NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
____________________________
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to _____________

Commission File No. 001-13489
____________________________

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Corporate Charter)

Delaware	52-2057472
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)

100 Vine Street
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone Number: 615-890-2020
____________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Shares of Common Stock Shares of Preferred Cumulative Convertible Stock	NYSE Amex NYSE Amex
____________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
____________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes £ No T

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes £ No T

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (a) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes T No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes £ No £

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer T Non-accelerated filer £ Smaller reporting company £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes £ No T

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2009 (based on the closing price of such shares on the NYSE Amex) was approximately $235 million. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors, named executive officers and persons known to the Registrant to be holders of 5% or more of the Registrant’s Common Stock have been deemed affiliates of the Registrant. The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2010 was 13,717,701.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Form 10-K:
The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2010 shareholder’s meeting.

Table of Contents

Part I

Unresolved Staff Comments

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Part II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7a.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9B.

Other Information

Part III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Part IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

SIGNATURES

PART 1

Item 1. Business.

General Development of Business

National HealthCare Corporation, which we also refer to as NHC or the Company, began business in 1971. We were incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1997 when we changed from partnership form to corporate form. When we indicate “NHC”, we include all majority-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and limited liability companies in which we have an interest.

Our principal business is the operation of long-term health care centers with associated assisted living and independent living centers. Our business activities include providing subacute skilled and intermediate nursing and rehabilitative care, senior living services, home health care services, management services, hospice services, accounting and financial services and insurance services. We operate in 12 states, and our owned and leased properties are located primarily in the southeastern United States.

Merger in 2007 of National HealthCare Corporation and National Health Realty, Inc. and Issuance of NHC Convertible Preferred Stock

On October 31, 2007, NHC completed its acquisition of National Health Realty, Inc., (“NHR”) as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated December 20, 2006, by and among Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, NHC/OP, L.P., NHR and NHC, following the approval of the merger by the stockholders of NHR and the adoption of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of NHC and approval of the issuance of shares of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“NHC Preferred”) by the stockholders of NHC.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, NHR merged into Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NHC. Each share of NHR, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the merger, and not owned by Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, NHC/OP, L.P., or NHC, was converted into the right to receive $9.00 in cash, without interest and one share of NHC Preferred.

Each share of the NHC Preferred is entitled to annual preferred dividends of $0.80 per share and has a liquidation preference of $15.75 per share. The NHC Preferred, which is listed on the NYSE Amex Exchange with the symbol “NHC.PRA”, is convertible at any time at the option of the shareholder into NHC common stock at a conversion price of $65.07. Each share of the NHC Preferred is convertible into 0.24204 of a share of NHC common stock. After the 5^th anniversary of the closing date, NHC will have the option to redeem the NHC Preferred, in whole or in part, for $15.75 cash per share (plus accrued but unpaid dividends); provided that the NHC Preferred will not be redeemable prior to the 8th anniversary of the closing date unless the average closing price for NHC common stock for 20 trading sessions equals or exceeds the conversion price. The conversion price will be adjusted to reflect any future NHC stock splits or stock dividends. The cash required to complete the merger was provided substantially from NHC’s existing liquidity reserves.

NHC paid a total of approximately $97,571,000 in cash to NHR stockholders, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares, and issued 10,841,062 shares of NHC Preferred with a liquidation preference of $170,555,000 pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, based on the number of NHR shares of common stock deemed outstanding on October 31, 2007, as calculated under the Merger Agreement.

Accounting Treatment of the Purchase – NHC accounted for the merger as a purchase transaction under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Under the purchase method of accounting, the assets purchased and liabilities assumed were recorded, as of the completion of the merger, at their respective fair values and added to those of NHC. The financial condition and results of operations of NHC after completion of the merger include

the balances and results of the purchase beginning on November 1, 2007 and are not restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results of operations of NHR.

Following the completion of the merger, the earnings of the combined company reflect purchase accounting adjustments, including the effect of changes in the cost bases of the acquired assets and liabilities on depreciation and amortization expenses.

As a result of the merger, we estimate that we experienced a reduction in our earnings per share of approximately 5% and 11% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We believe, however, that this negative consequence is offset by the accretive effect that the merger has had and is expected to have on NHC’s free cash flow. We estimate that our net cash flows increased by approximately $5,400,000 in 2009 and $4,000,000 in 2008 due to the merger.

Narrative Description of the Business.

Our business is long-term health care services. At December 31, 2009, we operate or manage 76 long-term health care centers with a total of 9,772 licensed beds. These numbers include 50 centers with 6,858 beds that we lease or own and 26 centers with 2,914 beds that we manage for others. Of the 50 leased or owned centers, 34 are leased from National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI). Through October 31, 2007, ten centers were leased from National Health Realty, Inc. (“NHR”). Effective October 31, 2007, these previously leased properties were acquired by us.

Our 23 assisted living centers (11 leased or owned and 12 managed) have 921 units (418 units leased or owned and 503 units managed). Our seven independent living centers (four leased or owned and three managed) have 761 retirement apartments (341 apartments leased or owned and 420 apartments managed).

During 2009, we operated 33 homecare programs and provided 449,991 homecare patient visits to 12,548 patients.

We have a partnership agreement with Caris HealthCare, LP (Caris), in which we have a 50% ownership, in order to develop hospice services in selected market locations in Tennessee. In December 2007, we licensed our first owned hospice program in Greenville, South Carolina and began providing services in January 2008. In January 2009, we purchased five hospice locations in South Carolina and also opened a branch location in Anderson, South Carolina during the first quarter of 2009. Combined, we provide hospice care to over 1,300 patients per day in 23 locations.

We operate specialized care units within certain of our healthcare centers such as Alzheimer's disease care units, sub-acute nursing units and a number of in-house pharmacies. Similar specialty units are under consideration at a number of our centers, as well as free standing projects.

Long-Term Care Services and Net Operating Revenues. Health care services we provide include a comprehensive range of services. In fiscal 2009, 93% of our net operating revenues were derived from such health care services. Highlights of health care services activities during 2009 were as follows:

Long-Term Health Care Centers. The most significant portion of our business and the base for our other long-term health care services is the operation of our skilled nursing centers. In our centers, experienced medical professionals provide medical services prescribed by physicians. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants provide comprehensive, individualized nursing care 24 hours a day. In addition, our centers provide licensed therapy services, quality nutrition services, social services, activities, and housekeeping and laundry services. We own or lease and operate 50 long-term health care centers as of December 31, 2009. We manage 26 centers for third party owners. Revenues from the 50 centers we own or lease are reported as patient revenues in our financial statements. Management fee income is recorded as other revenues from the 26 facilities that we manage. We generally charge 6% to 7% facility net revenues for our management services.

Average occupancy in long-term health care centers we operate was 92.0% during the year ended December 31, 2009.

Rehabilitative Services. We provide therapy services through Professional Health Services, a division of NHC. Our licensed therapists provide physical, speech, respiratory and occupational therapy for patients recovering from strokes, heart attacks, orthopedic conditions, neurological illnesses, or other illnesses, injuries or disabilities. We maintained a rehabilitation staff of over 930 highly trained, professional therapists in 2009. The majority of our rehabilitative services are for patients in our owned and managed long-term care centers. However, we also provide services to over 100 additional health care providers. Our rates for these services are competitive with other market rates. We are the designated sports medicine provider for Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Medical Specialty Units. All of our long-term care centers participate in the Medicare program, and we have expanded our range of offerings by the creation of center-specific medical specialty units such as our Alzheimer's disease care units and subacute nursing units. Our trained staff provides care for Alzheimer’s patients in early, middle and advanced stages of the disease. We provide specialized care and programming for persons with Alzheimer’s or related disorders in dedicated units within many of our skilled nursing centers. Our sub-acute programs are designed to shorten or eliminate hospital stays and help to reduce the cost of quality health care. We develop individualized patient care plans to target appropriate medical and functional planning objectives with a primary goal where feasible for a return to home or a similar environment.

Managed Care Contracts. We operate five regional contract management offices, staffed by experienced case managers who contract with managed care organizations (MCO's) and insurance carriers for the provision of subacute and other medical specialty services within a regional cluster of our owned and managed centers. Managed care patient days were 113,675 in 2009, 101,574 in 2008, and 74,428 in 2007.

Hospice. Hospice services provide for the physical, spiritual and psychosocial needs of individuals facing a life-limiting illness. Resources including palliative and clinical care, education, spiritual, counseling and other services take into consideration both the needs of patients and the needs of family members. We licensed our first owned hospice program in Greenville, South Carolina in December 2007 and began providing services in January 2008. In January 2009, we purchased five hospice locations in South Carolina and also opened a branch office in Anderson, South Carolina during the first quarter of 2009. These hospice programs operate under the name Solaris Hospice.

Pharmacy Operations. At December 31, 2009, we operated four regional pharmacy operations (one in east Tennessee, one in central Tennessee, one in South Carolina, and one in Missouri). These pharmacy operations use a central location to supply (on a separate contractual basis) pharmaceutical services (consulting and medications) and supplies. Regional pharmacies bill Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) electronically and directly for inpatients who have selected a PDP. Our regional pharmacies currently serve 44 owned facilities, eight managed facilities, and 17 trade entities.

Assisted Living Centers. Our assisted living centers are dedicated to providing personal care services and assistance with general activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation and medication management. We perform resident assessments to determine what services are desired or required and our qualified staff encourages residents to participate in a range of activities. We own or lease 11 and manage 12 assisted living centers. Of these 23 centers, 11 are located within the physical structure of a skilled nursing center or retirement center and 12 are freestanding. In 2009, the rate of occupancy was 89.9%. Certificates of Need are not required to build these projects and we believe that overbuilding has occurred in some of our markets. Effective January 1, 2010, our management

contract was not extended on eight of the twelve assisted living centers we managed in 2009. We do not expect the loss of the management contracts to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Retirement Centers. Our four owned or leased and three managed retirement centers offer specially designed residential units for the active and ambulatory elderly and provide various ancillary services for our residents, including restaurants, activity rooms and social areas. In most cases, retirement centers also include long-term health care facilities, either in contiguous or adjacent licensed health care centers. Charges for services are paid from private sources without assistance from governmental programs. Retirement centers may be licensed and regulated in some states, but do not require the issuance of a Certificate of Need such as is required for health care centers. We have, in several cases, developed retirement centers adjacent to our health care properties with an initial construction of 40 to 80 units and which units are rented by the month; thus these centers offer an expansion of our continuum of care. We believe these retirement units offer a positive marketing aspect of our health care centers.

We have one managed and one owned retirement center which are “continuing care communities”, where the resident pays a substantial endowment fee and a monthly maintenance fee. The resident then receives a full range of services - including nursing home care - without additional charge.

Homecare Programs. Our home health care programs (we call them homecare) assist those who wish to stay at home or in assisted living residences but still require some degree of medical care or assistance with daily activities. Registered and licensed practical nurses and therapy professionals provide skilled services such as infusion therapy, wound care and physical, occupational and speech therapies. Home health aides may assist with daily activities such as assistance with walking and getting in and out of bed, personal hygiene, medication assistance, light housekeeping and maintaining a safe environment. NHC operates 33 homecare licensed and Medicare-certified offices in three states (Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida) and some of our homecare patients are previously discharged from our long-term health care centers. Medicare reimbursement for homecare services is paid under a prospective payment system. Under this payment system, we receive a prospectively determined amount per patient per 60 day episode as defined by Medicare guidelines. Medicare episodes increased from 17,266 in 2008 to 18,292 in 2009 primarily due to an increase in the number of patients served, which increased from 11,320 in 2008 to 12,548 in 2009. Visits increased from 405,945 in 2008 to 449,991 in 2009.

Other Revenues. We generate revenues from insurance services to our managed centers, from management, accounting and financial services to third party long-term care, assisted living and independent living centers, and from rental income. In fiscal 2009, 7.0% of our net operating revenues were derived from such other sources. The significant sources of our other revenues are described as follows:

Insurance Services. NHC owns a Tennessee domestic licensed insurance company. The company is licensed in several states and provides workers’ compensation coverage to the majority of NHC operated and managed facilities in addition to other nursing homes, assisted living and retirement centers. A second wholly owned insurance subsidiary is licensed in the Cayman Islands and provides general and professional liability coverage in substantially all of NHC’s owned and managed centers. This company elects to be taxed as a domestic subsidiary. We also self-insure our employees’ (referred to as “partners”) health insurance benefit program at a cost we believe is less than a commercially obtained policy. Finally, we operate a long-term care insurance division, which is licensed to sell commercially underwritten long-term care policies. NHC’s revenues from insurance services totaled $14,560,000 in 2009.

Management, Accounting and Financial Services. We provide management services to long-term health care centers, assisted living centers and independent living centers operated by third party

owners. We typically charge 6% to 7% of the managed centers’ revenues as a fee for these services. Additionally, we provide accounting and financial services to other long-term care or related types of entities for small operators or not-for-profit entities. No management services are provided for entities in which we provide accounting and financial services. As of December 31, 2009, we perform management services for 26 centers and accounting and financial services for 28 centers. NHC’s revenues from management, accounting and financial services totaled $17,845,000 in 2009.

We previously provided advisory and/or accounting services to National Health Realty Inc. (“NHR”). The services to NHR were terminated on October 31, 2007 when we merged with NHR.

Non-Operating Income. We generate non-operating income from equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, from dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, and interest income. The significant source of non-operating income is described as follows:

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Investments. Earnings from investments in entities in which we lack control but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for on the equity method. Our most significant equity method investment is a 50% ownership and voting interest in Caris HealthCare L.P. (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings. In 2003, we entered into a partnership agreement with Caris in order to develop hospice programs in selected market locations. Caris currently has sixteen locations in Tennessee.

Long-Term Health Care Centers

The health care centers operated by our subsidiaries provide in-patient skilled and intermediate nursing care services and in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation services. Skilled nursing care consists of 24-hour nursing service by registered or licensed practical nurses and related medical services prescribed by the patient's physician. Intermediate nursing care consists of similar services on a less intensive basis principally provided by non-licensed personnel. These distinctions are generally found in the long-term health care industry although for Medicaid reimbursement purposes, some states in which we operate have additional classifications, while in other states the Medicaid rate is the same regardless of patient classification. Rehabilitative services consist of physical, speech, and occupational therapies, which are designed to aid the patient's recovery and enable the patient to resume normal activities.

Each health care center has a licensed administrator responsible for supervising daily activities, and larger centers have assistant administrators. All have medical directors, a director of nurses and full-time registered nurse coverage. All centers provide physical therapy and most have other rehabilitative programs, such as occupational or speech therapy. Each facility is located near at least one hospital and is qualified to accept patients discharged from such hospitals. Each center has a full dining room, kitchen, treatment and examining room, emergency lighting system, and sprinkler system where required. Management believes that all centers are in compliance with the existing fire and life safety codes.

