Your report for Highlands Lake Center
Overall Score
CMS Five-Star Quality RatingBelow averageCMS Five-Star overall rating
- Much below average
- Below average
- Average
- Above average
- Much above average
Where it ranks
- FloridaAbove only 15% of peers689 rated homes · average 3.2★
- Polk CountyAbove only 35% of peers24 rated homes · average 2.3★
- United StatesAbove only 20% of peers14,574 rated homes · average 3.0★
How the rating is built
- Health inspectionsStarting point2★−0.8 vs FL avg
- StaffingCan add or remove a star3★−0.2 vs FL avg
- Quality measuresCan add or remove a star4★−0.1 vs FL avg
CMS starts from the health inspection stars, then adds or subtracts a star for staffing and for quality measures. Stars are assigned relative to other facilities in the same state.
Ratings & measures
Tap a row to see what it meansHealth inspection ratingCMS stars from the last three on-site inspection cycles2★Above only 19% of peersFL avg2.8★U.S. avg2.8★
What is health inspection rating?
Stars assigned from the last three standard surveys and every complaint investigation in that window, weighted toward the most recent and the most serious findings. CMS assigns these stars relative to other facilities in the same state.
Why it matters
It carries the most weight in the overall rating and is the only domain based on what trained inspectors saw on site rather than what the facility reported.
Staffing ratingCMS stars from payroll-reported hours and turnover3★Above only 29% of peersFL avg3.2★U.S. avg2.9★
What is staffing rating?
Nurse and aide hours per resident day from payroll records CMS collects every quarter, adjusted for how much care residents need, plus staff turnover and weekend coverage.
Why it matters
More hours and lower turnover are the strongest predictors of fewer falls, pressure sores, and avoidable hospital stays.
Quality measures ratingCMS stars from clinical outcomes and resident assessments4★Above only 23% of peersFL avg4.1★U.S. avg3.6★
What is quality measures rating?
Clinical outcomes from resident assessments and Medicare claims: falls with injury, pressure ulcers, hospitalizations, antipsychotic use, and more, for both short-stay and long-stay residents.
Why it matters
It shows whether care is working, but part of it comes from the facility’s own assessments, so read it alongside the inspection results.
Total nurse hoursPer resident per day, all nursing staff3.28hrsAbove only 8% of peersFL avg3.86Benchmark4.10
What is total nurse hours?
All licensed nurse and aide hours worked, divided by the number of residents, on an average day. Reported from payroll, not self-reported.
Why it matters
Federal research links 4.1 hours a day to fewer avoidable harms. Below about 3 hours, residents wait longer for help with basics like toileting and repositioning.
RN hoursPer resident per day, registered nurses only0.63hrsAbove only 48% of peersFL avg0.73Benchmark0.75
What is rn hours?
Registered nurse hours only. RNs assess residents, manage medications, and catch changes in condition; LPNs and aides deliver most hands-on care.
Why it matters
RN coverage is the staffing measure most tied to fewer hospital transfers and infections, and it is where thinly staffed facilities cut first.
Nursing staff turnoverShare of nursing staff who left within a year · lower is better51%Above only 25% of peersFL avg42%RN turnover42%
What is nursing staff turnover?
The share of nursing staff who left within the past year, from the same payroll data.
Why it matters
High turnover means residents are cared for by people who do not know them, and it is one of the strongest predictors of inspection problems.
Fines in the last three yearsCivil money penalties imposed by CMS · lower is better$0Above only 45% of peersFL avg$31,830Fines · denials0 · 0
What is fines in the last three years?
Civil money penalties CMS imposed after serious or uncorrected deficiencies, and denials of Medicare payment for new admissions.
Why it matters
Penalties follow the worst inspection findings. A recent fine is the clearest sign that inspectors found real harm.
