 across Iowa and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.57 of those hours.
57.1% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Iowa average 44.0%).
CMS links it to Care Initiatives, an affiliated group of 43 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.
005/23
110/23
1407/24
807/25
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 23 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
2G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
15D
3E
1F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
2B
0C
July 30, 2025Standard inspection, Complaint inspection · 8 citations
- F Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Inspectors wroteBased on staff interview, facility policy review and review of the Summary Statement of Deficiencies of previous surveys, the facility failed to maintain an effective Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program to prevent repeat deficiencies. The facility reported s census of 57 residents. Review of the Statement of Deficiencies for a Recertification and Complaint Survey completed on 7/15/24, revealed the deficiencies identified included F657 (Care Plan Timing and Revision), F725 (Sufficient Nursing Staff), F812 (Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/ Serve-Sanitary), and F880 (Infection Control). The Recertification and Complaint Survey completed on 7/30/25, identified repeat deficient practices for: F657, F725, F812, and F880. [...]
- D Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to incorporate recommendations from the PASRR (Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review) Level II Determination into the Care Plan for 2 of 3 residents reviewed (Residents #10 and Resident #52). The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, staff interviews and facility policy review the facility failed to update the Care Plan after a new mental health diagnosis for 1 of 4 residents reviewed (Resident#2). The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, resident and staff interviews, and facility policy review the facility failed to respond to call lights in a timely manner for 2 out of 10 residents reviewed (Resident # 2 and Resident #51). The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, clinical record review, resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure ongoing care planning to address a resident's behavioral health needs, including timely implementation of a Crisis Intervention/Safety Plan per Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) recommendation for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for behavioral healthcare (Resident #52). The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, clinical record review, facility policy review and staff interview, the facility failed to prime an insulin pen prior to 2 of 2 observations for insulin administration (Resident #25). The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, review of kitchen staff training records, and staff interviews the facility failed to prepare pureed foods under safe and sanitary conditions during 1 of 2 kitchen observations. The facility reported a census of 57 residents.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, clinical record review, staff interview and facility document review the facility failed to use enhanced barrier precaution (EBP) and keep resident catheter tubing off the floor for 1 out of 2 residents reviewed (Resident #2). The Facility reported a census of 57 residents.
July 15, 2024Standard inspection, Complaint inspection · 14 citations
- G Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to prevent two pressure ulcers from developing for 1 of 2 residents reviewed with pressure ulcers (Resident #14). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- E Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, staff interviews, resident interviews, and policy review the facility failed to follow Physician's Orders when administering insulin for 4 of 4 residents reviewed for diabetes mellitus medication administration (Residents #4, #36, #56, and #60). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- E Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to answer call lights in a timely manner for 4 of 4 residents observed. (Residents #14, #28, #36 and #214). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- E Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, policy review, and staff interview the facility failed to keep fingers off the drinking surface of glasses during dining service. The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, resident interviews, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to treat residents with dignity and respect for 2 of 6 residents reviewed for dignity (Residents #36 and #214). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, family and staff interview, the facility failed to notify family of changes in the resident's condition for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #5). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, facility records, resident interviews, and staff interviews the facility failed to maintain a homelike environment related to musty urine odors in common areas and stains on hallway carpets. The B wing was noted by Resident #27 to have more odor during humid days. The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to update the Care Plans for 2 of 2 residents reviewed after changes in care occurred (Residents #5 and #14). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to document an assessment for 1 of 2 residents sent to the hospital (Resident #5). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, family and staff interview, the facility failed to prevent an incident with injury for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident #5). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to utilize the proper infection control techniques during wound care for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #14). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- D Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to repair call lights for 2 of 2 residents (Residents #28 and #36). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- B Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, policy review, and staff interview the facility failed to notify the ombudsman of resident transfers for 1 of 2 residents reviewed (Resident #6). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
- B Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, staff interview and policy review, the facility failed to document that the Bed Hold policy had been reviewed with 1 of 4 residents that were transferred to the hospital (Resident #14). The facility reported a census of 58 residents.
October 24, 2023Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- G Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, observations, staff interviews, and facility incident and policy review, the facility failed to provide appropriate supervision to keep the resident safe and free from injury for one of three residents reviewed (Resident #2). The facility reported a census of 60 residents.
May 4, 2023Standard inspection · 0 citations
Fire safety inspections
15 fire safety citations on file: 2 on July 30, 2025, 6 on July 15, 2024, 7 on May 4, 2023.
