facebook tracking Birchwood Health Care Center, Forest Lake MN: CMS Ratings
Skip to content

Birchwood Health Care Center

All states › Minnesota › Forest Lake › Birchwood Health Care Center

604 1st Street NE Forest Lake, MN 55025 · Washington County

(651) 464-5600

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 100 certified beds Non profit

CMS certification number 245200 · 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 Birchwood Health Care Center 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 Birchwood Health Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Minnesota average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 38 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 5 penalties, including $139,646 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 3 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.56 hours per resident per day at Birchwood Health Care Center, below the Minnesota median of 4.18 (US median: 3.72). About 0.94 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.28 hours, 8% below its all-week average. 41.6% of nursing staff left within a year (Minnesota median 39.7%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.56 hours
Below the Minnesota median of 4.18 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.94 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.28 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 41.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 55% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds100
Residents per day 79 About 79% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 1974
Part of a chainLifespark
Legal business nameSENIOR CARE FOREST LAKE, LLC

Paying for care at Birchwood Health Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Birchwood Health Care Center 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 Minnesota'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 12, 2026 and found 7 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 38 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 38 citations at Birchwood Health Care Center across 9 inspection dates, 13 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on June 12, 2026. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (14) and infection control (5). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals" (tag F0684, level J, June 12, 2026). 1 citation was under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 12, 2026 · 7 citations

JProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 11, 2026)

EProvide 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 (Jul 28, 2026)

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 28, 2026)

DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 28, 2026)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 28, 2026)

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 (Jul 28, 2026)

BGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 28, 2026)

May 6, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 11, 2026)

December 19, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 23, 2026)

November 13, 2025 · 2 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

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

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Nov 9, 2025)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 9, 2026)

April 10, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 27, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 27, 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 (May 27, 2025)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 27, 2025)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 27, 2025)

February 9, 2024 · 14 citations, includes actual harm

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

FHave 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

FObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

FSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

EDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

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 (Mar 11, 2024)

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 (Mar 11, 2024)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

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 (Mar 11, 2024)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

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 (Mar 11, 2024)

DProvide 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 (Mar 11, 2024)

CPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2024)

January 10, 2024 · 6 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

January 4, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 3, 2024)

December 6, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 27, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Birchwood Health Care Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on June 12, 2026 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 December 6, 2023. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. 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

5 penalties in the last three years, including $139,646 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
May 6, 2026 Fine $90,790
May 6, 2026 Payment Denial 14 days of payments denied
Nov 13, 2025 Fine $10,519
Feb 9, 2024 Fine $29,234
Jan 4, 2024 Fine $9,103

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 4/5 4/5
August 2026 2/5 1/5 4/5 5/5
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Birchwood Health Care Center's Medicare star rating and updates itself.

Size and colour

Preview

Birchwood Health Care Center 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 Birchwood Health Care Center

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

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

Nearby nursing homes

Parmly on the Lake Chisago City · 6.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 91 beds · Medicaid
Waverly Gardens North Oaks · 11.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 60 beds · Medicaid
Cerenity Care Center White Bear Lake White Bear Lake · 14.2 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 5/5 132 beds · Medicaid
Ecumen North Branch North Branch · 15.2 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 50 beds · Medicaid
Good Samaritan Society - Stillwater Stillwater · 17.1 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 50 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Birchwood Health Care Center ›   All nursing homes in Forest Lake ›

Compare Birchwood Health Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Other Lifespark nursing homes in Minnesota

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 4 Lifespark 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/minnesota/forest-lake/birchwood-health-care-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.