We provide centralized management and support services to NHC operated health care nursing centers. The management and support services include operational support through the use of regional vice presidents and regional nurses, accounting and financial services, cash management, data processing, legal, consulting and services in the area of rehabilitative care. Our personnel are employed by our administrative services affiliate, National Health Corporation, which is also responsible for overall services in the area of personnel, loss control, insurance, education and training. We reimburse the administrative services contractor by paying all the costs of personnel employed for our benefit as well as a fee. National Health Corporation (National) is wholly owned by the National Health Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan and provides its services only to us.

We provide management services to centers operated under management contracts and offsite accounting and financial services to other owners, all pursuant to separate contracts. The term of each contract and the amount of the

management fee or accounting and financial services fee is determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we charge 6% to 7% of net revenues of the managed centers for our management contracts and specific item fees for our accounting and financial service agreements. The initial terms of the contracts range from two years to ten years. In certain contracts, we maintain a right of first refusal should the owner desire to sell a managed center.

Long-Term Care Center Occupancy Rates

The following table shows certain information relating to occupancy rates for our continuing owned and leased long-term health care centers:


	Year Ended December 31
	2009	2008	2007

Overall census	92.0%	92.5%	92.5%

Occupancy rates are calculated by dividing the total number of days of patient care provided by the number of patient days available (which is determined by multiplying the number of licensed beds by 365 or 366).

Customers and Sources of Revenues

No individual customer or related group of customers accounts for a significant portion of our revenues. We do not expect the loss of a single customer or group of related customers would have a material adverse effect.

Certain groups of patients receive funds to pay the cost of their care from a common source. The following table sets forth sources of net patient revenues for the periods indicated:


		Year Ended December 31
Source		2009	2008	2007
Private		30%	30%	29%
Medicare		41%	40%	39%
Medicaid/Skilled		8%	9%	9%
Medicaid/Intermediate		20%	20%	22%
VA and Other		1%	1%	1%
	Total	100%	100%	100%

The source and amount of the revenues are further dependent upon (i) the licensed bed capacity of our health care centers, (ii) the occupancy rate of the centers, (iii) the extent to which the rehabilitative and other skilled ancillary services provided at each center are utilized by the patients in the centers, (iv) the mix of private pay, Medicare and Medicaid patients, and (v) the rates paid by private paying patients and by the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Private pay, VA and other sources include commercial insurance, individual patients’ own funds, managed care plans and the Veterans Administration. Although payment rates vary among these sources, market forces and costs largely determine these rates.

Private paying patients, private insurance carriers and the Veterans Administration generally pay on the basis of the center's charges or specifically negotiated contracts. We attempt to attract an increased percentage of private and Medicare patients by providing rehabilitative services and increasing the marketing of those services through market areas and “Managed Care Offices”, of which five were open at December 31, 2009. These services are designed to speed the patient's recovery and allow the patient to return home as soon as is practical. In addition to educating physicians and patients to the advantages of the rehabilitative services, we have also implemented incentive programs which provide for the payment of bonuses to our regional and center personnel if they are able to achieve private and Medicare goals at their centers.

Medicare is a health insurance program for the aged and certain other chronically disabled individuals operated by the federal government.

Medicaid is a medical assistance program for the indigent, operated by individual states with the financial participation of the federal government.

Government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid prescribe, by law, the billing methods and amounts that health care providers may charge and be reimbursed to care for patients covered by these programs. Congress continually passes laws that effect major or minor changes in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Regulation and Licenses

Health care is an area of extensive regulatory oversight and frequent regulatory change. The federal government and the states in which we operate regulate various aspects of our business. These regulatory bodies, among other things, require us annually to license our skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities in some states and other health care businesses, including home health agencies and hospices. In particular, to operate nursing facilities and provide health care services we must comply with federal, state and local laws relating to the delivery and adequacy of medical care, distribution of pharmaceuticals, equipment, personnel, operating policies, fire prevention, rate-setting, building codes and environmental protection.

Governmental and other authorities periodically inspect our skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospices to assure that we continue to comply with their various standards. We must pass these inspections to continue our licensing under state law, to obtain certification under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and to continue our participation in the Veterans Administration program. We can only participate in other third-party programs if our facilities pass these inspections. In addition, these authorities inspect our record keeping and inventory control.

From time to time, we, like others in the health care industry, may receive notices from federal and state regulatory agencies alleging that we failed to comply with applicable standards. These notices may require us to take corrective action, and may impose civil money penalties and/or other operating restrictions on us. If our skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospices fail to comply with these directives or otherwise fail to comply substantially with licensure and certification laws, rules and regulations, we could lose our certification as a Medicare and Medicaid provider and/or lose our licenses.

Local and state health and social service agencies and other regulatory authorities specific to their location regulate, to varying degrees, our assisted living facilities. Although regulations and licensing requirements vary significantly from state to state, they typically address, among other things, personnel education, training and records; facility services, including administration of medication, assistance with supervision of medication management and limited nursing services; physical plant specifications; furnishing of resident units; food and housekeeping services; emergency evacuation plans; and resident rights and responsibilities. If assisted living facilities fail to comply with licensing requirements, these facilities could lose their licenses. Most states also subject assisted living facilities to state or local building codes, fire codes and food service licensure or certification requirements. In addition, the manner and extent to which the assisted living industry is regulated at federal and state levels are evolving.

Changes in the laws or new interpretations of existing laws as applied to the skilled nursing facilities, the assisted living facilities or other components of our health care businesses may have a significant impact on our methods, revenues and costs of doing business.

In all states in which we operate, before a long-term care facility can make a capital expenditure exceeding certain specified amounts or construct any new long-term health care beds, approval of the state health care regulatory agency or agencies must be obtained and a Certificate of Need issued. The appropriate state health planning agency must determine that a need for the new beds or expenditure exists before a Certificate of Need can be issued. A Certificate of Need is generally issued for a specific maximum amount of expenditure and the project must be completed within a

specific time period. There is no advance assurance that we will be able to obtain a certificate of need in any particular instance. In some states, approval is also necessary in order to purchase existing health care beds, although the purchaser is normally permitted to avoid a full scale certificate of need application procedure by giving advance written notice of the acquisition and giving written assurance to the state regulatory agency that the change of ownership will not result in a change in the number of beds, services offered and, in some cases, reimbursement rates at the facility.

While there are currently no significant legislative proposals to eliminate certificates of need pending in the states in which we do business, deregulation in the certificate of need area would likely result in increased competition among nursing home companies and could adversely affect occupancy rates and the supply of licensed and certified personnel.

Medicare and Medicaid Participation by Our Centers

All health care centers, owned, leased or managed by us are certified to participate in Medicare. Health care centers participating in Medicare are known as SNFs (Skilled Nursing Facilities). All but six of our affiliated nursing centers participate in Medicaid. All of our homecares (Home Health Agencies) participate in Medicare which comprises over 95% of their revenue. Homecares also participate in Medicaid.

During the fiscal year, each nursing center receives payments from Medicare and, if participating, from Medicaid. We record as receivables the amounts we ultimately expect to receive under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and record into profit or loss any differences in amounts actually received at the time of interim or final settlements. Adjustments have not had a material adverse effect within the last three years.

Certifications and Participation Requirements; Efforts to Impose Reduced Payments

Changes in certification and participation requirements of the Medicare and Medicaid programs have restricted, and are likely to continue to restrict further, eligibility for reimbursement under those programs. Failure to obtain and maintain Medicare and Medicaid certification at our nursing centers would result in denial of Medicare and Medicaid payments which would likely result in a significant loss of revenue. In addition, private payors, including managed care payors, increasingly are demanding that providers accept discounted payments resulting in lost revenue for specific patients. Efforts to impose reduced payments, greater discounts and more stringent cost controls by government and other payors are expected to continue. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we derived 41% and 28% of our net patient revenues from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, respectively. Any reforms that significantly limit rates of reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. We are unable to predict what reform proposals or reimbursement limitations will be adopted in the future or the effect such changes will have on our operations. No assurance can be given that such reforms will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Potential Healthcare Reform

The increase in the number of individuals and families without healthcare coverage has heightened debate about whether and how to implement comprehensive reform of the United States healthcare system. The Obama administration has made healthcare reform its primary domestic agenda item, and Congress is currently considering multiple plans on how to change the healthcare system and how to fund those changes. Generally, President Obama and most members of Congress believe that the current healthcare system is too inefficient and leaves too many individuals without healthcare coverage. Much of the current healthcare reform debate includes the following considerations; whether a public insurance option should be established; the impact to private insurance companies; the impact to consumer choice of healthcare services; the impact to small businesses; and the impact of funding alternatives including personal tax rate increases, business surcharges, service provider assessments and increasing the federal deficit. We are not able to predict whether healthcare reform will be implemented, what provisions a potential reform plan may include or what impact these developments may have on our future operating results or cash flows at this time.

Medicare Legislation and Regulations

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

SNF PPS - Medicare is uniform nationwide and reimburses nursing centers under a fixed payment methodology named the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (“SNF PPS”). PPS is an acuity based classification system that uses nursing and therapy indexes adjusted by geographical wage indexes to calculate per diem rates for each Medicare patient. Payment rates are updated annually and are generally increased each October when the federal fiscal year begins. The acuity classification system is named RUGs (Resource Utilization Groups III). SNF PPS, as implemented in 1999, had an adverse impact on our industry and our business by decreasing payments materially. Refinements in the form of temporary add-ons provided some relief until October 1, 2002. Annual market basket (inflationary) increases have continued to improve payments since that time.

Distribution of payments among providers is determined by patient acuity and classification of 53 RUG groups. Effective October 1, 2009, the federal RUG rates had a market basket increase of 2.2%. There was also a recalibration of the nursing weights implemented resulting in a reduction of 3.3%. The net impact of these adjustments was a reduction of 1.1% to PPS rates.

Prescription Drugs - Medicare Part D – In 2003, the Congress enacted the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA). This landmark legislation provides seniors and people with disabilities with a comprehensive prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program. Under Part D, private insurance companies contract with Medicare to provide coverage for anyone eligible for Part D that chooses to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Most patients are enrolled in a PDP including Medicaid and Private Pay patients. There are multiple PDP’s.

Some patients continue to be covered by other private insurance companies outside of Part D. As part of the consolidated billing component of the Medicare Part A SNF PPS plan, prescription drugs for patients in a Medicare Part A stay are billed to Part A and not Part D. The provider purchases prescriptions from a drug supplier and bills charges to Medicare Part A under the per diem established by CMS. Whereas, for a patient whose prescriptions are billed to Medicare Part D, the drug supplier bills Part D and the provider is only billed for non-covered and co-pay amounts.

Most of our nursing centers and assisted living centers are supplied prescriptions by our owned regional pharmacies known as Network Pharmacies. Network provides prescriptions to 44 owned, 8 managed, and 17 trade entities. We expect that changes to PDP payment methodology by CMS could have a negative effect on rates. Substantial increases in drug costs could occur which would negatively impact our gross margin for prescriptions.

Homecares (HHAs)

Medicare is uniform nationwide and reimburses homecares under a fixed payment methodology named the Prospective Payment System (HH PPS). Generally, Medicare makes payment under the HH PPS on the basis of a national standardized 60-day episode payment, adjusted for case mix and geographical wage index. Payment rates are updated periodically and were last adjusted on January 1, 2009. The acuity classification system is named HHRGs (Home Health Resource Groups).

For 2008, we received a market basket update of 3.0% coupled with rate reductions of 2.75% per year for years 2008 through 2010 to be followed by a 2.71% reduction in 2011. Changes were also made to case-mix weights, moving from 83 case-mix categories in 2007 to 153 case-mix categories in 2008. The ten visit threshold at which higher payment rates would occur was replaced with a multi-step threshold with incremental payments for increased visits.

For 2009, we received a market basket increase of 2.9% along with the annual 2.75% decrease mentioned above. Wage index changes were also made and were positive for some of our offices and negative for others. The combined net effect of all pay rate adjustments for 2009 was negligible.

Medicaid Legislation and Regulations

State Medicaid plans subject to budget constraints are of particular concern to us given the repeal of the Boren Amendment by the Balance Budget Act of 1997. The Boren Amendment provided fair reimbursement protection to nursing facilities. Changes in federal funding and pressure on certain provider taxes coupled with state budget problems have produced an uncertain environment. Industry studies predict the Medicaid crisis will continue with a state required contribution to Medicare Part D and anticipated budget deficits. States will more likely than not be unable to keep pace with nursing center inflation. States are under pressure to pursue other alternatives to long term care such as community and home-based services.

In Tennessee, annual Medicaid rate increases were implemented effective July 1, 2009. The Tennessee increase in revenue was approximately $89,000 per quarter. In Missouri, Medicaid rate increases were implemented effective July 1, 2009 and the quarterly effect was an increase in revenues of approximately $345,000. In South Carolina, Medicaid rate increases were implemented October 1, 2009 and the quarterly effect was an increase in revenues of approximately $682,000.

Health Care Center Construction and Purchases

We have completed or anticipate completion of the following long-term health care centers.


Description	Number of Beds	Location		Cost	Date Placed in Service or Expected Completion
Bed Addition	60	North Augusta, SC	$	6,657,000	3^rd Quarter 2008
New Facility	120	Bluffton, SC	$	22,645,000	1^st Quarter 2010
New Facility	61	Mauldin, SC	$	6,600,000	1^st Quarter 2010

We have purchased or leased the following facilities:


Description	Location		Capitalized Cost	Date Placed in Service
544-Bed Long-Term Care Center 66-Unit Assisted Living Facility	Chattanooga, TN	$	14,760,000	November 2007
109-bed Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility	Knoxville, TN	$	6,347,000	January 2008
132-Bed Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility 60-Bed Assisted Living Facility	Charleston, SC	$	13,250,000	August 2008

The Chattanooga, Tennessee property has been leased to a third party provider and generates rental revenue for NHC.

In January 2008, we purchased two tracts of land located in South Carolina and one tract located in Tennessee. These tracts were undeveloped and are held for future development.

In December 2009, we purchased the remaining 20% partnership interest in our Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia facility. The partnership is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

Competition

In most of the communities in which we operate health care centers, there are other health care centers with which we compete. We own, lease or manage (through subsidiaries) 76 long-term health care facilities located in 10 states. Each of these states are certificate of need states which generally requires the state to approve the opening of any

new long-term health care facilities. There are hundreds of operators of long-term health care facilities in each of these states and no single operator, including us, dominates any of these state’s long-term health care markets, except for some small rural markets which might have only one long-term health care facility. In competing for patients and staff with these centers, we depend upon referrals from acute care hospitals, physicians, residential care facilities, church groups and other community service organizations. The reputation in the community and the physical appearance of our health care centers are important in obtaining patients, since members of the patient’s family generally participate to a greater extent in selecting health care centers than in selecting an acute care hospital. We believe that by providing and emphasizing rehabilitative as well as skilled care services at our centers, we are able to broaden our patient base and to differentiate our centers from competing health care centers.

Our homecares compete with other home health agencies (HHA’s) in most communities we serve. Competition occurs for patients and employees. Our homecares depend on hospital and physician referrals and reputation in order to maintain a healthy census.

As we expanded into the assisted living market, we monitored proposed or existing competing assisted living centers. Our development goal is to link our health care centers with our assisted living centers, thereby obtaining a competitive advantage for both.

