Home / Minnesota / Thief River Falls
Oakland Park Communities, Inc.
123 Baken Street, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 · Pennington County · (218) 681-1675
35 certified beds, about 34 residents a day · For profit - Individual · Medicare and Medicaid since 1991
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
1 of 5
Health inspections
2 of 5
Staffing
4 of 5
Quality measures
1 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 245592 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on December 31, 2025, inspectors cited 5 health deficiencies (the Minnesota average is 7.1, the national average 9.2).
Of 29 health citations since March 2024, 3 were rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents (1 immediate jeopardy).
CMS lists 2 fines totaling $44,030 in the last three years; the largest was $26,685, and the latest is dated December 30, 2025.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 3.78 hours per resident per day, against 4.19 across Minnesota and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 1.09 of those hours.
43.5% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Minnesota average 42.2%).
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.
703/24
1301/25
107/25
512/25
302/26
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 29 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
1J
0K
0L
Actual harm
2G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
18D
2E
5F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
1C
February 19, 2026Complaint inspection · 3 citations
- G Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to implement standards of practice to ensure an assessment was completed to safely use of a lift chair for 1 of 3 residents (R1) reviewed for accidents. This resulted in actual harm when R1 had an unwitnessed fall from the lift chair and sustained a trimalleolar fracture (a severe, unstable ankle injury involving fractures of three distinct bones: the lateral malleolus (fibula), medial malleolus (tibia), and posterior malleolus (back of the tibia)) with lateral subluxation of the talus (high-energy trauma (falls) forcing the foot into severe eversion.) R1 was sent to the emergency room (ER) via ambulance and required medical evaluation and treatment. The facility implemented corrective action, so the deficient practice was issued at past non-compliance.
- 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 interviews and document review, the facility failed to contact the resident's physician of medication administration omissions for 1 of 3 resident (R1) reviewed who did not receive medications as ordered.
- D Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 resident (R2) reviewed for medication errors was free of significant medication errors when orders for Potassium (electrolyte that carries an electrical charge to balance fluids in the cells, contacts muscles including the heart and transmits nerve signals to the brain) was not transcribed into the electronic medical record according to physician's orders and resulted in at least six missed doses of Potassium 10 milliequivalent (mEq).
December 31, 2025Standard inspection · 5 citations
- D Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN CMS10055) and the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC CMS-10123) was provided to 1 of 3 residents (R17) reviewed for beneficiary notification.
- D Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to provide written bed hold notice to resident/resident's representative at the time of transfer to hospital for 1 of 1 resident (R12) reviewed for hospitalizations.
- 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, interview and document review, the facility failed to revise the resident's care plan to reflect accurate behaviors and interventions to mitigate behaviors for 1 of 1 resident (R18) reviewed for behavioral health.
- D Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the facility antibiotic stewardship program was followed for antibiotic use for 1 of 1 resident (R23) reviewed for antibiotic use.
- D Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to provide the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) education regarding the potential risks and benefits for vaccinations being offered along with offering the most recent pneumococcal vaccine for 1 of 5 residents (R21) reviewed for immunizations.
July 17, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- J Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased observation, interview and document review the facility failed to ensure staff transporting residents in a facility vehicle were trained on safe transport practices and had appropriate driver's license clearance for 3 of 3 (R1, R2, R3) residents reviewed for accidents. This resulted in an immediate jeopardy for R1 when he fell from his wheelchair to the floor of the van during transport after being improperly secured.
January 30, 2025Standard inspection, Complaint inspection · 13 citations
- G Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure manufacturer's instructions were followed for the use of a microwave heating of a gel pack, complete a comprehensive assessment of the burn and implement timely interventions to promote the healing of a burn for 1 of 1 resident (R15) reviewed for burns. This resulted in actual harm to R15 who sustained a 3rd degree burn (destroys your first three layers of skin and fatty tissue) from a gel pack.
- F Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure licensed nursing staff hours were submitted accurately on the payroll-based journal. This had the potential to affect all 32 residents residing in the facility.
- F Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview, and document review, the facility failed to develop, monitor, and evaluate their identified performance measures. This had the potential to affect all 46 residents residing in the facility.
- F Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the quality assurance (QA) committee held meetings with the required members on a, at minimum, quarterly basis. This had potential to affect all 32 residents residing in the facility at the time of the survey.
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) were followed for 2 of 2 residents (R14, R15) with wound care and failed to ensure personal protective equipment was used during the sorting of soiled laundry.
- 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 interview and document review, the facility failed to inform the physician of a burn for 1 of 1 resident (R15) reviewed for burns; and failed to inform the physician of a resident fall with significant bruising 1 of 1 resident (R29) reviewed for falls.
- 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 report a burn that resulted from the inappropriate use of a hot pack to the state agency (SA) for 1 of 1 resident (R15) reviewed for wound care.
- D Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review the facility failed to investigate a burn that resulted from the inappropriate use of a hot pack for 1 of 1 resident (R15) who was reviewed for wound care.
- D Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the medications section of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) was accurately coded for 1 of 1 resident (R15) reviewed for MDS accuracy.
