Kentucky Nursing Homes: Violations, Fines and Worst Records

For Kentucky, 186 of the 260 nursing homes that reported staffing data had nurse hours below the federal expected level. Records from the federal Medicare agency, published by CMS, are the source. The yearly share of employees in nursing roles who left averages 46.4% statewide, against 45.8% nationally. Kentucky has 267 certified nursing homes; for-profit companies operate 221 of them, while 40 homes run as nonprofits. Chains that own multiple homes hold 192 of these facilities, and Signature Healthcare leads with 38 homes statewide.

Over the last three inspection cycles, Kentucky nursing homes received 317 citations from state inspectors for infection prevention and control failures, the rule cited most often in the state. Among violations in the state involving actual harm to residents or immediate danger, incomplete care plans topped the list. Inspectors cited them 79 times, more than any other rule. Across the state, 70 homes each got at least one citation for putting residents in immediate danger. Kentucky's biggest single federal fine since September 2023 was a $434,745 penalty issued in May 2025 to Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Salyersville.

State inspection records are available to families on the Nursing Home & Personal Care Home Inspection Findings page, which the Kentucky Office of Inspector General maintains. The database offers yearly inspection findings and correction plans that can be searched for each certified nursing home in the state, and personal care home surveys from 2024 onward are included. Each certified home statewide also has a Medicare Care Compare profile; the federal site was once Nursing Home Compare. There, families can open the home's Form CMS-2567 statement of deficiencies and see exactly which rules inspectors cited.

Anyone who wants state inspectors to investigate a problem can call 1-877-597-2331 or submit a report to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General. A resident advocate who works to settle care disputes is available through the Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at its state hotline, 1-800-372-2991. Adult Protective Services also takes reports of suspected neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult anywhere in the state. Call (877) 597-2331 or (877) KYSAFE1.