We experience competition in employing and retaining nurses, technicians, aides and other high quality professional and non-professional employees. In order to enhance our competitive position, we have an educational tuition loan program, an American Dietetic Association approved internship program, a specially designed nurse's aide training class, and we make financial scholarship aid available to physical therapy vocational programs. We support the Foundation for Geriatric Education. We also conduct an “Administrator in Training” course, 24 months in duration, for the professional training of administrators. Presently, we have nine full-time individuals in this program. Four of our six regional vice presidents and 51 of our 76 health care center administrators are graduates of this program.

We experience competition in providing management and accounting services to other long-term health care providers. Those services are provided primarily to owners with whom we have had previous involvement through ownership or leasing arrangements. Our insurance services are provided primarily to centers for which we also provide management and/or accounting services.

Our employee benefit package offers a tuition reimbursement program. The goal of the program is to insure a well trained qualified work force to meet future demands. While the program is offered to all disciplines, special emphasis has been placed on supporting students in nursing and physical therapy programs. Students are reimbursed at the end of each semester after presenting tuition receipts and grades to management. The program has been successful in providing a means for many bright students to pursue a formal education.

Employees

As of December 31, 2009, our Administrative Services Contractor plus our managed centers had approximately 12,800 full and part time employees, who we call “Partners”. No employees are represented by a bargaining unit. We believe our current relations with our employees are good.

Investor Information

We maintain a worldwide web site at www.nhccare.com. We publish to this web site our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and press releases. We do not necessarily have these filed the same day as they are filed with the SEC or released to the public, but rather have a policy of placing these on the web site within two (2) business days of public release or SEC filing.

We also maintain the following documents on the web site:

The NHC Code of Ethics. This Code has been adopted for all employees of our Administrative Services Contractor, officers and directors of the Company. The website will also disclose whether there have been any amendments or waivers to the Code of Ethics and Standards of conduct. To date there have been none.

Information on our “NHC Valuesline”, which allows our staff and investors unrestricted access to our Corporate Compliance Officer, executive officers and directors. The toll free number is 800-526-4064 and the communications may be incognito, if desired.

The NHC Restated Audit Committee Charter.

The NHC Compensation Committee Charter.

The NHC Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee Charter

We will furnish, free of charge, a copy of any of the above documents to any interested investor upon receipt of a written request.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below, as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, because these factors could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Relating to Our Company

We depend on reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payors and reimbursement rates from such payors may be reduced. - We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from third-party payors, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we derived approximately 64% of our net operating revenues from the Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs. Third-party payor programs are highly regulated and are subject to frequent and substantial changes. Changes in the reimbursement rate or methods of payment from third-party payors, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, or the implementation of other measures to reduce reimbursements for our services has in the past, and could in the future, result in a substantial reduction in our revenues and operating margins. Additionally, net revenue realizable under third-party payor agreements can change after examination and retroactive adjustment by payors during the claims settlement processes or as a result of post-payment audits. Payors may disallow requests for reimbursement based on determinations that certain costs are not reimbursable or reasonable because additional documentation is necessary or because certain services were not covered or were not reasonable and medically necessary. There also continue to be new legislative and regulatory proposals that

could impose further limitations on government and private payments to health care providers. In some cases, states have enacted or are considering enacting measures designed to reduce their Medicaid expenditures and to make changes to private health care insurance. We cannot assure you that adequate reimbursement levels will continue to be available for the services provided by us, which are currently being reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or private third-party payors. Further limits on the scope of services reimbursed and on reimbursement rates could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. It is possible that the effects of further refinements to PPS that result in lower payments to us or cuts in state Medicaid funding could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See Item 1, “Business – Regulation and Licenses” and “Medicare Legislation and Regulations” and “Medicaid Legislation and Regulations”.

We conduct business in a heavily regulated industry, and changes in, or violations of, regulations may result in increased costs or sanctions that reduce our revenue and profitability. - In the ordinary course of our business, we are regularly subject to inquiries, investigations and audits by federal and state agencies to determine whether we are in compliance with regulations governing the operation of, and reimbursement for, skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living facilities, hospice, home health agencies and our other operating areas. These regulations include those relating to licensure, conduct of operations, ownership of facilities, construction of new and additions to existing facilities, allowable costs, services and prices for services. In particular, various laws, including federal and state anti-kickback and anti-fraud statutes, prohibit certain business practices and relationships that might affect the provision and cost of health care services reimbursable under federal and/or state health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, including the payment or receipt of remuneration for the referral of patients whose care will be paid by federal governmental programs. Sanctions for violating the anti-kickback and anti-fraud statutes include criminal penalties and civil sanctions, including fines and possible exclusion from governmental programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition, the Stark Law broadly defines the scope of prohibited physician referrals under federal health care programs to providers with which they have ownership or other financial arrangements. Many states have adopted, or are considering, legislative proposals similar to these laws, some of which extend beyond federal health care programs, to prohibit the payment or receipt of remuneration for the referral of patients and physician referrals regardless of the source of the payment for the care. These laws and regulations are complex and limited judicial or regulatory interpretation exists. We cannot assure you that governmental officials charged with responsibility for enforcing the provisions of these laws and regulations will not assert that one or more of our arrangements are in violation of the provisions of such laws and regulations.

The regulatory environment surrounding the long-term care industry has intensified, particularly for larger for-profit, multi-facility providers like us. The federal government has imposed extensive enforcement policies resulting in a significant increase in the number of inspections, citations of regulatory deficiencies and other regulatory sanctions, including terminations from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, denials of payment for new Medicare and Medicaid admissions and civil monetary penalties. If we fail to comply, or are perceived as failing to comply, with the extensive laws and regulations applicable to our business, we could become ineligible to receive government program reimbursement, be required to refund amounts received from Medicare, Medicaid or private payors, suffer civil or criminal penalties, suffer damage to our reputation in various markets or be required to make significant changes to our operations. We are also subject to federal and state laws that govern financial and other arrangements between health care providers. These laws often prohibit certain direct and indirect payments or fee-splitting arrangements between health care providers that are designed to induce the referral of patients to a particular provider for medical products and services. Possible sanctions for violation of any of these restrictions or prohibitions include loss of eligibility to participate in reimbursement programs and/or civil and criminal penalties. Furthermore, some states restrict certain business relationships between physicians and other providers of health care services. Many states prohibit business corporations from providing, or holding themselves out as a provider of, medical care. From time to time, we may seek guidance as to the interpretation of these laws; however, there can be no assurance that such laws will ultimately be interpreted in a manner consistent with our practices. In addition, we could be forced to expend considerable resources responding to an investigation or other enforcement action under these laws or regulations. Furthermore, should we lose licenses or certifications for a number of our facilities as a result of regulatory action or otherwise, we could be deemed in default under some of our agreements, including agreements governing outstanding indebtedness. We also are subject to

potential lawsuits under a federal whistle-blower statute designed to combat fraud and abuse in the health care industry. These lawsuits can involve significant monetary awards to private plaintiffs who successfully bring these suits.

We have established policies and procedures that we believe are sufficient to ensure that our facilities will operate in substantial compliance with these anti-fraud and abuse requirements. While we believe that our business practices are consistent with Medicare and Medicaid criteria, those criteria are often vague and subject to change and interpretation. Aggressive anti-fraud actions, however, have had and could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See Item 1, "Business - Regulation and Licenses”.

We are unable to predict the future course of federal, state and local regulation or legislation, including Medicare and Medicaid statutes and regulations, or the intensity of federal and state enforcement actions. Our failure to obtain or renew required regulatory approvals or licenses or to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the suspension or revocation of our licenses or our disqualification from participation in certain federal and state reimbursement programs, or the imposition of other harsh enforcement sanctions could have a material adverse effect upon our operations and financial condition.

We are required to comply with laws governing the transmission and privacy of health information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, requires us to comply with standards for the exchange of health information within our Company and with third parties, such as payors, business associates and patients. These include standards for common health care transactions, such as claims information, plan eligibility, payment information and the use of electronic signatures, unique identifiers for providers, employers, health plans and individuals, and security, privacy and enforcement. The Department of Health and Human Services has released final rules to implement a number of these requirements, and several HIPAA initiatives have become effective, including privacy protections, transaction standards, and security standards. If we fail to comply with these standards, we could be subject to criminal penalties and civil sanctions.

We are defendants in significant legal actions, which are commonplace in our industry, and which could subject us to increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which would materially and adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition - As is typical in the health care industry, we are subject to claims that our services have resulted in resident injury or other adverse effects. We, like our industry peers, have experienced an increasing trend in the frequency and severity of professional liability, workers’ compensation, and health insurance claims and litigation asserted against us. In some states in which we have significant operations, insurance coverage for the risk of punitive damages arising from professional liability claims and/or litigation may not, in certain cases, be available due to state law prohibitions or limitations of availability. We cannot assure you that we will not be liable for punitive damage awards that are either not covered or are in excess of our insurance policy limits. We also believe that there have been, and will continue to be, governmental investigations of long-term care providers, particularly in the area of Medicare/Medicaid false claims, as well as an increase in enforcement actions resulting from these investigations. Insurance is not available to cover such losses. Any adverse determination in a legal proceeding or governmental investigation, whether currently asserted or arising in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Due to the rising cost and limited availability of professional liability, workers’ compensation and health insurance, we are largely self-insured on all of these programs and as a result, there is no limit on the maximum number of claims or amount for which we or our insurance subsidiary can be liable in any policy period. Although we base our loss estimates on independent actuarial analyses using the information we have to date, the amount of the losses could exceed our estimates. In the event our actual liability exceeds our estimates for any given period, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely impacted. In addition, our insurance coverage might not cover all claims made against us. If we are unable to maintain our current insurance coverage, if judgments are obtained in excess of the coverage we maintain, if we are required to pay uninsured punitive damages, or if the number of claims settled within the self-insured retention currently in place significantly increases, we could be exposed to substantial additional liabilities. We cannot assure you that the claims we pay under our self-insurance programs will not exceed the reserves we have set aside to pay claims. The number of claims within the self-insured retention may increase.

Recent legislation and the increasing costs of being publicly owned are likely to impact our future consolidated financial position and results of operations. - In connection with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are subject to rules requiring our management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to have effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting in place, we could be unable to provide timely and reliable financial information which could, in turn, have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Significant regulatory changes, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules and regulations promulgated as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, have increased, and in the future are likely to further increase, general and administrative costs. In order to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the listing standards of the NYSE Amex exchange, and rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), we have had to hire additional personnel and utilize additional outside legal, accounting and advisory services, and may continue to require such additional resources. Moreover, in the rapidly changing regulatory environment in which we now operate, there is significant uncertainty as to what will be required to comply with many of the new rules and regulations. As a result, we may be required to spend substantially more than we currently estimate, and may need to divert resources from other activities, as we develop our compliance plans.

New accounting pronouncements or new interpretations of existing standards could require us to make adjustments in our accounting policies that could affect our financial statements. - The Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, or other accounting organizations or governmental entities issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards that sometimes require us to change our accounting policies and procedures. Future pronouncements or interpretations could require us to change our policies or procedures and have a significant impact on our future financial statements.

By undertaking to provide management services, advisory services, and/or financial services to other entities, we become at least partially responsible for meeting the regulatory requirements of those entities. - We provide management and/or financial services to health care centers, assisting living centers and independent living centers owned by third parties. At December 31, 2009, we perform management services (which include financial services) for 26 such centers and accounting and financial services for an additional 28 such centers. Furthermore, we previously provided advisory services to NHR, prior to the merger with NHC, a publicly traded REIT and financial services to Management Advisory Source, LLC which company provides advisory services to NHI, a publicly traded REIT. The ARisk Factors” contained herein as applying to us may in many instances apply equally to these other entities for which we provide services. We have in the past and may in the future be subject to claims from the entities to which we provide management, advisory or financial services, or to the claims of third parties to those entities. Any adverse determination in any legal proceeding regarding such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, our results of operation, our financial condition and cash flows.

We provide management services to long-term care centers under terms whereby the payments for our services are subject to subordination to other expenditures of the long-term care provider. Furthermore, there are certain third parties with whom we have contracted to provide services and which we have determined, based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, that the service revenue realization is uncertain. We may, therefore, make expenditures related to the provision of services for which we are not paid.

The cost to replace or retain qualified nurses, health care professionals and other key personnel may adversely affect our financial performance, and we may not be able to comply with certain states’ staffing requirements. - We could experience significant increases in our operating costs due to shortages in qualified nurses, health care professionals and other key personnel. The market for these key personnel is highly competitive. We, like other health care providers, have experienced difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, especially facility administrators, nurses, certified nurses' aides and other important health care providers. There is currently a shortage of nurses, and trends indicate this shortage will continue or worsen in the future. The difficulty our skilled nursing facilities are experiencing in hiring and retaining qualified personnel has increased our average wage rate. We may continue to experience increases in our labor costs due to higher wages and greater benefits required to attract and retain qualified health care personnel. Our ability to control labor costs will significantly affect our future operating results.

Certain states in which we operate skilled nursing facilities have adopted minimum staffing standards and additional states may also establish similar requirements in the future. Our ability to satisfy these requirements will depend upon our ability to attract and retain qualified nurses, certified nurses' assistants and other staff. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the imposition of fines or other sanctions. If states do not appropriate sufficient additional funds (through Medicaid program appropriations or otherwise) to pay for any additional operating costs resulting from minimum staffing requirements, our profitability may be adversely affected.

Although we currently have no collective bargaining agreements with unions at our facilities, there is no assurance this will continue to be the case. If any of our facilities enter into collective bargaining agreements with unions, we could experience or incur additional administrative expenses associated with union representation or our employees.

Future acquisitions may be difficult to complete, use significant resources, or be unsuccessful and could expose us to unforeseen liabilities. - We may selectively pursue acquisitions or new developments in our target markets. Acquisitions and new developments may involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence, capital expenditures, additional operating losses, amortization of the intangible assets of acquired companies, dilutive issuances of equity securities and other expenses that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Acquisitions also involve numerous other risks, including difficulties integrating acquired operations, personnel and information systems, diversion of management's time from existing operations, potential losses of key employees or customers of acquired companies, assumptions of significant liabilities, exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies and increases in our indebtedness.

We cannot assure you that we will succeed in obtaining financing for any acquisitions at a reasonable cost or that any financing will not contain restrictive covenants that limit our operating flexibility. We also may be unable to operate acquired facilities profitably or succeed in achieving improvements in their financial performance.

We also may face competition in acquiring any facilities. Our competitors may acquire or seek to acquire many of the facilities that would be suitable acquisition candidates for us. This could limit our ability to grow by acquisitions or increase the cost of our acquisitions.

