Home / South Carolina / Okatie
NHC Healthcare - Bluffton
3039 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC 29909 · Jasper County · (843) 705-8220
120 certified beds, about 116 residents a day · For profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 2010
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
4 of 5
Health inspections
4 of 5
Staffing
4 of 5
Quality measures
4 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 425397 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on January 30, 2026, inspectors cited 1 health deficiency (the South Carolina average is 3.7, the national average 9.2).
None of its 10 health citations since October 2022 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 3.44 hours per resident per day, against 3.84 across South Carolina and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.57 of those hours.
44.1% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (South Carolina average 45.9%).
CMS links it to National Healthcare Corporation, an affiliated group of 71 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.
410/22
111/23
311/24
107/25
101/26
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 10 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
0G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
7D
2E
1F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
January 30, 2026Standard inspection · 1 citation
- D Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview, record review, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure that Resident (R)6 received necessary behavioral health services in a timely manner. R6 consented to behavioral health services on 07/17/25, the facility did not acknowledge the consent/referral until 11/20/25. During this lapse of behavioral health services, R6 had several depressive and anxiety related symptoms, this non-compliance had the potential to place the resident at risk for further emotional distress, for 1 of 4 residents reviewed for mood/behaviors.
July 18, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of facility policy, record review, review of a police incident report, witness statements, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that Resident (R)1 received adequate supervision to prevent a successful elopement from the facility on 06/22/25 at approximately 3:15 PM. Specifically, R1 was found by 2 Samaritans, facility staff, and law enforcement outside of the facility. Per police incident documentation, R1 was found near a wooded swamp area near the facility's parking lot. R1 was observed covered in dirt and in need of toileting care (R1's pants was saturated with urine). On 07/18/25 at 12:57 PM, the State Agency (SA) determined that the facility's non-compliance with one or more federal health, safety, and/or quality regulations has caused or was likely to cause serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death. [...]
November 14, 2024Standard inspection · 3 citations
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the facility policy, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure foods that are stored in the refrigerator, freezer, and dry storage areas were labeled, appropriately stored and sealed, and discarded after the manufacturer's expiration date. This deficient practice has the potential to increase foodborne illnesses. Findings Include: Review of the facility's policy titled, Refrigerator and Freezer Storage, dated 11/2017 states Refrigerated and frozen foods will be stored properly for optimal product safety. 9. A) Foods will be stored in their original container or a NSF approved container or wrapped tightly in moisture proof film, foil, etc. Clearly labeled with the contents and the use by date. (Food Code 3-501.17). 10. [...]
- E 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the facility policy, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure expired medication was removed from medication and treatment carts and properly label a medication bottle for 2 of 3 units reviewed for medication storage. Additionally, the facility failed to secure a medication cart for 1 of 3 units reviewed for medication storage.
- D Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to properly store and label an nasal respiratory inhaler for 1(Resident (R)44) of 1 resident reviewed for respiratory care and services.
November 27, 2023Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, record review, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to administer medications to Resident (R)1 in a clinically appropriate manner for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for self-administration of medications.
October 28, 2022Standard inspection · 4 citations
- E Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews, record review and document reviews, the facility failed to timely complete the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for Resident #1, Resident #4, and Resident #15; 3 of 5 residents reviewed for resident assessment.
- D Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to assess for safe self-administration of medications for 2 (Residents #10 and #55) of 8 residents reviewed for self-administration of medications.
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews, record review, document review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure a resident was free from resident-to-resident physical abuse for 1 (Resident #23) of 7 sampled residents reviewed for abuse and/or neglect. Specifically, Resident #23 was slapped in the face by Resident #24, who had a history of combative and physically aggressive behaviors with staff.
- D Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews, record review and document reviews, the facility failed to timely complete the admission and annual Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for Resident #3 and Resident #212; 2 of 5 residents reviewed for resident assessment.