Every fire safety citation15 citations
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- F Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
- F Implement emergency and standby power systems.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
- D Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- F Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- F Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
- E Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- D Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Fines and payment denials
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2024 | Fine | $53,372 |
| July 15, 2024 | Payment Denial | 16 days from August 7, 2024 |
A payment denial means Medicare and Medicaid stopped paying for new admissions for that period.
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 | Iowa | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 2.89 | 3.82 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.57 | 0.74 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 2.40 | 3.37 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 1.79 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.54 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 57.1% | 44.0% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 71.4% | 42.1% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 1 |
CMS expects 2.98 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 3.09 on weekdays and 2.40 on weekends, 22% 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 3.20 in April to June 2025 to 2.89 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 | 2.89 | 0.57 | 3.09 | 2.40 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 52 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 2.89 | 0.48 | 3.03 | 2.54 | 0.0% | 2 of 92 | 51 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.16 | 0.57 | 3.31 | 2.76 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 52 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.20 | 0.51 | 3.34 | 2.87 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 53 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Iowa, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.80 | 0.71 | 3.98 | 3.36 | 4.7% | 0.3% 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 | Iowa | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 7.9 | 17.1 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 5.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 20.4 | 16.6 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 27.7 | 19.4 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: CARE INITIATIVES. CMS links this home to Care Initiatives, a group of 43 nursing homes averaging 2.9 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care Initiatives | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 09/01/2009 |
| Computershare Corporate Trust Company, Na | 5% or greater mortgage interest | Organization | 02/01/2025 | |
| Beal, Michael | Corporate director | Individual | 06/01/2020 | |
| Bowen, Lane | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2021 | |
| Carothers, Mary Jane | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2023 | |
| Childs, Kevin | Corporate director | Individual | 04/01/2023 | |
| Corless, Peter | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Krein, Keith | Corporate director | Individual | 06/29/2022 | |
| Rust, Elizabeth | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2023 | |
| Sturm, Denise | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2021 | |
| Upmeyer, Linda | Corporate director | Individual | 06/29/2022 | |
| Beal, Michael | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/01/2020 | |
| Dixon, David | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/01/2016 | |
| Drake, Emily | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/04/2023 | |
| Gilyard, Tanya | Corporate officer | Individual | 05/23/2025 | |
| Kuhn, Jeramy | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/25/2008 | |
| McDyer, Jessica | Corporate officer | Individual | 02/22/2023 | |
| Volm, Johanna | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/01/2021 | |
| Baedke, Charissa | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2024 | |
| Duve, Jamie | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 05/08/2024 | |
| Whyms, Brian | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2024 | |
| Computershare Corporate Trust Company, Na | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 04/11/2025 | |
| Bird, Lavern | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 04/11/2025 | |
| Duve, Jamie | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 04/11/2025 | |
| Whyms, Brian | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 07/28/2025 |
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.
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on July 30, 2025: "Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on July 15, 2024: "Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on July 30, 2025: "Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed."
- How many nurses and aides work each shift, nights and weekends included?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on July 30, 2025: "Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 2.40 hours per resident per day, below the Iowa average of 3.37.
- How long has the current administrator been here?CMS counts 1 administrator who left in the period it measured.
Other nursing homes nearby
- Luther Manor at Hillcrest Dubuque, 0.7 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 24 citations
- Ennoble Nursing and Rehab Dubuque, 0.9 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 2 citations
- Harmony Dubuque Dubuque, 2.3 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 28 citations
- Grand Meadows Senior Living & Health Care Asbury, 2.3 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 20 citations
- Stonehill Care Center Dubuque, 2.4 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 4 citations
- Bethany Home Dubuque, 2.4 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 1 citation
- Hawkeye Care Center Dubuque Asbury, 2.8 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 10 citations
- Sunnycrest Manor Dubuque, 2.9 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 13 citations
Iowa contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Iowa. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Health Facilities, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Iowa Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, 866-236-1430. 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: Iowa Health Facility Database, Entity Search, where Iowa publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Dubuque Specialty Care's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Dubuque Specialty Care 2 out of 5 stars overall, with 2 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Dubuque Specialty Care get at its last inspection?
- 8 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on July 30, 2025. The Iowa average is 6.5.
- Has Dubuque Specialty Care been fined?
- Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $53,372 in the last three years.
- Does Dubuque Specialty Care 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 Dubuque Specialty Care?
- CMS lists 25 owners and managers, and links the home to Care Initiatives. Legal business name: CARE INITIATIVES.
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.