Upkeep of healthcare properties is capital intensive, requiring us to continually direct financial resources to the maintenance and enhancement of our physical plant and equipment. - As of December 31, 2009, we leased or owned 76 skilled nursing centers, 23 assisted living centers, and seven independent living centers. Our ability to maintain and enhance our physical plant and equipment in a suitable condition to meet regulatory standards, operate efficiently and remain competitive in our markets requires us to commit a substantial portion of our free cash flow to continued investment in our physical plant and equipment. Certain of our competitors may operate centers that are not as old as our centers, or may appear more modernized than our centers, and therefore may be more attractive to prospective customers. In addition, the cost to replace our existing centers through acquisition or construction is substantially higher than the carrying value of our centers. We are undertaking a process to allocate more aggressively capital spending within our owned and leased centers in an effort to address issues that arise in connection with an aging physical plant.

If factors, including factors indicated in these “Risk Factors” and other factors beyond our control render us unable to direct the necessary financial and human resources to the maintenance, upgrade and modernization of our physical plant and equipment, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow could be adversely impacted.

Provision for losses in our financial statements may not be adequate. - Loss provisions in our financial statements for self-insured programs are made on an undiscounted basis in the relevant period. These provisions are based on internal and external evaluations of the merits of individual claims, analysis of claims history and independent actuarially determined estimates. Our management reviews the methods of determining these estimates and establishing the resulting accrued liabilities frequently, with any material adjustments resulting therefrom being reflected in current earnings. Although we believe that our provisions for self-insured losses in our financial statements are adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of the amounts recorded. In the event the provisions for loss reflected in our financial statements are inadequate, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially affected.

Implementation of a new information technology infrastructure could cause business interruptions and negatively affect our profitability and cash flows. - We continue to refine and implement our information technology to improve customer service, enhance operating efficiencies and provide more effective management of business operations. Implementation of the new system and software and refinement of existing software carries risks such as cost overruns, project delays and business interruptions and delays. If we experience a material business interruption as a result of the implementation of our existing or future information technology infrastructure or are unable to obtain the projected benefits of this new infrastructure, it could adversely affect us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

If we fail to compete effectively with other health care providers, our revenues and profitability may decline. - The long-term health care services industry is highly competitive. Our skilled nursing health care centers, assisted living centers, independent living facilities, home care services and other operations compete on a local and regional basis with other nursing centers, health care providers, and senior living service providers. Some of our competitors' facilities are located in newer buildings and may offer services not provided by us or are operated by entities having greater financial and other resources than us. Our skilled nursing facilities face competition from skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living facilities, homecare services, and other operations that provide services comparable to those offered by our skilled nursing facilities. Many competing general acute care hospitals are larger and more established than our facilities.

The long-term care industry is divided into a variety of competitive areas that market similar services. These competitors include skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living facilities, homecare services, hospice providers and other operations. Our facilities generally operate in communities that also are served by similar facilities operated by our competitors. Certain of our competitors are operated by not-for-profit, non-taxpaying or governmental agencies that can finance capital expenditures on a tax exempt basis and that receive funds and charitable contributions unavailable to us. Our facilities compete based on factors such as our reputation for quality care; the commitment and expertise of our staff; the quality and comprehensiveness of our treatment programs; the physical appearance, location and condition of our facilities and to a limited extend, the charges for services. In addition, we compete with other long-term care providers for customer referrals from hospitals. As a result, a failure to compete effectively with respect to referrals may have an adverse impact on our business. Many of these competing companies have greater financial and other resources than we have. We cannot assure you that increased competition in the future will not adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Possible changes in the case mix of patients as well as payor mix and payment methodologies may significantly affect our profitability.- The sources and amounts of our patient revenues will be determined by a number of factors, including licensed bed capacity and occupancy rates of our facilities, the mix of patients and the rates of reimbursement among payors. Likewise, reimbursement for therapy services will vary based upon payor and payment methodologies. Changes in the case mix of the patients as well as payor mix among private pay, Medicare and Medicaid will significantly affect our profitability. Particularly, any significant increase in our Medicaid population could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow, especially if states operating these programs continue to limit, or more aggressively seek limits on, reimbursement rates.

Private third-party payors continue to try to reduce health care costs. - Private third-party payors are continuing their efforts to control health care costs through direct contracts with health care providers, increased utilization review and greater enrollment in managed care programs and preferred provider organizations. These private payors increasingly

are demanding discounted fee structures and the assumption by health care providers of all or a portion of the financial risk. We could be adversely affected by the continuing efforts of private third-party payors to limit the amount of reimbursement we receive for health care services. We cannot assure you that reimbursement payments under private third-party payor programs will remain at levels comparable to present levels or will be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients eligible for reimbursement pursuant to such programs. Future changes in the reimbursement rates or methods of private or third-party payors, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, or the implementation of other measures to reduce reimbursement for our services could result in a substantial reduction in our net operating revenues. Finally, as a result of competitive pressures, our ability to maintain operating margins through price increases to private patients is limited.

We are exposed to market risk due to the fact that outstanding debt and future borrowings are or will be subject to wide fluctuations based on changing interest rates. - Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with variable rate borrowings. We currently have a $75,000,000 revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement provides for variable rates and if market interest rates rise, so will our required interest payments on any future borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Although we currently have a modest amount of debt outstanding, we expect to borrow in the future to fund development and acquisitions. In the event we incur substantial indebtedness, this could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations;

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including material adverse regulatory changes such as reductions in reimbursement;

limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements, or to carry out other aspects of our business plan;

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate purposes, or to carry out other aspects of our business plan;

require us to pledge as collateral substantially all of our assets;

require us to maintain certain debt coverage and financial ratios at specified levels, thereby reducing our financial flexibility;

limit our ability to make material acquisitions or take advantage of business opportunities that may arise;

expose us to fluctuations in interest rates, to the extend our borrowings bear variable rates of interest;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

In addition, loan agreements governing our debt contain and may in the future contain financial and other restrictive covenants limiting our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of some or all of our debts.

We are permitted to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks described above. - We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of our current

debt do not completely prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

To service our current as well as anticipated indebtedness and future dividends, we will require a significant amount of cash, the availability of which depends on many factors beyond our control. - Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including our present indebtedness, to fund planned capital expenditures, and to fund future dividend payments will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extend, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We may not be able to meet all of our capital needs. - We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations that anticipated revenue growth and improvement of operating efficiencies will be realized or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity, sell assets or curtain discretionary capital expenditures.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties


Long-Term Health Care Centers

				Total	Joined
State	City	Center Name	Affiliation	Beds	NHC
Alabama	Anniston	NHC HealthCare, Anniston	Leased⁽¹⁾	151	1973
	Moulton	NHC HealthCare, Moulton	Leased⁽¹⁾	136	1973

Georgia	Fort Oglethorpe	NHC HealthCare, Fort Oglethorpe	Owned	135	1989
	Rossville	NHC HealthCare, Rossville	Leased⁽¹⁾	112	1971

Kansas	Chanute	Chanute HealthCare Center	Managed	77	2001
	Council Grove	Council Grove HealthCare Center	Managed	80	2001
	Haysville	Haysville HealthCare Center	Managed	119	2001
	Larned	Larned HealthCare Center	Managed	80	2001
	Sedgwick	Sedgwick HealthCare Center	Managed	62	2001

Kentucky	Glasgow	NHC HealthCare, Glasgow	Leased⁽¹⁾	194	1971
	Madisonville	NHC HealthCare, Madisonville	Leased⁽¹⁾	94	1973

Massachusetts	Greenfield	Buckley-Greenfield Health Care Center	Managed	120	1999
	Holyoke	Holyoke Health Care Center	Managed	102	1999
	Quincy	John Adams Health Care Center	Managed	71	1999
	Taunton	Longmeadow of Taunton	Managed	100	1999

Missouri	Columbia	Columbia HealthCare Center	Managed	97	2001
	Desloge	NHC HealthCare, Desloge	Leased⁽¹⁾	120	1982
	Joplin	Joplin HealthCare Center	Managed	92	2001
	Joplin	NHC HealthCare, Joplin	Leased⁽¹⁾	126	1982
	Kennett	NHC HealthCare, Kennett	Leased⁽¹⁾	170	1982
	Macon	Macon Health Care Center	Managed	120	1982
	Osage Beach	Osage Beach Health Care Center	Managed	120	1982
	St. Charles	Charlevoix HealthCare Center	Managed	142	2001
	St. Charles	NHC HealthCare, St. Charles	Leased⁽¹⁾	120	1982
	St. Louis	NHC HealthCare, Maryland Heights	Leased⁽¹⁾	220	1987
	Springfield	Springfield Rehabilitation and	Managed	120	1982
		Health Care Center
	Town & Country	NHC HealthCare, Town & Country	Owned	200	2001
	West Plains	NHC HealthCare, West Plains	Owned⁽³⁾	120	1982

New Hampshire	Epsom	Epsom Health Care Center	Managed	108	1999
	Manchester	Maple Leaf Health Care Center	Managed	114	1999
	Manchester	Villa Crest Health Care Center	Managed	126	1999


Long-Term Health Care Centers
(continued)
				Total	Joined
State	City	Center Name	Affiliation	Beds	NHC
South Carolina	Anderson	NHC HealthCare, Anderson	Leased⁽¹⁾	290	1973
	Charleston	NHC HealthCare, Charleston	Owned	132	2008
	Clinton	NHC HealthCare, Clinton	Owned⁽³⁾	131	1993
	Columbia	NHC HealthCare, Parklane	Owned⁽³⁾	180	1997
	Greenwood	NHC HealthCare, Greenwood	Leased⁽¹⁾	152	1973
	Greenville	NHC HealthCare, Greenville	Owned⁽³⁾	176	1992
	Laurens	NHC HealthCare, Laurens	Leased⁽¹⁾	176	1973
	Lexington	NHC HealthCare, Lexington	Owned⁽³⁾	120	1994
	Mauldin	NHC HealthCare, Mauldin	Owned⁽³⁾	180	1997
	Murrells Inlet	NHC HealthCare, Garden City	Owned⁽³⁾	148	1992
	North Augusta	NHC HealthCare, North Augusta	Owned⁽³⁾	192	1991
	Sumter	NHC HealthCare, Sumter	Managed	138	1985

Tennessee	Athens	NHC HealthCare, Athens	Leased⁽¹⁾	98	1971
	Chattanooga	NHC HealthCare, Chattanooga	Leased⁽¹⁾	207	1971
	Columbia	Maury Regional Hospital	Managed	20	1996
	Columbia	NHC HealthCare, Columbia	Leased⁽¹⁾	106	1973
	Columbia	NHC HealthCare, Hillview	Leased⁽¹⁾	92	1971
	Cookeville	NHC HealthCare, Cookeville	Managed	94	1975
	Dickson	NHC HealthCare, Dickson	Leased⁽¹⁾	191	1971
	Dunlap	NHC HealthCare, Sequatchie	Leased⁽¹⁾	120	1976
	Farragut	NHC HealthCare, Farragut	Owned⁽³⁾	90	1998
	Franklin	NHC Place, Cool Springs	Owned	180	2004
	Franklin	NHC HealthCare, Franklin	Leased⁽¹⁾	80	1979
	Hendersonville	NHC HealthCare, Hendersonville	Leased⁽¹⁾	122	1987
	Johnson City	NHC HealthCare, Johnson City	Leased⁽¹⁾	160	1971
	Knoxville	NHC HealthCare, Fort Sanders	Owned⁽²⁾	172	1977
	Knoxville	Holston Health & Rehabilitation Center	Owned	109	2008
	Knoxville	NHC HealthCare, Knoxville	Leased⁽¹⁾	139	1971
	Lawrenceburg	NHC HealthCare, Lawrenceburg	Managed	96	1985
	Lawrenceburg	NHC HealthCare, Scott	Leased⁽¹⁾	60	1971
	Lewisburg	NHC HealthCare, Lewisburg	Leased⁽¹⁾	100	1971
	Lewisburg	NHC HealthCare, Oakwood	Leased⁽¹⁾	60	1973
	McMinnville	NHC HealthCare, McMinnville	Leased⁽¹⁾	150	1971
	Milan	NHC HealthCare, Milan	Leased⁽¹⁾	122	1971
	Murfreesboro	AdamsPlace	Owned⁽³⁾	90	1997
	Murfreesboro	NHC HealthCare, Murfreesboro	Managed	181	1974
	Nashville	The Health Center of Richland Place	Managed	107	1992
	Nashville	McKendree Village	Managed	300	2008
	Oak Ridge	NHC HealthCare, Oak Ridge	Managed	128	1977
	Pulaski	NHC HealthCare, Pulaski	Leased⁽¹⁾	102	1971
	Smithville	NHC HealthCare, Smithville	Leased⁽¹⁾	114	1971
	Somerville	NHC HealthCare, Somerville	Leased⁽¹⁾	72	1976
	Sparta	NHC HealthCare, Sparta	Leased⁽¹⁾	120	1975
	Springfield	NHC HealthCare, Springfield	Leased⁽¹⁾	107	1973

Virginia	Bristol	NHC HealthCare, Bristol	Leased⁽¹⁾	120	1973


Assisted Living Units

State	City	Center	Affiliation	Units

Alabama	Anniston	NHC Place/Anniston	Owned⁽³⁾	68

Arizona	Gilbert	The Place at Gilbert	Managed⁽⁴⁾	50
	Glendale	The Place at Glendale	Managed⁽⁴⁾	38
	Tucson	The Place at Tucson	Managed⁽⁴⁾	50
	Tucson	The Place at Tanque Verde	Managed⁽⁴⁾	38

Kansas	Larned	Larned Health Care Center	Managed	19

Kentucky	Glasgow	NHC HealthCare, Glasgow	Leased⁽¹⁾	8

Missouri	St. Charles	Lake St. Charles Retirement Center	Leased⁽¹⁾	25

New Hampshire	Manchester	Villa Crest Assisted Living	Managed	29

South Carolina	Charleston	The Palmettos of Charleston	Owned	60
	Conway	The Place at Conway	Managed⁽⁴⁾	42

Tennessee	Dickson	NHC HealthCare, Dickson	Leased⁽¹⁾	20
	Farragut	NHC Place, Farragut	Owned⁽³⁾	84
	Franklin	NHC Place, Cool Springs	Owned	46
	Gallatin	The Place at Gallatin	Managed⁽⁴⁾	42
	Johnson City	NHC HealthCare, Johnson City	Leased⁽¹⁾	6
	Kingsport	The Place at Kingsport	Managed⁽⁴⁾	44
	Murfreesboro	AdamsPlace	Owned⁽³⁾	83
	Nashville	McKendree Manor	Managed	85
	Nashville	Richland Place	Managed	24
	Smithville	NHC HealthCare, Smithville	Leased⁽¹⁾	6
	Somerville	NHC HealthCare, Somerville	Leased⁽¹⁾	12
	Tullahoma	The Place at Tullahoma	Managed⁽⁴⁾	42


Retirement Apartments

State	City	Retirement Apartments	Affiliation	Units	Est.
Kansas	Larned	Larned HealthCare Center	Managed	10	2001

Missouri	St. Charles	Lake St. Charles Retirement	Leased⁽¹⁾	155	1984
		Apartments

Tennessee	Chattanooga	Parkwood Retirement Apartments	Leased⁽¹⁾	30	1986
	Johnson City	Colonial Hill Retirement Apartments	Leased⁽¹⁾	63	1987
	Murfreesboro	AdamsPlace	Owned⁽³⁾	93	1997
	Nashville	McKendree Tower and Cottages	Managed	273	2008
	Nashville	Richland Place Retirement Apartments	Managed	137	1993


Homecare Programs

State	City	Homecare Programs	Affiliation	Est.

