Home / Minnesota / Howard Lake
Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake
413 13th Avenue, Howard Lake, MN 55349 · Wright County · (320) 543-3800
32 certified beds, about 28 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1985
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
4 of 5
Health inspections
3 of 5
Staffing
5 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 245278 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on February 12, 2026, inspectors cited 8 health deficiencies (the Minnesota average is 7.1, the national average 9.2).
None of its 11 health citations since November 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 4.06 hours per resident per day, against 4.19 across Minnesota and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 1.88 of those hours.
9.1% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Minnesota average 42.2%).
CMS links it to Good Samaritan Society, an affiliated group of 92 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.
111/23
201/25
802/26
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 11 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
0G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
8D
2E
1F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
February 12, 2026Standard inspection · 8 citations
- 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, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure food and beverages were handled and served in a sanitary manner to prevent contamination for residents receiving meals in the dining room. Additionally, the facility failed to consistently monitor dishwasher temperatures for rinse cycles and take timely action to correct the process to assure temperatures were within the desired range for the rinse cycle for 1 of 1 dishwashers observed. This had the potential to affect all 28 current residents, as well as staff, who ate food served from dishes and tableware that were cleaned in the dishwasher. Further more, the facility failed to ensure proper measures were implemented with meal preparation to ensure food was handled and prepared for service in a sanitary manner to prevent contamination of food products. [...]
- E Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure staff implemented infection prevention practices by offering assistance, encouragement, or reminders for residents to sanitize their hands prior to dining. This had the potential to affect all residents eating in the dining room.
- D Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident was treated with dignity and respect during the dining experience for 1 of 1 resident (R4) reviewed for dignity.
- 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 and interview, the facility failed to ensure the resident's physician was notified of change in condition and significant clinical events in accordance with provider orders for 1 of 1 resident (R20) reviewed for change in condition.
- D Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care was notified of a resident's transfer to the emergency room (ER) on two separate occasions for 1 of 3 residents (R4) for transfer from facility.
- D Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment was completed and closed in accordance with federal requirements for 1 of 1 resident (R26) for accuracy of assessments.
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure comprehensive care plans were developed and updated to address identified needs for 2 of 2 residents (R1 and R4) reviewed for development of care plans.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents received care and services in accordance with professional standards of practice to prevent avoidable harm for 1 of 1 resident (R1) observed during wheelchair transport.
January 9, 2025Standard inspection · 2 citations
- D Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure an elopement incident was reported to the State Agency (SA) not later than 24 hours for 1 of 1 residents (R32) reviewed for elopement.
- D Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and document review the facility failed to accurately complete a comprehensive Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for 1 of 1 resident, (R23), who was reviewed for dental status
November 8, 2023Standard inspection · 1 citation
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to maintain proper records of kitchen dishwasher temperature logs. This had the potential to affect all 27 residents.
Fire safety inspections
4 fire safety citations on file: 2 on February 12, 2026, 2 on November 8, 2023.
Every fire safety citation4 citations
- F Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- D Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- C Implement emergency and standby power systems.