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed comprehensively assess a pressure ulcer and implement interventions to promote healing for 1 of 2 residents (R14) reviewed for wound care.
- D Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure as needed pain medications were available to treat acute break through pain for 1 of 2 residents (R27); and failed to respond to request for pain medications for 1 of 2 residents ( R29) reviewed for pain management.
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure a medication allergy was clarified prior to administering medication and failed to ensure as needed (PRN) medication was administered under the recommended daily dose for 1 of 1 resident (R27) reviewed for pain.
- D Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the consulting pharmacist failed to identify and report irregularities related to resident allergies for a prescribed medication for 1 of 1 resident (R27) reviewed for pain.
March 21, 2024Standard inspection · 7 citations
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure soiled and potentially contaminated linen and resident laundry was sorted in a manner to reduce the risk of cross contamination and subsequent infection spread. These findings had the potential to affect all 34 residents residing in the facility.
- E Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Inspectors wroteBased of interview and document review, the facility failed to provide pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 20 variant (PCV20) education as directed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for 4 of 5 residents (R3, R6, R7, R15) reviewed for immunizations.
- E Provide at least one room set aside to use as a resident dining room and for activities, that is a good size, with good lighting, air flow and furniture.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to provide adequate dining room space to provide adequate space to move residents for 14 of 32 residents (R2, R4, R5, R8, R12, R17, R19, R22, R23, R26, R27, R30, R31, R34) who dined in the facility dining room for meals.
- D Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to review for and/or complete a significant change in status assessment (SCSA) when two or more areas of change in resident status were identified for 1 of 1 resident (R17) reviewed for nutrition.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to obtain and use the recommented lift sling as directed and failed to assess for the cause of a failed lift sling for 1 of 4 residents (R30) reviewed for safe mechanical lift transfers.
- D Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to comprehensively reassess and develop interventions to reduce/prevent continued weight loss for 1 of 1 resident (R17) reviewed for weight loss.
- C Post nurse staffing information every day.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the required daily nurse staffing information was updated daily with schedule changes. This had the potential to affect all 34 residents, as well as staff and visitors who may have wished to view the information.
Fire safety inspections
33 fire safety citations on file: 11 on December 31, 2025, 12 on January 30, 2025, 10 on March 21, 2024.
Every fire safety citation33 citations
- F Have horizontal exits used in accordance with safety requirements.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- D Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- D Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
- D Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
- D Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.
- D Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- D Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- F Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
- F List the names and contact information of those in the facility.
- F Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
- F Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
- F Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- F Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- F Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- D Have horizontal exits used in accordance with safety requirements.
- D Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- F Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- F Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- F Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- D Install proper backup exit lighting.
- D Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
- D Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
- D Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Fines and payment denials
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| December 30, 2025 | Fine | $26,685 |
| July 17, 2025 | Fine | $17,345 |
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 | Minnesota | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.78 | 4.19 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 1.09 | 1.06 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.19 | 3.71 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.50 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.19 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 43.5% | 42.2% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 37.5% | 38.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 1 |
CMS expects 3.23 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 4.02 on weekdays and 3.19 on weekends, 21% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 4.4% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 3.87 in April to June 2025 to 3.78 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 | 3.78 | 1.09 | 4.02 | 3.19 | 4.4% | 0 of 90 | 34 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.80 | 1.03 | 4.04 | 3.19 | 4.5% | 0 of 92 | 33 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.79 | 0.90 | 4.05 | 3.14 | 2.1% | 0 of 92 | 34 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.87 | 0.91 | 4.10 | 3.29 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 33 |
| 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 | 34.6 | 18.2 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 7.6 | 2.6 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 25.8 | 20.5 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.8 | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 24.0 | 17.1 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: OAKLAND PARK COMMUNITIES, INC.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchem, James | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Individual | 50% | 03/01/2017 |
| Birchem, Kathleen | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Individual | 50% | 03/01/2007 |
| Castillon, Adina | W-2 managing employee | Individual | 01/30/2023 | |
| Birchem, James | Corporate director | Individual | 05/31/2007 | |
| Birchem, Kathleen | Corporate director | Individual | 05/31/2007 |
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 7 problems in this area, most recently on February 19, 2026: "Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on December 31, 2025: "Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on February 19, 2026: "Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident."
- How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on February 19, 2026: "Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 3.19 hours per resident per day, below the Minnesota average of 3.71.
- How long has the current administrator been here?CMS counts 1 administrator who left in the period it measured.
Other nursing homes nearby
- Thief River Care Center Thief River Falls, 0.2 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 26 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 Oakland Park Communities, Inc.'s Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Oakland Park Communities, Inc. 1 out of 5 stars overall, with 2 for health inspections, 4 for staffing and 1 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Oakland Park Communities, Inc. get at its last inspection?
- 5 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on December 31, 2025. The Minnesota average is 7.1.
- Has Oakland Park Communities, Inc. been fined?
- Yes. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $44,030 in the last three years.
- Does Oakland Park Communities, Inc. 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 Oakland Park Communities, Inc.?
- CMS lists 5 owners and managers. Legal business name: OAKLAND PARK COMMUNITIES, 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.