Florida	Carrabelle	NHC HomeCare of Carrabelle	Owned	1994
	Chipley	NHC HomeCare of Chipley	Owned	1994
	Crawfordville	NHC HomeCare of Crawfordville	Owned	1994
	Marianna	NHC HomeCare of Marianna	Owned	1994
	Merritt Island	NHC HomeCare of Merritt Island	Owned	1999
	Ocala	NHC HomeCare of Ocala	Owned	1996
	Panama City	NHC HomeCare of Panama City	Owned	1994
	Port St. Joe	NHC HomeCare of Port St. Joe	Owned	1994
	Quincy	NHC HomeCare of Quincy	Owned	1994
	Vero Beach	NHC HomeCare of Vero Beach	Owned	1997

South Carolina	Aiken	NHC HomeCare of Aiken	Owned	1996
	Greenville	NHC HomeCare of Greenville	Owned	2007
	Greenwood	NHC HomeCare of Greenwood	Owned	1996
	Laurens	NHC HomeCare of Laurens	Owned	1996

Tennessee	Athens	NHC HomeCare of Athens	Owned	1984
	Chattanooga	NHC HomeCare of Chattanooga	Owned	1985
	Columbia	NHC HomeCare of Columbia	Owned	1977
	Cookeville	NHC HomeCare of Cookeville	Owned	1976
	Dickson	NHC HomeCare of Dickson	Owned	1977
	Franklin	NHC HomeCare of Franklin	Owned	2007
	Hendersonville	NHC HomeCare of Hendersonville	Owned	2009
	Johnson City	NHC HomeCare of Johnson City	Owned	1978
	Knoxville	NHC HomeCare of Knoxville	Owned	1977
	Lawrenceburg	NHC HomeCare of Lawrenceburg	Owned	1977
	Lebanon	NHC HomeCare of Lebanon	Owned	1997
	Lewisburg	NHC HomeCare of Lewisburg	Owned	1977
	McMinnville	NHC HomeCare of McMinnville	Owned	1976
	Milan	NHC HomeCare of Milan	Owned	1977
	Murfreesboro	NHC HomeCare of Murfreesboro	Owned	1976
	Pulaski	NHC HomeCare of Pulaski	Owned	1985
	Somerville	NHC HomeCare of Somerville	Owned	1983
	Sparta	NHC HomeCare of Sparta	Owned	1984
	Springfield	NHC HomeCare of Springfield	Owned	1984

⁽¹⁾Leased from NHI

⁽²⁾NHC HealthCare/Fort Sanders is owned by a separate limited partnership. The Company owns approximately 25% of the partnership interest in Fort Sanders.

⁽³⁾Acquired upon merger of NHR and NHC.

⁽⁴⁾Effective January 1, 2010, management contracts were terminated.

The following table includes certain information regarding Healthcare Facilities which are owned or leased by us and leased to others:


Name of Facility	Location	No. of Beds
Long-Term Care
The Aristocrat	Naples, FL	60
The Health Center at Coconut Creek	Coconut Creek, FL	120
The Health Center of Daytona Beach	Daytona Beach, FL	73
The Imperial Health Care Center	Naples, FL	113
The Health Center of Windermere	Orlando, FL	120
Charlotte Harbor Health Care Center	Port Charlotte, FL	180
The Health Center at Standifer Place	Chattanooga, TN	544

Assisted Living
The Place at Vero Beach	Vero Beach, FL	120
The Place at Merritt Island	Merritt Island, FL	84
The Place at Stuart	Stuart, FL	84
Standifer Place Assisted Living	Chattanooga, TN	66

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

General and Professional Liability Lawsuits and Insurance

The long term care industry has experienced significant amounts of personal injury/wrongful death claims and in the severity of awards based upon alleged negligence by nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents. As of December 31, 2009, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 38 such claims covering the years 1999 through December 31, 2009.

In 2002, we established and capitalized a wholly-owned licensed liability insurance company. Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all providers owned or leased, and most providers managed by us is provided through this wholly-owned insurance company.

Our coverages for all years include primary policies and excess policies. In 2002, deductibles were eliminated and first dollar coverage was provided through the wholly-owned insurance company, while the excess coverage was provided by a third party insuror.

For 2003-2009, both primary professional liability insurance coverage and excess coverage is provided through our wholly-owned liability insurance company. The primary coverage is in the amount of $1 million per incident, $3 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit of $17.0 million for 2009, $16.0 million for 2008, and $14 million for 2007. The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2003-2007 and subsequently for $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008-2009.

As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of a wholly-owned insurance company, we have retained significant self-insured risk with respect to general and professional liability. We use independent actuaries to estimate our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations. It is possible that claims against us could exceed our coverage limits and our reserves, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

General Litigation

There is certain additional litigation incidental to our business, none of which, in management’s opinion, would be material to our financial position or results of operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The shares of common stock of National HealthCare Corporation are listed on the NYSE Amex exchange under the symbol NHC. NHC was previously listed on the American Stock Exchange until its acquisition by NYSE in October 2008. The closing price for the NHC common shares on February 26, 2010 was $36.79. On December 31, 2009, NHC had approximately 4,500 shareholders, comprised of approximately 2,300 shareholders of record and an additional 2,211 shareholders indicated by security position listings. The following table sets out the quarterly high and low sales prices and cash dividends declared of NHC's common shares.


2008		Stock Prices				Cash Dividends Declared
2008		High		Low		Cash Dividends Declared
1^st Quarter	$	51.70	$	45.75	$	.210
2^nd Quarter		53.95		45.75		.240
3^rd Quarter		53.95		42.75		.240
4^th Quarter		50.64		34.10		.240

2009
1^st Quarter	$	51.74	$	34.17	$	.240
2^nd Quarter		43.66		36.10		.260
3^rd Quarter		40.00		34.91		.260
4^th Quarter		37.74		34.32		.260

There was no repurchase or publicly announced programs to repurchase our common stock in 2008 or 2009.

Although we intend to declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends, there can be no assurance that any dividends will be declared, paid or increased in the future.

Since November 1, 2007, the shares of convertible preferred stock of NHC are listed on the NYSE Amex exchange under the symbol NHC.PRA. The following table sets out the quarterly high and low sales prices and cash dividends declared of NHC’s preferred shares.


2008		Stock Prices				Cash Dividends Declared
2008		High		Low		Cash Dividends Declared
1^st Quarter	$	15.24	$	13.00	$	.20
2^nd Quarter		14.30		12.73		.20
3^rd Quarter		14.16		12.75		.20
4^th Quarter		14.00		9.00		.20

2009
1^st Quarter	$	14.00	$	10.21	$	.20
2^nd Quarter		12.40		10.48		.20
3^rd Quarter		12.50		11.01		.20
4^th Quarter		12.25		9.15		.20

The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans:


Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights	Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
	(a)	(b)	(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	385,305	44.78	787,738
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	–	–	–
Total	385,305	44.78	787,738

The following graph and chart compare the cumulative total stockholder return for the period from December 31, 2004 through December 31, 2009 on an investment of $100 in (i) NHC’s common stock, (ii) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”) and (iii) the Standard & Poor’s Health Care Index (“S&P Health Care Index”). Cumulative total stockholder return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. Stock price performances shown in the graph are not necessarily indicative of future price performances.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table represents selected financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2009. The data for 2009, 2008 and 2007 has been derived from financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements, accompanying footnotes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis.


		As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
		2009		2008		2007⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		2006⁽³⁾		2005
		(in thousands, except per share data)

Operating Data:
Net operating revenues		$	668,221	$	633,208	$	579,360	$	544,005	$	533,099
Total costs and expenses			617,349		595,656		525,800		508,679		495,691
Non-operating income			16,784		15,735		18,674		18,953		9,282
Income before income taxes			67,656		53,287		72,234		54,279		46,690
Income tax provision			27,607		16,916		26,785		17,539		18,055
Net income			40,049		36,371		45,449		36,740		28,635
Dividends to preferred shareholders			8,673		8,673		1,831		–		–
Net income available to common shareholders			31,376		27,698		43,618		36,740		28,635

Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	2.31	$	2.16	$	3.47	$	2.99	$	2.34
	Diluted		2.31		2.11		3.36		2.85		2.24

Cash dividends declared:
	Per preferred share	$	.80	$	.80	$	.169	$	–	$	–
	Per common share		1.02		.93		.810		.690		.575

Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets		$	788,532	$	777,296	$	698,408	$	471,477	$	410,625
Accrued risk reserves			107,456		106,000		88,382		76,471		70,290
Long-term debt, less current portion			10,000		10,000		10,000		10,381		13,568
Stockholders’ equity			525,779		480,817		455,708		249,142		203,059

⁽¹⁾

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (previously FIN No. 48).

⁽²⁾

On October 31, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of NHR.

⁽³⁾

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (previously SFAS No. 123(revised 2004).

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview—

National HealthCare Corporation, which we also refer to as NHC or the Company, is a leading provider of long-term health care services. At December 31, 2009 we operate or manage 76 long-term health care centers with 9,772 beds in 10 states and provide other services in two additional states. These operations are provided by separately funded and maintained subsidiaries. We provide long-term health care services to patients in a variety of settings including long-term nursing centers, managed care specialty units, sub-acute care units, Alzheimer's care units, hospice care, homecare programs, assisted living centers and independent living centers. In addition, we provide management and accounting services to owners of long-term health care centers.

Executive Summary

Merger of National HealthCare Corporation and National Health Realty, Inc., and Issuance of NHC Convertible Preferred Stock - On October 31, 2007, NHC completed its acquisition of National Health Realty, Inc., (“NHR”) as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), following the approval of the merger and approval of the issuance of shares of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“NHC Preferred”) by the stockholders of NHC. The acquisition has provided us with ownership of a portfolio of first class health care, retirement and assisted living centers and has enhanced our net cash flows by approximately $5,400,000 in 2009 and $4,000,000 in 2008. We estimate that we experienced a reduction in 2009 and 2008 earnings per share of approximately 14 cents and 26 cents per common share basic, respectively, and 14 cents and 25 cents per common share diluted, respectively, due to the merger. We believe, however, that the negative consequence is offset by the accretive effect that the merger has had and is expected to have in the future on NHC’s free cash flow.

$75,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement – On October 27, 2009, National HealthCare Corporation extended its Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), of which up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.

Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at either, (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.0% or (ii) the prime rate. Letter of credit fees are equal to 1.0% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit. Commitment fees are payable on the daily unused portion of the Credit Facility at a rate of 20 basis points per annum.

As of December 31, 2009, the outstanding balance on the Credit Facility is $-0-. The entire amount of $75,000,000 is available to be drawn for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions. We obtained the line of credit to fund further growth strategies as opportunities arise.

Earnings – To monitor our earnings, we have developed budgets and management reports to monitor labor, census, and the composition of revenues. Inflationary increases in our costs may cause net earnings from patient services to decline.

Development and Growth – We are undertaking to expand our long-term care operations while protecting our existing operations and markets. The following table lists our recent or expected construction and purchase activities.


Description	Beds	Location	Placed in Service
Addition	60	Columbia, SC	First Quarter 2007
Addition	60	Garden City, SC	First Quarter 2007
Addition	20	Franklin, TN	January 2008
Purchase	109	Knoxville, TN	January 2008
Addition	60	North Augusta, SC	June 2008
Purchase	132	Charleston, SC	August 2008
Purchase	60	Charleston, SC	August 2008
New Center	120	Bluffton, SC	January 2010
New Center	61	Mauldin, SC	March 2010

We expect to begin construction in 2010 of a new 77-bed long-term care facility in Tullahoma, Tennessee, a new 75-unit assisted living facility in Parklane, South Carolina, and a bed addition to our current Cool Springs, Tennessee assisted living facility. During 2010, we will apply for Certificates of Need for additional beds in our markets and also evaluate the feasibility of expansion into new markets by building private pay health care centers or by the purchase of existing health care centers.

In 2008, we developed an active hospice program in South Carolina independently of our partnership with Caris Healthcare. In January 2009, we purchased five hospice locations in South Carolina and opened another location in Greenville, South Carolina. This brought the total to seven hospice locations in South Carolina as of December 31, 2009.

Accrued Risk Reserves – Our accrued professional liability reserves, workers’ compensation reserves and health insurance reserves totaled $107,456,000 at December 31, 2009 and are a primary area of management focus. We have set aside restricted cash and marketable securities to fund our professional liability and workers’ compensation reserves.

As to exposure for professional liability claims, we have developed for our centers performance certification criteria to measure and bring focus to the patient care issues most likely to produce professional liability exposure, including in–house acquired pressure ulcers, significant weight loss and numbers of falls. These programs for certification, which we regularly modify and improve, have produced measurable improvements in reducing these incidents. Our experience is that achieving goals in these patient care areas improves both patient and employee satisfaction.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

Our critical accounting policies that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments are as follows:

Revenue Recognition - Third Party Payors - Approximately 64% (2009), 63% (2008), and 65% (2007) of our net operating revenues are derived from Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs. Amounts earned under these programs are subject to review by the Medicare and Medicaid intermediaries. In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews. Any differences between our estimates of settlements and final determinations are reflected in operations in the year finalized. We have made provisions of approximately $18,617,000 as of December 31, 2009 for other various Medicare and Medicaid issues for current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews. Consistent with our revenue recognition policies, we will record revenues when the approved requests, including the final cost report audits, are assured. We recorded revenues of $430,000, $490,000, and $2,910,000 for such settlements in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively

Revenue Recognition - Private Pay - For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, we bill room and board in advance for the current month with payment being due upon receipt of the statement in the month the services are performed. Charges for ancillary, pharmacy, therapy and other services to private patients are billed in the month following the performance of services; however, all billings are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.

Accrued Risk Reserves - We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims. Our accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for self-insured risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims. The accrued risk reserves include a liability for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims. Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to support the estimates recorded for incurred but unreported claims. Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid. We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis.

Professional liability remains an area of particular concern to us. The entire long term care industry has seen a dramatic increase in personal injury/wrongful death claims based on alleged negligence by nursing homes and their employees in providing care to residents. As of December 31, 2009, we and/or our managed centers are defendants in 38 such claims inclusive of years 1999 through 2009. It remains possible that those pending matters plus potential unasserted claims could exceed our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. It is also possible that future events could cause us to make significant adjustments or revisions to these reserve estimates and cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

We maintain insurance coverage for incidents occurring in all provider locations owned, leased or managed by us. The coverages include both primary policies and excess policies.

We maintain both primary and excess coverage through our own insurance subsidiary. Settlements, if any, in excess of available insurance policy limits and our own reserves would be expensed by us.

