Quick answers
- Where is Stephenson Nursing Center?
- 2946 South Walnut Road, Freeport, IL 61032, in Stephenson County, Illinois.
- What is the phone number of Stephenson Nursing Center?
- (815) 235-6173, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of Stephenson Nursing Center?
- Medicare overall rating: 1 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has Stephenson Nursing Center been fined?
- Medicare lists 1 fine totaling $18,450 and 1 payment denial.
- What did inspectors find at Stephenson Nursing Center?
- In its last three inspection cycles (December 12, 2023 to July 7, 2026), Medicare lists 42 health citations; the most serious was level G. 5 were level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Medicare ratings, explained
Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.
Inspections, fines and staffing
In its last three inspection cycles (December 12, 2023 to July 7, 2026), Stephenson Nursing Center had 42 health citations; the most serious was level G (actual harm to residents). 5 of them were level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). It was fined $18,450 in total (1 fine, the latest on February 26, 2026) and had 1 Medicare payment denial. Nurse staffing is 3.27 hours per resident per day; the Illinois average is 3.47 and the national average is 3.90.
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.
Inspection history: last three cycles
State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.
What the letters A to L mean
| Seriousness | Isolated (a few residents) | Pattern (some) | Widespread (many) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No actual harm, potential for minimal harm | A | B | C |
| No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm | D | E | F |
| Actual harm to residents | G | H | I |
| Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety | J | K | L |
Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.
Most recent cycle: February 26, 2026 — 11 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: February 26, 2026 (standard health inspection); March 17, 2026 (complaint investigation); July 7, 2026 (complaint investigation).
F0689 Level G
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
F0689 Level G
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Show 9 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0686 Level E
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0550 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0686 Level D
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0690 Level D
“Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”
F0757 Level D
“Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
Previous cycle: February 4, 2025 — 15 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: February 4, 2025 (complaint investigation); February 4, 2025 (standard health inspection); April 3, 2025 (complaint investigation); May 27, 2025 (complaint investigation); June 4, 2025 (complaint investigation).
F0628 Level G
“Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Resident Rights Deficiencies
F0689 Level G
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
F0697 Level G
“Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.”
actual harm to residents; isolated (a few residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Show 12 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0947 Level F
“Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.”
F0604 Level E
“Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.”
F0755 Level D
“Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.”
F0602 Level D
“Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.”
F0607 Level D
“Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0677 Level D
“Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0686 Level D
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0690 Level D
“Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”
F0803 Level D
“Ensure 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.”
Earlier cycle: January 18, 2024 — 16 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: December 12, 2023 (complaint investigation); January 9, 2024 (complaint investigation); January 18, 2024 (standard health inspection); April 30, 2024 (complaint investigation); July 2, 2024 (complaint investigation).
Show 16 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0880 Level F
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0761 Level E
“Ensure 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.”
F0803 Level E
“Ensure 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.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0610 Level D
“Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.”
F0583 Level D
“Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0686 Level D
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0580 Level D
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0609 Level D
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0610 Level D
“Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0760 Level D
“Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.”
Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.
Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →
Fire safety citations (35)
E0004 Level F
“Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).”
E0026 Level F
“Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.”
E0039 Level F
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
K0222 Level E
“Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.”
K0293 Level E
“Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.”
K0351 Level E
“Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.”
K0920 Level E
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
E0004 Level F
“Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).”
E0006 Level F
“Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.”
E0015 Level F
“Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.”
E0024 Level F
“Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.”
E0032 Level F
“Provide primary/alternate means for communication.”
E0037 Level F
“Establish staff and initial training requirements.”
E0039 Level F
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
E0041 Level F
“Implement emergency and standby power systems.”
K0918 Level F
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0926 Level F
“Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.”
E0013 Level F
“Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures.”
E0037 Level F
“Establish staff and initial training requirements.”
K0281 Level E
“Install proper backup exit lighting.”
K0363 Level E
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
K0916 Level E
“Have a battery powered remote alarm panel in a location accessible by operating personnel.”
K0923 Level E
“Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.”
E0032 Level F
“Provide primary/alternate means for communication.”
E0037 Level F
“Establish staff and initial training requirements.”
E0039 Level F
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0352 Level F
“Properly install and monitor supervisory attachments on automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0353 Level F
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0761 Level F
“To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.”
K0918 Level F
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0211 Level E
“Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.”
K0920 Level E
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
K0346 Level C
“Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.”
K0354 Level C
“Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.”
Fines and payment denials
Total fines over about the last three years: $18,450 (1 fine). A payment denial means Medicare stopped paying for new admissions for a time.
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Fine | $18,450 |
| February 4, 2025 | Payment denial | from February 26, 2025, 114 days |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Penalties file, data updated October 1, 2026.
Staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.
| Measure | This home | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day | 1.02 | 0.71 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 0.36 | 0.64 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 1.89 | 2.12 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 3.27 | 3.47 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 2.73 | 3.08 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 0.56 | 0.55 | 0.48 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Legal business name: County of Stephenson.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (1)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| County of Stephenson | Direct owner | 100% | July 21, 2014 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.
Compare with other nursing homes
Key facts
| Type | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Certified beds | 148 |
| Average residents per day | 76 |
| Takes part in | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Ownership | Government – county |
| Legal business name | County of Stephenson |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 1996-11-01 |
| Resident and family councils | Resident council |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 2946 South Walnut Road, Freeport, IL 61032 |
| County | Stephenson County |
| State | Illinois |
| Phone | (815) 235‑6173 |
| CMS Certification Number | 145895 |
| Name in Medicare records | STEPHENSON NURSING CENTER |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
What to ask when you call or visit
A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.
- Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
- Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
- How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
- Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
- What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
- Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
- What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
- Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
- Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
- Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.
Other nursing homes nearby
By straight-line distance (not driving distance).
- The Citadel at Saint Joseph Village1.9 mi · Freeport, IL · 1 of 5 stars
- Pearl Pointe Nursing Rehab & Care3.2 mi · Freeport, IL · 1 of 5 stars
- Manor Court of Freeport4.4 mi · Freeport, IL · 2 of 5 stars
- Serenity Estates of Lena13 mi · Lena, IL · 2 of 5 stars
- Allure of Pinecrest18 mi · Mount Morris, IL · 2 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Mercyhealth FHN Hospital2.6 mi · Freeport, IL · Acute Care Hospital
- The Monroe Clinic24 mi · Monroe, WI · Acute Care Hospital
- UW Health28 mi · Rockford, IL · Acute Care Hospital
Sources
- Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
- Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13