Rocky Top Care Center, Rocky Top, TN

The Essentials

Summary

Across 4 inspections from June 2021 to March 2026, state surveyors documented 28 findings at Rocky Top Care Center; 28 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections: 4; 2021–2026, standard and complaint
Findings: 28; Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected: 28; Of 28 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties: 1; 1 fine; payment not published

Findings by Year

Findings
Of which, actual harm (level G or above)

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
Year	Inspections	Findings	Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2021	1	5	0
2022	0	0	0
2023	0	0	0
2024	2	20	4
2025	0	0	0
2026	1	3	0

What the Record Shows

28 of 28 findings have a recorded correction date.
CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window: 1 fine of $86,768, its payment not published.
2 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
The latest standard inspection, March 4, 2026, recorded 3 findings (most serious: Level E).

What to Ask About

Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Three Inspections
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Two Inspections
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

Report at a Glance

Facility: Rocky Top Care Center
Address: 204 Industrial Park Rd PO Box 659, Rocky Top, TN 37769
CMS Certification Number: 445259
Provider Type: Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds: 117
Ownership: For profit - Corporation
Record Window: June 23, 2021 to October 1, 2026

Chronology

Inspection History

Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.

Mar 42026
Standard health inspection
3 findings
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 2026
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 2026
- F813Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Aug 222024
Standard health inspection
15 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level LImmediate jeopardyCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F837Establish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility.Level LImmediate jeopardyCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level LImmediate jeopardyCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level LImmediate jeopardyCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F584Honor 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F761Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 19, 2024
- F838Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 19, 2024
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $86,768 imposed August 22, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of August 22, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
May 152024
Complaint investigation
5 findings
- F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 19, 2024
- F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 19, 2024
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 19, 2024
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 19, 2024
- F851Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 19, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jun 232021
Standard health inspection
5 findings
- F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2021
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2021
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2021
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2021
- F727Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2021
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1
Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F600 in June 2021, May 2024 and August 2024. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
21242426F600 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
2
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F657 in May 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
21242426F657 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest
3
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in August 2024 and March 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
21242426F812 across all 4 inspections, oldest to newest

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

01
What happened after the abuse or neglect citation, and what changed in training or supervision?
Protection From Abuse and Neglect: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
02
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
03
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
04
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Insufficient nursing staff was cited in August 2024.
05
What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?
An $86,768 civil money penalty was imposed August 22, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Tennessee state survey agency.

Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Tennessee state survey agency
Inspection Jun 23, 2021 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Tennessee state survey agency
Inspection May 15, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Tennessee state survey agency
Inspection Aug 22, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Tennessee state survey agency
Inspection Mar 4, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Penalties, Provider Data Catalog
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 445259
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowJune 23, 2021 – October 1, 2026

CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before June 2021 are not in this release.
CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite: Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations: CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents: Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits: CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.
Whether fines were paid: CMS publishes the fines imposed, not whether or when they were paid.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.