Revenue Recognition - Subordination of Fees and Uncertain Collections - We provide management services to certain long-term care facilities and to others we provide accounting and financial services. We generally charge 6% to 7% of net revenues for our management services and a predetermined fixed rate per bed for the accounting and financial services. Our policy is to recognize revenues associated with both management services and accounting and financial services on an accrual basis as the services are provided. However, under the terms of our management contracts, payments for our management services are subject to subordination to other expenditures of the long-term care center being managed. Furthermore, for certain of the third parties with whom we have contracted to provide services and which we have determined, based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, that collection is not reasonably assured, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which the amounts are realized. We may receive payment for the unpaid and unrecognized management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from the operating and investing activities of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees. There can be no assurance that such future cash flows will occur. The realization of such previously unrecognized revenue could cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

We agree to subordinate our fees to the other expenses of a managed center because we believe we know how to improve the quality of patient services and finances of a long-term care center and because subordinating our fees demonstrates to the owner and employees of the managed center how confident we are of the impact we can have in making the center operations successful. We may continue to provide services to certain managed centers despite not being fully paid currently so that we may be able to collect unpaid fees in the future from improved operating results and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit. Also, we may benefit from providing other ancillary services to the managed center.

See Notes 3, 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding our relationships with National, NHI and centers previously owned by NHI and the recognition of management fees from long-term care centers owned by these parties.

Credit Losses - Certain of our accounts receivable from private paying patients and certain of our notes receivable are subject to credit losses. We have attempted to reserve for expected accounts receivable credit losses based on our past experience with similar accounts receivable and believe our reserves to be adequate.

We continually monitor and evaluate the carrying amount of our notes receivable in accordance with ASC Topic 310, Receivables (previously SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 15.”). It is possible, however, that the accuracy of our estimation process could be materially impacted as the composition of the receivables changes over time. We continually review and refine our estimation process to make it as reactive to these changes as possible. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accurately estimate credit losses on these balances. It is possible that future events could cause us to make significant adjustments or revisions to these estimates and cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

Potential Recognition of Deferred Income - During 1988, we sold the assets of eight long-term health care centers to National Health Corporation (“National”), our administrative general partner at the time of the sale. The resulting profit of $15,745,000 was deferred. $10,000,000 of the deferred gain and related deferred income taxes of $4,000,000 was recognized as income in December, 2007 with the collection of the $10,000,000 note from National. $3,745,000 of the deferred gain has been amortized into income on a straight-line basis over the 20-year management contract period. Additional deferred income of $2,000,000 will be recognized when the Company no longer has an obligation to advance the $2,000,000 working capital loan, which was extended until January 20, 2018 with the extension of the management agreement.

Uncertain Tax Positions - NHC continually evaluates for uncertain tax positions. These uncertain positions may arise where tax laws may allow for alternative interpretations or where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgment. We believe we have adequate provisions for our uncertain tax positions including related penalties and interest. However, because of uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management, we cannot guarantee we have accurately estimated our tax liabilities.

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by generally accepted accounting principles, with limited need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. See our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.

Results of Operations

The following table and discussion sets forth items from the consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net revenues for the audited years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Percentage of Net Revenues


Year Ended December 31,			2009	2008	2007

Revenues:
	Net patient revenues		90.8%	89.8%	90.3%
	Other revenues		6.8	7.8	6.6
		Net operating revenues	97.6	97.6	96.9
Costs and Expenses:
	Salaries, wages and benefits		54.1	53.6	54.6
	Other operating		27.5	29.4	29.4
	Recovery of notes receivable		–	–	(2.3)
	Recognition of deferred gain – National		–	–	(1.7)
	Gain on sale of assets		–	–	(1.8)
	Rent		4.7	4.9	6.7
	Depreciation and amortization		3.7	3.8	2.8
	Interest		.1	.1	.2
		Total costs and expenses	90.1	91.8	87.9
Income before non-operating income			7.5	5.8	9.0
Non-operating income			2.4	2.4	3.1
Income before income taxes			9.9	8.2	12.1
Income tax provision			(4.0)	(2.6)	(4.5)
Net Income			5.9	5.6	7.6
Dividends to preferred shareholders			(1.3)	(1.3)	(.3)
Net income available to common shareholders			4.6	4.3	7.3

The following table sets forth the increase in certain items from the consolidated statements of income as compared to the prior period.

Period to Period Increase (Decrease)


			2009 vs. 2008			2008 vs. 2007
(dollars in thousands)			Amount		Percent	Amount		Percent
Revenues:
	Net patient revenues		$	38,535	6.6	$	43,296	8.0
	Other revenues			(3,522)	(7.0)		10,552	26.6
		Net operating revenues		35,013	5.5		53,848	9.3
Costs and Expenses:
	Salaries, wages and benefits			22,774	6.5		21,489	6.6
	Other operating			(2,433)	(1.3)		14,929	8.5
	Recovery of notes receivable			–	–		13,571	100.0
	Recognition of deferred gain – National			–	–		10,000	100.0
	Gain on sale of assets			–	–		11,108	100.0
	Rent			898	2.9		(8,752)	(21.8)
	Depreciation and amortization			611	2.5		7,810	45.9
	Interest			(157)	(18.0)		(299)	(25.5)
		Total costs and expenses		21,693	3.6		69,856	13.3
	Income before non-operating income			13,320	35.4		(16,008)	(29.9)
	Non-operating income			1,049	6.7		(2,939)	(15.7)
	Income before income taxes			14,369	27.0		(18,947)	(26.2)
	Income tax provision			10,691	63.2		9,869	36.8
	Net Income			3,678	10.1		(9,078)	(20.0)
	Dividends paid to preferred shareholders			–	–		(6,842)	(373.7)
	Net income available to common shareholders		$	3,678	13.3	$	(15,920)	(36.5)

Our long-term health care services, including therapy and pharmacy services, provided 91.0%, 91.4%, and 91.8% of net patient revenues in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Homecare programs provided 9.0%, 8.6%, and 8.2% of net patient revenues in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

The overall average census in owned and leased health care centers for 2009 was 92.0% compared to 92.5% in 2008 and 2007.

Approximately 64% (2009), 63% (2008), and 65% (2007) of our net operating revenues are derived from Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs. As discussed above in the Application of Critical Accounting Policies section, amounts earned under these programs are subject to review by the Medicare and Medicaid intermediaries. See Application of Critical Accounting Policies for discussion of the effects that this revenue concentration and the uncertainties related to such revenues have on our revenue recognition policies.

Government Program Financial Changes

Cost containment will continue to be a priority for Federal and State governments for health care services, including the types of services we provide. Government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid prescribe, by law, the billing methods and amounts that health care providers may charge and be reimbursed to care for patients covered by these programs. Congress has passed a number of laws that have effected major changes in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 sought to achieve a balanced federal budget by, among other things, reducing federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid to various providers. In February 2006, Congress enacted the Deficit Reduction Act, or DRA, which reduced net Medicare and Medicaid spending, and in December 2006, Congress passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, which also affects payments under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Medicare—

Effective October 1, 2009, our PPS rates were decreased by a net of 1.1%. There was an inflationary increase of 2.2%, but there was also a recalibration of the nursing weights resulting in a reduction of 3.3%. The net impact of the adjustments was a reduction of 1.1% to PPS rates. Our annual 2009 Medicare revenues increased $9,088,000, or 6.1%, over our annual 2008 Medicare revenues. The inflation update (or market basket increase) was 3.4% in 2008 and 3.3% in 2007.

Overall our average Medicare per diem increased 3.8% in 2009 compared to 2008. No assurances can be given as to whether Congress will increase or decrease reimbursement in the future, the timing of any action or the form of relief, if any, that may be enacted.

Medicaid—

Tennessee annual Medicaid rate increases were implemented effective July 1, 2009. Tennessee Medicaid only funded 20% of the normal rate increases for all Skilled and Intermediate providers. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue from this payment source was approximately $89,000 per quarter.

Missouri Medicaid funded a global rate increase for all providers of $6.15 per day effective July 1, 2009. The quarterly effect of these rate increases was approximately $345,000.

South Carolina annual Medicaid rate increases were implemented effective October 1, 2009. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue was approximately $682,000 per quarter.

Overall our average Medicaid per diem increased 3.0% in 2009 compared to 2008. We face challenges with respect to states’ Medicaid payments, because many currently do not cover the total costs incurred in providing care to those patients. States will continue to control Medicaid expenditures and also look for adequate funding sources, including provider assessments. The DRA includes several provisions designed to reduce Medicaid spending. These provisions include, among others, provisions strengthening the Medicaid asset transfer restrictions for persons seeking to qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage, which could, due to the timing of the penalty period, increase facilities’ exposure to uncompensated care. Other provisions could increase state funding for home and community-based services, potentially having an impact on funding for nursing facilities. There is no assurance that the funding for our services will increase or decrease in the future.

2009 Compared to 2008

Results for 2009 compared to 2008 include a 5.5% increase in net operating revenues and a 27.0% increase in net income before income taxes.

Net patient revenues increased $38,535,000 or 6.6% compared to the same period last year. Medicare, Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 3.8%, 3.0% and 4.8%, respectively, in 2009 compared to 2008. Additionally, the January 1, 2009 acquisition of five hospice locations in South Carolina and the acquisition of a 132-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility and 60-bed assisted living facility located in Charleston, South Carolina, effective August 1, 2008 added approximately $13,334,000 in net patient revenues. Homecare operations also increased net patient revenues in the amount of $6,131,000.

Other revenues this year decreased $3,522,000 or 7.0% to $46,632,000. Other revenues in 2009 include management and accounting service fees of $17,845,000 ($18,496,000 in 2008) and insurance services revenue of $14,560,000 ($16,690,000 in 2008). Rental income decreased $509,000 in 2009 compared to 2008. NHC provided management services for 26 skilled nursing centers, 12 assisted living facilities, and accounting and financial services for 28 centers in both 2009 and 2008. Effective January 1, 2010, we will no longer manage eight of the twelve assisted living facilities. Included in other revenues for these eight facilities was $948,000 and $938,000 for 2009 and 2008, respectively. We do not expect the discontinuation of these management services to have a material effect on our

operating results. See Application of Critical Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition - Subordination of Fees and Uncertain Collections for a discussion of the factors that may cause management fee revenues to fluctuate from period to period.

Non-operating income in 2009 increased $1,049,000 or 6.7% to $16,784,000. The increase is due primarily to the increase in equity in earnings of our unconsolidated investments in Caris Healthcare, L.P. ($1,123,000).

Total costs and expenses for 2009 increased $21,693,000 or 3.6% to $617,349,000 from $595,656,000 in 2008. Salaries, wages and benefits, the largest operating costs of this service company, increased $22,774,000 or 6.5% to $370,708,000 from $347,934,000. Other operating expenses decreased $2,433,000 or 1.3% to $188,145,000 for 2009 compared to $190,578,000 in 2008. Rent expense increased $898,000 or 2.9% to $32,351,000. Depreciation and amortization increased 2.5% to $25,429,000. Interest costs decreased to $716,000.

Increases in salaries, wages and benefits are due to increased staffing due to the acquisition of a 132-bed skilled health care facility and 60-bed assisted living facility in Charleston, South Carolina ($3,462,000) in August 2008, the acquisition of five hospice locations in South Carolina ($4,702,000) in January 2009, increased costs for therapist services ($2,962,000), increased costs for homecare services ($3,587,000), and inflationary wage increases.

Other operating expenses decreased due to favorable professional liability results of approximately $11,795,000 in 2009 compared to the prior year. The decreased costs were offset in part by increases in costs at newly acquired long-term care and assisted living facilities in Charleston, South Carolina ($1,781,000), the costs of five hospice locations newly purchased in South Carolina ($3,398,000), homecare expenses ($2,504,000) and inflationary increases.

Rent expense in the 2009 period increased by approximately $898,000 compared to the prior year due to increased percentage rent to National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) of $227,187. Percentage rent to NHI is equal to 4% of the increase in facility revenues over the 2007 revenues, the base year of the lease agreement.

Depreciation expense increased primarily due to the acquisition or construction of depreciable assets in the last year. The increase in depreciation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was $611,000.

The decrease in interest costs is due primarily to the Company paying off the revolving credit facility during the fourth quarter of 2009.

The income tax provision for 2009 is $27,607,000 (an effective tax rate of 40.8%). The income tax provision and effective tax rate for 2009 were favorably impacted by statute of limitations expirations and adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits resulting in a benefit to the provision of $1,553,000 composed of $941,000 tax and $612,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences, or 2.3% of income before taxes in 2009. The income tax provision and effective tax rate for 2009 were unfavorably impacted by adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits resulting in an increase in the tax provision of $4,179,000 composed of $2,589,000 tax and $1,591,00 interest and penalties or 6.2% of income before taxes in 2009. The income tax provision for 2008 is $16,916,000 (an effective tax rate of 31.7%). The income tax provision and effective tax rate for 2008 were favorably impacted by statute of limitations expirations of $4,086,000 composed of $2,067,000 tax and $904,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences, and $1,115,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences, or 7.7% of income before taxes in 2008.

The effective tax rate for 2010 is expected to be in the range of 35% to 39%.

2008 Compared to 2007

Results for 2008 compared to 2007 include an 9.3% increase in net operating revenues and a 41.9% increase in net income before income taxes after removing from consideration the recovery of notes receivable previously written off ($13,571,000), the recognition of deferred gain ($10,000,000) and the gain on sale of assets ($11,108,000), all occurring in the 2007 period.

Net patient revenues increased $43,296,000 or 8.0% compared to the same period last year. Medicare, Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 1.8%, 3.2% and 6.2%, respectively, in 2008 compared to 2007.

Additionally, the January 2, 2008 acquisition of a 109-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the June 2008 completion of a 60-bed addition to our existing North Augusta, South Carolina facility, and the August 2008 acquisition of a 132-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility and a 60-bed assisted living facility located in Charleston, South Carolina added approximately $11,952,000 to net patient revenue.

Other operating revenues in 2008 increased $10,552,000 or 13.1% to $50,154,000. Other operating revenues in 2008 include management and accounting service fees of $18,496,000 ($16,799,000 in 2007) and insurance services revenue of $16,690,000 ($15,914,000 in 2007). Rental income increased $9,195,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. NHC provided accounting and financial services for 28 facilities in both 2008 and 2007. The increase in rental income is due primarily to (1) rental revenues from nine Florida facilities received in the October 31, 2007 merger with NHR ($6,392,000) and (2) rental revenues from the November 1, 2007 purchase of the real estate of a 544-bed long-term care center and 66 unit assisted living center located in Chattanooga, Tennessee ($2,000,000). See Application of Critical Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition - Subordination of Fees and Uncertain Collections for a discussion of the factors that may cause management fee revenues to fluctuate from period to period.

Non-operating income in 2008 decreased $2,939,000 or 15.7% to $15,735,000. The decrease was due in part from interest income ($4,117,000) and dividends and other realized gains on securities ($427,000). The decrease was offset due to an increase of $1,626,000 in the amount of the equity in earnings of our unconsolidated investment (Caris Healthcare, L.P.). Interest income decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to decreased investments caused by the expenditure by NHC of approximately $89,600,000 in cash to complete the merger with NHR effective October 31, 2007. Further, interest income decreased in 2008 compared to 2007 due to the collection of notes receivable of $13,571,000 occurring in the second quarter ($6,195,000) and fourth quarter ($7,376,000) of 2007.

