Bayfield County, Wisconsin · Nursing home
Northern Lights Hcc
2 of 5 overall from CMS
706 Bratley Dr, Washburn, WI 54891
At a glance
- Overall rating 2 of 5 Below the state average of 3.0
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.71 hours Below the state average of 4.21
- Nursing staff who left in a year 50.0% Above the state average of 46.9%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 35 3 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $10,364 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 89.4% of 50 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.
Northern Lights Hcc is a 50-bed nursing home in Washburn, Wisconsin (Bayfield County). CMS rates it 2 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.71 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Wisconsin average of 4.21. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $10,364 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 50
- Residents per day (average)
- 44.7
- Certified since
- 1995 (31 yrs)
Non profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Health Dimensions Group (10 homes)
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 Northern Lights Hcc
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $10,364 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 16 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Jul 30, 2025 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Wisconsin average is 9.5. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 50.0%, above the Wisconsin average of 46.9%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 2 of 5 Wisconsin average 3.0
- Health inspections 2 of 5 Wisconsin average 2.8
- Staffing 4 of 5 Wisconsin average 3.6
- Quality measures 3 of 5 Wisconsin average 3.0
The vertical line marks the Wisconsin 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 3.71 h Wisconsin average 4.21
- Nurse aides 2.46 h Wisconsin average 2.58
- Licensed practical nurses 0.44 h Wisconsin average 0.64
- Registered nurses 0.82 h Wisconsin average 0.99
- All staff, weekends 3.48 h Wisconsin average 3.77
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 10 hours. The vertical line marks the Wisconsin average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover50.0%
- Wisconsin average46.9%
- Registered nurse turnover42.9%
- Wisconsin average39.7%
- Administrators who left1
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Wisconsin 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 | Wisconsin | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 13.3% | 16.1% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 10.7% | 5.1% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 1.3% | 2.1% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 3.3% | 2.7% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 6.0% | 5.7% | 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 | 3.1% | 3.3% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 95.7% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 18.9% | 18.4% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 34.0% | 16.9% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 95.0% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 4.7% | 5.0% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 29.1% | 24.6% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 16.8% | 15.8% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.43 | 1.66 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 6.11 | 2.29 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Wisconsin | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 91.1% | 86.5% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 4.0% | 1.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 89.6% | 82.2% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 16.2% | 23.1% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 22.0% | 15.5% | 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 35 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 was at the immediate jeopardy level and 2 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 7 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on May 11, 2026: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 30, 2025 | 16 | 11 |
| May 22, 2024 | 11 | 6 |
| May 10, 2023 | 8 | 6 |
Wisconsin homes averaged 9.5 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 (35)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Past Non-Compliance (Apr 19, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 27, 2026)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2025)
Show 25 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2025)
-
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 (Aug 25, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Aug 25, 2025)
-
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 (Aug 25, 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 (Aug 25, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
CPotential for minimal harm, widespread
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 25, 2025)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 12, 2025)
-
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 (Jun 17, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Administration · Past Non-Compliance (Apr 12, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 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 (Jun 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 9, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 9, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 9, 2023)
Showing the 30 most recent of 35.
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
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 29, 2025 | Fine | $10,364 |
Wisconsin homes averaged 0.9 fines and $48,150 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 Wisconsin
- Size244 of 323 by certified beds
- Wisconsin average residents per day54.7
- ChainHealth Dimensions Group
- Chain average overall rating3.2 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Bayfield County1
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Northern Lights Hcc?
Northern Lights Hcc has an overall rating of 2 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 3.
How many beds does Northern Lights Hcc have?
Northern Lights Hcc has 50 certified beds. It averages 44.7 residents per day, about 89.4% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Northern Lights Hcc?
The home reports 3.71 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.82 hours from registered nurses. The Wisconsin average is 4.21 hours and 0.99 hours from registered nurses.
Has Northern Lights Hcc been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $10,364 in the past three years.
Does Northern Lights Hcc 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
- 4 of 5 Court Manor Health Services 50beds 86.8%in use 3.92nurse hours a day
- 4 of 5 Ashland Health Services 117beds 32.1%in use 3.60nurse hours a day
- 2 of 5 Westgate Nursing & Rehabilitation Community 65beds 85.8%in use 3.74nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Bayfield County
Who to call in Wisconsin
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Wisconsin.
- Long-term care ombudsman Wisconsin Long Term Care Ombudsman Program 1-800-815-0015 (Email: BOALTC@wisconsin.gov.) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) complaint line 800-642-6552 (Toll-free. DQA also takes complaints through an online Complaint Intake Survey (form F-00607) and its nursing home regional offices.) The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Wisconsin staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 525567. 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.