facebook tracking Colby Operator, Colby KS: CMS Ratings & Inspections
Skip to content

Colby Operator

All states › Kansas › Colby › Colby Operator

105 East College Drive Colby, KS 67701 · Thomas County

(785) 462-6721

All 2 nursing homes in Colby, KS (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 40 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 175202 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Colby Operator a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Colby Operator as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Kansas average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 26 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 2 penalties, including $40,381 in fines, in that time.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 4.01 hours per resident per day at Colby Operator, about the same as the Kansas median of 3.96 (US median: 3.72). About 0.49 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.58 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 70.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Kansas median 47.5%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.

Nursing care per resident per day 4.01 hours
About the Kansas median Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.49 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.58 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 70.5% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 77.8% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds40
Residents per day 33 About 83% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Partnership
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceApril 1991
Part of a chainMission Health Communities
Legal business nameCOLBY OPERATOR LLC

Paying for care at Colby Operator: Medicare and Medicaid

Colby Operator is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Kansas's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on June 11, 2025 and found 4 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 26 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 26 citations at Colby Operator across 4 inspection dates, 2 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on August 12, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (7) and pharmacy service (5). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing" (tag F0686, level J, August 12, 2024). 1 citation was under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 11, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

FVerify that a nurse aide has been trained; and if they haven't worked as a nurse aide for 2 years, receive retraining.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0729 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 25, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 25, 2025)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 25, 2025)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 25, 2025)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 25, 2025)

August 12, 2024 · 1 citation, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)

September 28, 2023 · 14 citations

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

FElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

CPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 3, 2023)

May 12, 2022 · 6 citations

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 13, 2022)

Questions to ask on a tour of Colby Operator

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on August 12, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on September 28, 2023. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Nursing staff turnover was 70.5% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

2 penalties in the last three years, including $40,381 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Aug 12, 2024 Fine $40,381
Aug 12, 2024 Payment Denial 1 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 3/5 3/5 1/5
August 2026 1/5 3/5 1/5 1/5
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Colby Operator's Medicare star rating and updates itself.

Size and colour

Preview

Colby Operator Medicare star rating badge

Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.

Examples, sizes and help on the badge page ›

Location

Hospitals near Colby Operator

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 0.3 mi
    Citizens Medical Center Colby
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 48m for patients treated and sent home
  • 20.1 mi
    Logan County Hospital Oakley
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 1h 51m for patients treated and sent home

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Citizens Medical Center Ltcu Colby · 0.2 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 60 beds · Medicaid
Logan County Senior Living Oakley · 20.2 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 30 beds · Medicaid
Good Samaritan - Atwood Atwood · 30.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 5/5 35 beds · Medicaid
Topside Manor Goodland · 35.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 45 beds · Medicaid
Good Samaritan - Decatur County Oberlin · 41.3 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 1/5 45 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Colby Operator ›   All nursing homes in Colby ›

Compare Colby Operator with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other Mission Health Communities nursing homes in Kansas

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 29 Mission Health Communities nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

Compare

https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/kansas/colby/colby-operator/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.