Total costs and expenses for 2008 increased $69,856,000 or 13.3% to $595,656,000 from $525,800,000 in 2007. Salaries, wages and benefits, the largest operating costs of this service company, increased $21,489,000 or 6.6% to $347,934,000 from $326,445,000. Other operating expenses increased $14,929,000 or 8.5% to $190,578,000 for 2008 compared to $175,649,000 in 2007. Rent expense decreased $8,752,000 or 21.8% to $31,453,000 due primarily to reduction in rent expense due to the October 31, 2007 merger with NHR. Depreciation and amortization increased 45.9% to $24,818,000. Interest costs decreased 25.5% to $873,000.

Costs and expenses in 2007 included $13,571,000 from the recovery of notes receivable which had previously been written off, $10,000,000 for the recognition of a previously deferred gain, and $11,108,000 on the sale of land.

Increases in salaries, wages and benefits are due to increased staffing due to the acquisition of two long-term health care facilities (241 long-term beds) and a 60-bed assisted living facility and due to the completion of construction of a 60-bed addition to an existing facility ($7,281,000), increased costs for therapist services ($4,211,000), increases in the provision for workers’ compensation and health insurance claims ($983,000) and inflationary wage increases. Increases in other operating costs are due to the bed additions mentioned above ($5,856,000) and inflationary increases.

Rent expense in the 2008 period declined by approximately $8,752,000 compared to the same period last year because NHC is no longer paying rent to NHR after the October 31, 2007 merger between the two companies. This decline in rent expense is offset in part due to increased percentage rent to NHI ($530,000). Percentage rent to NHI is equal to 4% of the increase in facility revenues over the 2007 base year revenues.

Depreciation expense increased primarily due to the acquisition of depreciable assets in the last year. The merger with NHR completed on October 31, 2007 added depreciable real property of $247,649,000 and the net increase in depreciation in the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 was $7,810,000.

The decrease in interest costs is primarily due to recording capitalized interest for construction projects financed internally of approximately $150,000 in the current period compared to $26,000 in the period ended December 31, 2007. Furthermore, the weighted average interest rate for our debt decreased to 1.1% in 2008 from 7.5% in 2007 due to new financing.

The income tax provision for 2008 is $16,916,000 (an effective tax rate of 31.7%). The income tax provision and effective tax rate for 2008 were favorably impacted by statute of limitations expirations of $4,086,000 composed of

$2,067,000 tax and $904,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences, and $1,115,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences under ASC 740, (previously FIN 48), or 7.7% of income before taxes in 2008. The income tax provision for 2007 is $26,785,000 (an effective tax rate of 37.1%). The income tax provision and effective tax rate for 2007 were impacted by statute of limitations expirations of $1,504,000 (including $499,000 of interest and penalties) under FIN 48, or 2.1% of income before taxes in 2007.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Condition

Sources and Uses of Funds - Our primary sources of cash include revenues from the healthcare and senior living facilities we operate, insurance services, management services and accounting services. Our primary uses of cash include salaries, wages and other operating costs of our home office and the facilities we operate, the cost of additions to and acquisitions of real property, rent expenses, debt service payments (including principal and interest) and dividend distributions. These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and are discussed in further detail below. The following is a summary of our sources and uses of cash flows (dollars in thousands):


		Year Ended				One Year Change			Year Ended		One Year Change			Two Year Change
		12/31/07		12/31/08		$	%		12/31/09		$	%		$	%
Cash and Cash equivalents at beginning of period	$	50,678	$	2,379	$	(48,299)	(95)	$	49,033	$	46,654	196	$	(1,645)	(3)

Cash provided from (used in) operating activities		47,824		56,881		9,057	19		85,150		28,269	50		37,326	78

Cash provided from (used in) investing activities		(120,838)		(11,117)		109,721	91		(39,185)		(28,068)	(252)		81,653	68

Cash provided from (used in) financing activities		24,715		890		(23,825)	(96)		(55,976)		(56,866)	(639)		(80,691)	(327)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2,379	$	49,033	$	46,654	1,961	$	39,022	$	(10,011)	(20)	$	36,643	154

Operating Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2009, was $85,150,000 as compared to $56,881,000 for 2008, and $47,824,000 for 2007. Cash provided by operating activities for the current year benefited from decreases in restricted cash and accounts receivable and also benefited from increases in other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves, amounts due third party payors, and other noncurrent liabilities. The increases were offset by an increase in federal income taxes receivable and decreases in accrued payroll and accounts payable. The acquisition of NHR enhanced operating cash flows by approximately $5,400,000 in 2009 and $4,000,000 in 2008.

The decrease in accounts receivable was due to collections and timing of payments. The decreases in accounts payable and accrued payroll were due to timing of payments.

The increase in other current liabilities and accrued risks reserves accounted for $4,434,000 in 2009, $17,647,000 in 2008, and $13,753,000 in 2007 of the cash provided by operating activities. If the risks materialize as expected, which may not be finally known for several years, they will require the use of our restricted cash.

Investing Activities - Cash used in investing activities totaled $39,185,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $11,117,000 for 2008 and $120,838,000 for 2007. Cash used for property and equipment additions was $44,064,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and $42,660,000 in the comparable period in 2008. Investments in notes receivable totaled $8,326,000 in 2009 compared to $5,914,000 in 2008. Cash provided by net collections of notes receivable was $5,017,000 in 2009 compared to $4,902,000 in 2008. The collections of our investment in the cash fund in liquidation balance totaled $7,804,000 cash provided in 2009 compared to $25,528,000 cash provided in 2008.

Construction costs included in additions to property and equipment in 2009 includes $16,100,000 for a new 120-bed long-term health care center under construction in Bluffton, South Carolina and $5,000,000 for a new 60-bed assisted living facility under construction in Mauldin, South Carolina. Both of these facilities are opening during the first quarter of 2010. The remaining $22,964,000 of additions to property and equipment were for capital improvements at our 50 leased or owned centers. A note receivable investment was made in the amount of $8,049,000 to a third party healthcare provider in which we provide financial/accounting services. The purchase of marketable securities was transferred out of restricted cash to earn a better rate of return.

Financing Activities - Net cash used in financing activities totaled $55,976,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $890,000 in 2008 and $24,715,000 in 2007. Payments on debt were $50,502,000 in 2009 compared to $7,433,000 in 2008. Dividends paid to common shareholders for the year were $13,508,000 compared to $11,543,000 in 2008. Dividends paid to preferred shareholders were $8,673,000 in 2009 compared to $8,336,000 in 2008. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily from the exercise of stock options, total $15,395,000 compared to $6,663,000 in the prior period. Tax benefits from the exercise of stock options provided cash of $1,566,000 in 2009 and $1,549,000 in 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, $50,500,000 was repaid on our revolving credit facility. The 2008 borrowing was used to repay $30,000,000 in restricted cash used to fund the acquisition of NHR and to fund 2008 acquisitions and improvements.

Investment in Cash Fund in Liquidation - We invested in the Columbia Strategic Cash Portfolio Fund (the “Fund”) for a number of years and prior to December 7, 2007, we had considered the investment to be a cash equivalent because the funds were immediately available for distribution. On December 7, 2007, the Fund’s manager notified us that (1) cash redemptions were suspended; (2) the Fund’s valuation will be based on the market value of the underlying securities, whereas historically the Fund’s valuation was based on amortized cost; (3) interest would continue to accrue; and (4) the Fund would begin an orderly liquidation and dissolution of its assets for distribution to the fund holders.

Our investment in the Fund totaled $39,500,000 on December 7, 2007. Since that date, we have received cash distributions of $37,170,000 and reported realized losses of $2,330,000. At December 31, 2009, our investment in the Fund totaled $-0-.

Since the December 7, 2007 notice from the Fund’s manager, we have not considered our investment in the Fund to be a cash equivalent due to the suspension of Fund redemptions. As the Fund was liquidated, we received our pro rata share of the Fund in cash distributions. We reported the cash distributions received as cash flows from investing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Table of Contractual Cash Obligations

Our contractual cash obligations for periods subsequent to December 31, 2009 are as follows (in 000’s):


		Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		After 5 Years
Long-term debt principal	$	10,000	$	–	$	–	$	–	$	10,000
Long-term debt – interest		2,211		276		553		553		829
Obligations to complete construction		19,260		19,260		–		–		–
Operating leases		404,400		33,700		67,400		67,400		235,900
Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$	435,871	$	53,236	$	67,953	$	67,953	$	246,729

Income taxes payable for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740 (previously FIN 48) of $8,680,000 attributable to permanent differences, at December 31, 2009 has not been included in the above table because of the inability to estimate the period in which payment is expected to occur. See Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on income taxes.

Short-term liquidity - Effective October 27, 2009, we extended the maturity of our $75,000,000 revolving credit agreement to October 26, 2010. At December 31, 2009, we do not have any funds borrowed against the credit agreement. The entire amount of $75,000,000 is available to be drawn for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

As to short-term liquidity commitments, NHC has entered into agreements to complete several construction projects. At December 31, 2009, we are obligated on construction contracts in the amount of approximately $19,260,000, all of which is expected to require funding within the next twelve months.

We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements primarily from our cash flows from operating activities. In addition to cash flows from operations, our current cash on hand of $39,022,000, marketable securities of $71,280,000 and as needed, our borrowing capacity, are expected to be adequate to meet our contractual obligations and to finance our operating requirements and our growth and development plans in the next twelve months.

Long-term liquidity - Our $75,000,000 revolving credit agreement matures on October 26, 2010. We currently anticipate renewing the credit agreement at that time. While we have had no indication from the lender there is any question about renewal, there has been no commitment at this time. We entered into this loan originally on October 30, 2007, and have renewed the loan twice, with a one year maturity. At the inception and at each renewal, the lender offered alternative notes with longer maturities, but the Company chose a one-year maturity because of the terms. If we have an outstanding balance and are not able to refinance our debt as it matures, we will be required to use our cash and marketable securities to meet our debt obligations. This will limit our ability to fund future growth opportunities.

Our ability to refinance the credit agreement, to meet our long-term contractual obligations and to finance our operating requirements, growth and development plans will depend upon our future performance, which will be affected by business, economic, financial and other factors, including potential changes in state and federal government payment rates for healthcare, customer demand, success of our marketing efforts, pressures from competitors, and the state of the economy, including the state of financial and credit markets.

Guarantees and Contingencies

We started paying quarterly dividends in the second quarter of 2004. Although we intend to declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends, there can be no assurance that any dividends will be declared, paid or increased in the future.

At December 31, 2009, we have no guaranteed debt obligations.

We have no outstanding letters of credit. We may or may not in the future elect to use financial derivative instruments to hedge interest rate exposure in the future. At December 31, 2009, we did not participate in any such financial investments.

Impact of Inflation—

Inflation has remained relatively low during the past three years. However, rates paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs do not necessarily reflect all inflationary changes and are subject to cuts unrelated to inflationary costs. Therefore, there can be no assurance that future rate increases will be sufficient to offset future inflation increases in our labor and other health care service costs.

Other Matters—

On July 24, 2009, the Company received a civil investigative demand from the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, requesting production of documents related to NHC’s business relationships with non-profit entities. The Company is in the process of responding to the demand and will comply as required with the terms of the demand.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact of new accounting standards.

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk -

Our cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than three months when purchased. As a result of the short-term nature of our cash instruments, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would have minimal impact on our future earnings and cash flows related to these instruments.

Approximately $20.3 million of our notes receivable bear interest at fixed interest rates. As the interest rates on these notes receivable are fixed, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would have no impact on our future earnings and cash flows related to these instruments.

Approximately $6.5 million of our notes receivable bear interest at variable rates (generally at the prime rate plus 2%). Because the interest rates of these instruments are variable, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would result in a related increase or decrease in interest income of approximately $33,000.

As of December 31, 2009, none of our current or long-term debt bears interest at fixed interest rates. All of our debt ($10.0 million at December 31, 2009) bears interest at variable rates. Because the interest rate of this instrument is variable, a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would result in a related increase or decrease in interest expense of approximately $28,000.

We do not currently use any derivative instruments to hedge our interest rate exposure. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes and the use of such instruments in the future would be subject to approvals by our senior officers.

Equity Price Risk -

We consider the majority of our investments in marketable securities as available for sale securities and unrealized gains and losses that are not considered to be other-than-temporary are recorded in stockholders’ equity in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities (previously SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”). The investments in marketable securities are recorded at their fair market value based on quoted market prices. Thus, there is exposure to equity price risk, which is the potential change in fair value due to a change in quoted market prices. Hypothetically, a 10% increase in quoted market prices would result in a related 10% increase in the fair value of our investments in marketable securities of $9,063,000 and a 10% reduction in quoted market prices would result in a related 10% decrease in the fair value of our investments in marketable securities of approximately $9,063,000.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of National HealthCare Corporation at December 31, 2009 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), National HealthCare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 2, 2010

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National HealthCare Corporation at December 31, 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 14 of the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company changed its method for accounting for uncertain income tax positions due to the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.