Inspection history
Last three inspection cycles33citations
7inspection dates
0actual harm (G–I)
0immediate jeopardy (J–L)
Nov 5, 2025most recent
Citations by monthFeb 2020 – Nov 2025
- No actual harm (D–F)
- Actual harm (G–I)
- Immediate jeopardy (J–L)
- $Fine or payment denial
Click to filter the findings below
Showing
Click a month or a year to filter the findings below. Arrow keys move between months; Esc clears.
Nov 5, 2025Cycle 1worst E · no actual harm
- F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 4, 2025
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceE · patternCorrected Dec 4, 2025
Apr 17, 2025Cycle 1worst E · no actual harm
- F585Honor 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 RightsE · patternCorrected May 12, 2025
- F773Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected May 12, 2025
Aug 6, 2024Cycle 2worst D · no actual harm
- 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.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Sep 6, 2024
- F585Honor 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 RightsD · isolatedCorrected Sep 6, 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.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Sep 6, 2024
Mar 7, 2024Cycle 1worst E · no actual harm
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 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.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.EnvironmentalD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F925Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.EnvironmentalD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection ControlD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, residentâs preferences and goals.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F675Honor each resident's preferences, choices, values and beliefs.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F694Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Mar 16, 2023Cycle 3worst D · no actual harm
- Ensure each residentâs drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Apr 4, 2023
Nov 18, 2021Cycle 2worst E · no actual harm
- Notify the resident or the residentâs representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the residentâs bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
- F806Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.Nutrition and DietaryE · patternCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Feb 28, 2020Cycle 3worst E · no actual harm
- F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2020
- 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.Pharmacy ServiceE · patternCorrected Mar 28, 2020
Staffing
From quarterly payroll reportsHours per resident per day
- All nursing staffRNs, LPNs and aides combined3.28hrs
- Registered nursesRN hours only0.63hrs
- Licensed practical nursesLPN hours0.64hrs
- Nurse aidesCNA hours2.02hrs
- Weekend nursingAll staff on Saturdays and Sundays3.00hrs
- Florida average
- Research benchmark (4.10 total, 0.75 RN)
Turnover & capacity
- Nursing staff turnoverShare who left within a year · lower is better51%Above only 25% of peersFL avg 42%
- RN turnoverRegistered nurses only42%Not ranked by CMS
- Administrators who leftIn the past year0Stable leadership
- Occupancy179 certified beds · ~158 residents a day88%Above only 37% of peersFL avg 88%
Fines & penalties
Roughly the past three yearsEnforcement summary
- $0In fines
- 0Fines
- 0Payment denials
- $31,830FL avg in fines
Above only 45% of peersFewer fines than 45% of rated homes in Florida
Actions on record
No fines or payment denialsNothing on record in the current reporting window. Florida facilities average 1.2 penalties.
Ownership
As filed with CMSStructure
- Ownership type
- For profit - Corporation
- Chain
- Aston Health30 facilities in the chain2.6★ chain average
- Certification
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Location type
- Urban
- Ownership change
- None in the last 12 months
People and entities on file
Direct owners (5%+)
- Gabriel Living Center, LLC
Indirect owners (5%+)
- Lce Partners LLC
- Samuel Gutman
- Samuel Klein
Corporate officers
- Samuel Klein
Managing employees
- Cynthia Ayala
Person Organization
Sources & notes
Public data, updated quarterlyData sources
- CMS Care Compare · Provider InformationStar ratings, staffing hours, turnover, penalties and flags · processed February 2026.
- CMS Health CitationsEvery deficiency from the last three inspection cycles, with scope, severity and inspection cycle.
- CMS Penalties and Ownership filesCivil money penalties, payment denials, and the owners and managers on file.
Notes
- CMS Certification Number 105620 · 4240 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS RD, LAKELAND, FL, 33813.
- Percentiles compare this facility with every rated nursing home in Florida and Polk County. Turnover and fines are inverted so a high percentile is always good.
- This is an informational summary of public data, not medical, legal, or placement advice. Facilities cannot pay to change it; a facility that believes a record is wrong can dispute it with CMS.
