King County, Washington · Nursing home
Columbia Lutheran Home
4 of 5 overall from CMS
4700 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103
At a glance
- Overall rating 4 of 5 Above the state average of 3.3
- Nurse time per resident, per day 5.33 hours Above the state average of 4.36
- Nursing staff who left in a year 41.0% Below the state average of 45.1%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 46 None at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years None None listed by CMS
- Certified beds in use 59.8% of 116 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Columbia Lutheran Home is a 116-bed nursing home in Seattle, Washington (King County). CMS rates it 4 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 5.33 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, above the Washington average of 4.36. CMS lists no fines in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 116
- Residents per day (average)
- 69.4
- Certified since
- 1992 (34 yrs)
Non profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and Medicaid
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Columbia Lutheran Home
Chosen from this home's public data.
- Reported nurse staffing is 4.74 hours per resident on weekends against 5.33 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data
- About 59.8% of certified beds are in use on an average day. Are any units closed, or are admissions limited?Certified beds and average residents in CMS data
- What is the daily private-pay rate, and are Medicaid beds available now?CMS does not publish prices
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 4 of 5 Washington average 3.3
- Health inspections 3 of 5 Washington average 2.8
- Staffing 4 of 5 Washington average 3.6
- Quality measures 5 of 5 Washington average 4.0
The vertical line marks the Washington average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 5.33 h Washington average 4.36
- Nurse aides 3.40 h Washington average 2.66
- Licensed practical nurses 0.61 h Washington average 0.77
- Registered nurses 1.32 h Washington average 0.94
- All staff, weekends 4.74 h Washington average 3.80
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 17 hours. The vertical line marks the Washington average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover41.0%
- Washington average45.1%
- Registered nurse turnover31.3%
- Washington average45.4%
- Administrators who left1
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Washington and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 17.3% | 14.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 6.6% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.7% | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 1.0% | 1.6% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 59.9% | 17.7% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 2.1% | 2.6% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 99.5% | 96.0% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 15.6% | 17.2% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 3.3% | 12.4% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 69.6% | 93.8% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 4.0% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 27.2% | 22.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 15.5% | 15.1% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.33 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.52 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 99.3% | 88.3% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 2.7% | 1.3% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 76.6% | 82.0% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 20.9% | 19.9% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 10.9% | 13.4% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 46 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. None was graded as actual harm or immediate jeopardy. 4 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 2025 | 14 | 10 |
| Feb 28, 2024 | 23 | 6 |
| Nov 3, 2022 | 9 | 11 |
Washington homes averaged 15.8 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (46)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 2, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
Show 25 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
Showing the 30 most recent of 46.
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
CMS lists no fines or payment denials for this home in the past three years.
Washington homes averaged 1.2 fines and $52,633 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within Washington
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Columbia Lutheran Home?
Columbia Lutheran Home has an overall rating of 4 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 3, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Columbia Lutheran Home have?
Columbia Lutheran Home has 116 certified beds. It averages 69.4 residents per day, about 59.8% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Columbia Lutheran Home?
The home reports 5.33 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 1.32 hours from registered nurses. The Washington average is 4.36 hours and 0.94 hours from registered nurses.
Has Columbia Lutheran Home been fined?
CMS lists no fines for this home in the past three years.
Does Columbia Lutheran Home accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 5 of 5 Queen Anne Healthcare 120beds 78.8%in use 4.84nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Ballard Center 142beds 68.9%in use 3.44nurse hours a day
- 5 of 5 Mirabella 46beds 81.7%in use 4.38nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in King County
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 505470. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.