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 | South Carolina | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.44 | 3.84 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.57 | 0.63 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 2.97 | 3.33 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 1.74 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 1.13 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 44.1% | 45.9% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 26.7% | 42.1% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.36 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 3.64 on weekdays and 2.97 on weekends, 18% 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 3.31 in April to June 2025 to 3.44 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 | 3.44 | 0.57 | 3.64 | 2.97 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 116 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.34 | 0.48 | 3.49 | 2.95 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 116 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.57 | 0.52 | 3.76 | 3.08 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 115 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.31 | 0.50 | 3.50 | 2.81 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 114 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| South Carolina, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.62 | 0.53 | 3.81 | 3.13 | 7.2% | 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 | South Carolina | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 6.9 | 11.9 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 5.3 | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 8.4 | 12.7 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 9.5 | 15.3 | 15.4 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 18.2 | 24.3 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 18.5 | 13.9 | 12.0 |
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: NHC HEALTHCARE-BLUFFTON LLC. CMS links this home to National Healthcare Corporation, a group of 71 nursing homes averaging 4 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHC/Delaware Inc | Indirect ownership interest | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| Moorhouse, Bradley | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 07/01/2018 | |
| Moorhouse, Bradley | Corporate officer | Individual | 07/01/2018 | |
| National Healthcare Corporation | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| NHC-Op LP | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| Dawson, Della | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/26/2009 | |
| Dodson, Vicki | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 06/01/2019 | |
| Hall, Robert | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 02/09/2013 | |
| Kidd, Brian | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2017 | |
| McClain, Jaclyn | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/21/2022 | |
| Moorhouse, Bradley | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2018 | |
| Shelly, Timothy | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/12/2024 | |
| Ussery, Robert | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2017 | |
| Blackrock Inc | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 03/20/2019 | |
| Dimensional Fund Advisors LP | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 03/07/2023 | |
| Morgan Stanley | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 11/08/2024 | |
| National Health Corporation | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| National Healthcare Corporation | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| NHC-Op LP | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/12/2010 | |
| Vanguard Group Inc | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 03/27/2017 | |
| Dodson, Vicki | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 06/01/2019 | |
| Hall, Robert | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 06/17/2025 | |
| Kidd, Brian | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2017 | |
| McClain, Jaclyn | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 04/03/2025 |
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 3 problems in this area, most recently on January 30, 2026: "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 2 problems in this area, most recently on November 27, 2023: "Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on October 28, 2022: "Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months."
- Can we see a week of menus and the kitchen, and how are special diets handled?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on November 14, 2024: "Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 2.97 hours per resident per day, below the South Carolina average of 3.33.
Other nursing homes nearby
- Sprenger Healthcare of Bluffton Bluffton, 1.5 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 5 citations
- Broad Creek Care Center Hilton Head Island, 12.3 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 7 citations
- The Preston Health Center Hilton Head Island, 12.7 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 5 citations
- Fraser Health Center Hilton Head Island, 13.9 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 6 citations
- Life Care Center of Hilton Head Hilton Head Island, 14 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 15 citations
- Pruitthealth - Seaside Port Wentworth, 15.4 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 14 citations
- Ridgeland Nursing Center Inc Ridgeland, 16.2 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 28 citations
- Sprenger Health Care of Port Royal Port Royal, 16.9 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 6 citations
South Carolina contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in South Carolina. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: South Carolina Department of Public Health, Healthcare Quality, Nursing Homes, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Department on Aging, 1-800-868-9095. 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: SC Survey and Certification Public CMS-2567 Search, where South Carolina publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is NHC Healthcare - Bluffton's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates NHC Healthcare - Bluffton 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 for health inspections, 4 for staffing and 4 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did NHC Healthcare - Bluffton get at its last inspection?
- 1 health deficiency at the standard inspection on January 30, 2026. The South Carolina average is 3.7.
- Has NHC Healthcare - Bluffton been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does NHC Healthcare - Bluffton 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 NHC Healthcare - Bluffton?
- CMS lists 24 owners and managers, and links the home to National Healthcare Corporation. Legal business name: NHC HEALTHCARE-BLUFFTON LLC.
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.