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 | Minnesota | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 4.06 | 4.19 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 1.88 | 1.06 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.43 | 3.71 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.14 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.04 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 9.1% | 42.2% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 7.1% | 38.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.76 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 4.31 on weekdays and 3.43 on weekends, 20% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 2.4% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 3.87 in April to June 2025 to 4.06 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 | 4.06 | 1.88 | 4.31 | 3.43 | 2.4% | 0 of 90 | 28 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.64 | 1.68 | 3.81 | 3.21 | 1.4% | 0 of 92 | 31 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.82 | 1.75 | 4.04 | 3.25 | 0.9% | 0 of 92 | 30 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.87 | 1.69 | 4.07 | 3.36 | 1.3% | 0 of 91 | 29 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Minnesota, Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.19 | 1.05 | 4.38 | 3.73 | 5.2% | 0.8% 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 | Minnesota | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 20.7 | 18.2 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 9.6 | 2.6 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 51.2 | 20.5 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.0 | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.2 | 17.1 | 15.4 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 23.2 | 23.5 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 18.0 | 14.8 | 12.0 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY. CMS links this home to Good Samaritan Society, a group of 92 nursing homes averaging 3.1 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 01/01/2019 |
| Sanford | 5% or greater indirect ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 01/01/2019 |
| Brown, George | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Dykhouse, Dana | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Engbrecht, Wesley | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Gassen, William | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Gulsvig, Neil | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Lundeen, Mark | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| McCausland, Maureen | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Molbert, Lauris | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| North, Andrew | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Schieffer, Kevin | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Shulkin, David | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Teiken, Brent | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Ventling-Herrmann, Marnie | Corporate director | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Wenzel, Thomas | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Fluit, Joel | Corporate officer | Individual | 10/01/2022 | |
| Gassen, William | Corporate officer | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Middleton, Aimee | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/27/2022 | |
| Olson, Nicholas | Corporate officer | Individual | 04/08/2024 | |
| Schema, Nathan | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/01/2022 | |
| Lewis, Brian | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 08/25/2025 | |
| Morrison, Tony | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2019 | |
| Salonek, Laura | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 09/08/2008 | |
| Sandgren, Deeandra | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/16/2023 | |
| Fluit, Joel | Individual is an owner, partner or trustee of any ADP of the SNF | Individual | 03/03/2026 | |
| Dtn Staffing Inc | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 08/02/2024 | |
| Focusone Solutions | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 03/04/2024 | |
| Grape Tree Medical Staffing LLC | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 04/13/2018 | |
| Guardian Pharmacy of Minnesota LLC | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 09/26/2024 | |
| Sanford | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/01/2019 | |
| The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/01/2019 | |
| Brown, George | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Dykhouse, Dana | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Engbrecht, Wesley | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Fluit, Joel | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 10/01/2022 | |
| Gassen, William | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Gulsvig, Neil | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Lewis, Brian | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 08/25/2025 | |
| Lundeen, Mark | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| McCausland, Maureen | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Middleton, Aimee | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/27/2022 | |
| Molbert, Lauris | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Morrison, Tony | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2019 | |
| North, Andrew | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Olson, Nicholas | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 04/08/2024 | |
| Salonek, Laura | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 09/08/2008 | |
| Sandgren, Deeandra | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 07/16/2023 | |
| Schema, Nathan | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2022 | |
| Schieffer, Kevin | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Shulkin, David | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2020 | |
| Teiken, Brent | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Ventling-Herrmann, Marnie | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/30/2024 | |
| Wenzel, Thomas | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2025 |
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 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 12, 2026: "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 3 problems in this area, most recently on February 12, 2026: "Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment."
- Can we see a week of menus and the kitchen, and how are special diets handled?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on February 12, 2026: "Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on February 12, 2026: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 3.43 hours per resident per day, below the Minnesota average of 3.71.
Other nursing homes nearby
- Cokato Manor Cokato, 6 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 18 citations
- The Gardens at Winsted LLC Winsted, 6.5 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 39 citations
- The Estates at Delano LLC Delano, 10.2 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 19 citations
- Lakeside Generations Health Care Center Dassel, 11 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 8 citations
- Park View Health Care Center Buffalo, 12.3 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 2 citations
- Lake Ridge Care Center of Buffalo, Inc. Buffalo, 12.4 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 9 citations
- Annandale Care Center Inc Annandale, 14.2 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 5 citations
- Harmony River Living Center Hutchinson, 19.6 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 12 citations
Minnesota contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Minnesota. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- State inspection reports: MDH Nursing and Boarding Care Home Survey and Complaint Inspection Findings, where Minnesota publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake get at its last inspection?
- 8 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on February 12, 2026. The Minnesota average is 7.1.
- Has Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake 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 Good Samaritan Society - Howard Lake?
- CMS lists 56 owners and managers, and links the home to Good Samaritan Society. Legal business name: THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY.
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.