/s/ BDO Seidman LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 5, 2009

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Years Ended December 31			2009		2008		2007

Revenues:
	Net patient revenues		$	621,589	$	583,054	$	539,758
	Other revenues			46,632		50,154		39,602
		Net operating revenues		668,221		633,208		579,360

Costs and Expenses:
	Salaries, wages and benefits			370,708		347,934		326,445
	Other operating			188,145		190,578		175,649
	Recovery of notes receivable			–		–		(13,571)
	Recognition of deferred gain			–		–		(10,000)
	Gain on sale of assets			–		–		(11,108)
	Rent			32,351		31,453		40,205
	Depreciation and amortization			25,429		24,818		17,008
	Interest			716		873		1,172
		Total costs and expenses		617,349		595,656		525,800

Income Before Non-Operating Income				50,872		37,552		53,560
Non-Operating Income				16,784		15,735		18,674

Income Before Income Taxes				67,656		53,287		72,234
Income Tax Provision				27,607		16,916		26,785
Net Income				40,049		36,371		45,449

Dividends to Preferred Shareholders				(8,673)		(8,673)		(1,831)

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders			$	31,376	$	27,698	$	43,618

Earnings Per Common Share:
	Basic		$	2.31	$	2.16	$	3.47
	Diluted		$	2.31	$	2.11	$	3.36

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
	Basic			13,562,850		12,834,630		12,562,347
	Diluted			13,577,676		13,133,419		12,993,930

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


December 31				2009		2008

Assets
	Current Assets:
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	39,022	$	49,033
		Restricted cash			96,934		119,407
		Marketable securities			71,280		54,682
		Restricted marketable securities			19,350		1,537
		Investment in cash fund in liquidation			–		7,804
		Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
			accounts of $3,502 and $5,017, respectively		62,129		70,728
		Notes receivable			189		189
		Inventories			7,393		7,142
		Prepaid expenses and other assets			1,074		1,246
		Federal income tax receivable			3,470		–
		Deferred income taxes			–		984
			Total current assets		300,841		312,752

	Property and Equipment:
		Property and equipment, at cost			608,753		571,960
		Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(181,177)		(158,478)
			Net property and equipment		427,576		413,482

	Other Assets:
		Deposits			323		529
		Goodwill			5,978		3,033
		Notes receivable			26,616		20,389
		Notes receivable from National			–		2,918
		Deferred income taxes			15,555		13,672
		Investments in limited liability companies and other			11,643		10,521
			Total other assets		60,115		51,062
			Total assets	$	788,532	$	777,296

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


December 31					2009		2008

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

	Current Liabilities:
		Current portion of long-term debt		$	–	$	50,502
		Trade accounts payable			10,909		13,809
		Accrued payroll			46,149		48,480
		Amounts due to third party payors			18,617		15,594
		Accrued risk reserves			107,456		106,000
		Deferred income taxes			8,427		–
		Other current liabilities			15,117		12,139
		Dividends payable			5,729		5,291
		Accrued interest			81		104
			Total current liabilities		212,485		251,919

	Long-Term Debt, less Current Portion				10,000		10,000
	Other Noncurrent Liabilities				22,633		15,807
	Deferred Lease Credits				2,423		3,635
	Deferred Revenue				15,212		15,118

	Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

	Stockholders’ Equity:
		Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,841,062 shares issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation value of $15.75 per share			170,555		170,555
		Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 13,717,701 and 13,031,696 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding			137		130
		Capital in excess of par value			130,867		113,580
		Retained earnings			197,140		179,710
		Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes			27,080		16,842
			Total stockholders’ equity		525,779		480,817
			Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	788,532	$	777,296

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)


Year Ended December 31						2009		2008		2007
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
	Net income				$	40,049	$	36,371	$	45,449
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
		provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization				25,429		24,818		17,008
		Recovery of notes receivable				–		–		(7,376)
		Provision for doubtful accounts receivable				(1,121)		2,464		2,764
		Realized loss on sale of marketable securities, including other-than-temporary charges				–		2,160		760
		Gain on sale of South Carolina land				–		–		(10,967)
		Amortization of deferred charges				–		(322)		(10,472)
		Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments				(8,679)		(7,556)		(5,951)
		Distributions from unconsolidated investments				7,216		–		–
		Deferred income taxes				1,380		(4,489)		10,693
		Stock-based compensation				1,134		2,150		2,318
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
			Restricted cash			4,448		(17,169)		(6,268)
			Accounts (and other) receivables			9,720		(4,979)		(5,314)
			Income tax receivable			(3,470)		–		–
			Inventories			(251)		(488)		(103)
			Prepaid expenses and other assets			172		681		12
			Trade accounts payable			(2,900)		391		122
			Accrued payroll			(2,331)		1,688		1,945
			Amounts due to third party payors			3,023		3,255		559
			Accrued interest			(23)		58		(12)
			Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves			4,434		17,647		13,753
			Entrance fee deposits			94		201		(52)
			Other noncurrent liabilities			6,826		–		(1,044)
				Net cash provided by operating activities		85,150		56,881		47,824
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
		Additions to and acquisitions of property and equipment				(44,064)		(42,660)		(19,157)
		Disposals of property and equipment				384		248		346
		Acquisition of NHR, net of cash acquired				–		–		(91,070)
		Decrease in deposits for land acquisition				–		941		–
		Investments in notes receivable				(8,326)		(5,914)		(3,903)
		Collections of notes receivable				5,017		4,902		17,472
		Cash acquired in purchase of facility				–		–		3,704
		Decrease in restricted cash				18,025		–		–
		Purchase of marketable securities				(18,025)		(377)		–
		Changes in cash fund in liquidation				7,804		25,528		(35,987)
		Sale of marketable securities				–		225		5,236
		Distributions from unconsolidated investments				–		5,990		2,521
				Net cash used in investing activities		(39,185)		(11,117)		(120,838)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
		Proceeds from debt				–		50,500		–
		Payments on debt				(50,502)		(7,433)		(2,690)
		Tax benefit from exercise of stock options				1,566		1,549		1,177
		Dividends paid to preferred shareholders				(8,673)		(8,336)		–
		Dividends paid to common shareholders				(13,508)		(11,543)		(9,769)
		Restricted cash to fund (repay) the acquisition of NHR				–		(30,000)		30,000
		Issuance of common shares				15,395		6,663		5,977
		(Increase) decrease in deposits				206		(441)		13
		Other				(460)		(69)		7
				Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(55,976)		890		24,715
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents						(10,011)		46,654		(48,299)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period						49,033		2,379		50,678
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period					$	39,022	$	49,033	$	2,379

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(continued)


Year Ended December 31			2009		2008		2007
(in thousands)
Supplemental Information:
Cash payments for interest		$	869	$	965	$	800

Cash payments for income taxes			21,585		15,488		19,629

Effective January 7, 2008, cash proceeds that were being held by a facilitator pending the completion of an IRC §1031 exchange were disbursed to acquire property and equipment
	Acquisition of property and equipment	$	–		(11,420)		–
	Deposits reserved for land acquisition		–		11,420		–

Effective July 9, 2007, we sold undeveloped land located in Charleston, South Carolina. The proceeds are being held by a facilitator pending completion of an IRS §1031 exchange
	Gain on sale of land	$	–		–		10,967
	Land		–		–		1,394
	Deposits reserved for land acquisition		–		–		(12,361)

Effective November 1, 2007, NHC acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of a 544 bed long-term health care center and a 66-unit assisted living facility. The consideration given was first mortgage bonds owned by us.
	Real and personal property	$	–		–		(10,829)
	Current assets acquired		–		–		(5,876)
	Current liabilities assumed		–		–		1,945
	First mortgage revenue bonds		–		–		14,760

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Capital in Excess of Par Value

Retained Earnings

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities

Total Shareholders’ Equity

Amount

Balance at December 31, 2006

–

12,519,671

125

93,751

129,681

25,585

249,142

Net income

45,449

Unrealized losses on securities (net of tax benefit of $3,392)

–

(4,925)

Total comprehensive income

40,524

Preferred shares issued to complete merger of NHR

10,841,062

170,555

–

170,555

Investment surrendered in merger (net of tax benefit of $1,906)

–

(2,858)

Stock option compensation

–

2,318

–

2,318

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

–

1,177

–

1,177

Shares sold - stock purchase plans (including 229,480 options exercised)

–

238,236

5,975

–

5,977

Cumulative impact of a change in accounting for income tax uncertainties pursuant to FIN 48

–

900

–

900

Dividends declared to preferred shareholders ($0.1689 per share)

–

(1,831)

–

(1,831)

Dividends declared to common shareholder ($0.81 per share)

–

(10,196)

–

(10,196)

Balance at December 31, 2007

10,841,062

170,555

12,757,907

127

103,221

164,003

17,802

455,708

Net income

–

36,371

–

36,371

Unrealized losses on securities (net of tax benefit of $643)

–

(960)

Total comprehensive income

35,411

Stock option compensation

–

2,150

–

2,150

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

–

1,549

–

1,549

Shares sold - stock purchase plans (including 273,589 options exercised)

–

273,789

6,660

–

6,663

Dividends declared to preferred shareholders ($0.80 per share)

–

(8,673)

–

(8,673)

Dividends declared to common shareholders ($0.93 per share)

–

(11,991)

–

(11,991)

Balance at December 31, 2008

10,841,062

170,555

13,031,696

130

113,580

179,710

16,842

480,817

Net income

–

40,049

–

40,049

Unrealized gains on securities (net of tax of $6,148)

–

10,238

Total comprehensive income

50,287

Stock option compensation

–

1,134

–

1,134

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

–

1,566

–

1,566

Other

–

(801)

–

(801)

Shares sold - stock purchase plans (including 661,891 options exercised)

–

686,005

15,388

–

15,395

Dividends declared to preferred shareholders ($0.80 per share)

–

(8,673)

–

(8,673)

Dividends declared to common shareholders ($1.02 per share)

–

(13,946)

–

(13,946)

Balance at December 31, 2009

10,841,062

170,555

13,717,701

137

130,867

197,140

27,080

525,779

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations—

National HealthCare Corporation operates, manages or provides services to long-term health care centers and associated assisted living centers, retirement centers and home health care programs located in 12 Southeastern, Northeastern and Midwestern states in the United States. The most significant part of our business relates to skilled and intermediate nursing care in which setting we provide assisted living and retirement services, hospice care, home health care and rehabilitative therapy services. The long-term health care environment has continually undergone changes with regard to Federal and state reimbursement programs and other payor sources, compliance regulations, competition among other health care providers and patient care litigation issues. We continually monitor these industry developments as well as other factors that affect our business.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation—

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National HealthCare Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“NHC” or the “Company”). All material intercompany balances, profits, and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, and non-controlling interests are reflected in consolidation. Investments in entities in which we lack control but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for on the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize our share of the net earnings or losses of the affiliate as they occur. Losses are limited to the extent of our investments in, advances to and guarantees for the entity. Our most significant equity method investment is a 50% ownership and voting interest in Caris HealthCare L.P., a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings. Investment in entities in which we lack the ability to exercise significant influence are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost unless there has been a decline in the market value of our investment that is deemed to be other than temporary.

Use of Estimates—

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable—

Revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for long-term care, including skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, hospice, assisted living and retirement and home health care services.

Revenues are recorded when services are provided based on established rates adjusted to amounts expected to be received under governmental programs and other third-party contractual arrangements based on contractual terms. These revenues and receivables are stated at amounts estimated by management to be at their net realizable value.

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living and retirement facilities, we bill in advance for the following month, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed. A portion of the episodic Medicare payments for home health services are also received in advance of the services being rendered. All advance billings are initially deferred and then are recognized as revenue when the services are performed.

We receive payments from the Medicare program under a prospective payment system (“PPS”). For skilled nursing services, Medicare pays a fixed fee per Medicare patient per day, based on the acuity level of the patient, to cover all post-hospital extended care routine service costs, ancillary costs and capital related costs.

Medicaid program payments for long-term care services are generally based on fixed per diem rates subject to program cost ceilings.

For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on episodes of care. An episode of care is defined as a length of care up to 60 days with multiple continuous episodes allowed. The services covered by the episode payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit. We are allowed to make a request for anticipated payment at the start of care equal to 60% of the expected payment for the initial episode. The remaining balance due is paid following the submission of the final claim at the end of the episode. Revenues are recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the episode. Deferred revenue is recorded for payments received for which the related services have not yet been provided.

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Medicare PPS methodology requires that patients be assigned to Resource Utilization Groups (“RUGs”) based on the acuity level of the patient to determine the amount paid to us for patient services. The assignment of patients to the various RUG categories is subject to post-payment review by Medicare intermediaries. In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews. Any differences between the net revenues recorded and the final determination will be adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known or as the period of payment is no longer subject to audits or reviews.

Furthermore, Medicare program revenues, as well as certain Medicaid program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives. Retroactive adjustments for these periods are estimated in the recording of revenues in the period the related services are rendered. The estimated amounts are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known or as cost reporting years are no longer subject to audits or reviews. We believe currently that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.

Net third-party settlements amounted to $817,000, $700,000, and $4,466,000 net favorable adjustments in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Approximately 69% in 2009 and 2008, and 70% in 2007 of our net patient revenues are derived from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Other Revenues—

As discussed in Note 5, other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance, management and accounting services to other long-term care providers, guarantee fees, advisory fees (prior to the acquisition) from National Health Realty, Inc. (“NHR”), and rental income. Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income as earned over the related policy period. We charge for management and accounting services based on a percentage of net revenues or based on a fixed fee per bed of the long-term care center under contract. Advisory fees based on our contractual agreements with NHR through October 31, 2007, when the arrangement was terminated, are discussed in Notes 2 and 3. We generally record other revenues on the accrual basis based on the terms of our contractual arrangements. However, with respect to management and accounting services revenue from certain long-term care providers, including but not limited to National Health Corporation (“National”) and

certain centers formerly owned by National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI”), as discussed in Note 5, where collection is not reasonably assured based on insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, our policy is to recognize income only in the period in which collection is assured and the amounts at question are believed by management to be fixed and determined.

Certain management contracts, including, but not limited to, contracts with National and with certain centers formerly owned by NHI, subordinate the payment of management fees earned under those contracts to other expenditures of the long-term care center and to the availability of cash provided by the facility’s operations. Revenues from management services provided to the facilities that generate insufficient cash flow to pay the management fee, as prioritized under the contractual arrangement, are not recognized until such time as the amount of revenue earned is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. This recognition policy could cause our reported revenues and net income from management services to vary significantly from period to period.

We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases. Under certain of our leases, we receive contingent rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year. We recognize contingent rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee, receipt of such income is assured. We identify leased real estate properties as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to rental income on non-performing leased real estate properties is to recognize rental income in the period when the income is received.

Non-Operating Income –

As discussed in Note 6, non-operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, and interest income.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts—

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on factors such as pay type, historical collection trends and aging categories. We review these factors and determine an estimated provision for doubtful accounts. Historically, bad debts have resulted primarily from uncollectible private balances or from uncollectible coinsurance and deductibles. Receivables that are deemed to be uncollectible are written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts balance is assessed on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

The Company includes provisions for doubtful accounts in operating expenses in its consolidated statements of income. The provisions for doubtful accounts were $1,121,000, $2,464,000, and $2,764,000 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Property and Equipment—

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows: buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years. The provision for depreciation and amortization includes the amortization of properties under capital leases.

Leasehold improvements attached to properties owned by NHI and, prior to the October 31, 2007 merger of NHC and NHR, owned by NHR are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged against income as incurred. Betterments, which significantly extend the useful life, are capitalized. We remove the costs and related allowances for accumulated depreciation or amortization from the accounts for properties sold or retired, and any resulting gains or losses are

included in income. We include interest costs incurred during construction periods in the cost of buildings ($130,000 in 2009, $150,000 in 2008, and $26,000 in 2007).

n accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (previously SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”), we evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property by property basis. We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, and significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows from a property over the remaining useful life compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable—

In accordance with Statement of ASC Topic 310, Receivable (previously SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 15”), NHC evaluates the carrying values of its mortgage and other notes receivable on an instrument by instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, NHC reviews its notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Investments in Marketable Securities—

Our investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities, which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are deemed temporary are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. If any adjustment to fair value reflects a significant decline in the value of the security, we consider all available evidence to evaluate the extent to which the decline is “other than temporary” and would mark the security to market through a charge to our earnings. Credit losses are identified when we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings, with the amount of loss relating to other factors recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Goodwill—

The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (previously SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). Under the provisions of the statement, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests based on their estimated fair value. Unamortized goodwill is continually reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Codification. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.

Income Taxes—

We utilize ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (previously SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”), which requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 14 for further discussion of our accounting for income taxes.

On January 1, 2007, we adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (previously FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”). Under this guidance, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-than-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Liabilities for income tax matters include amounts for income taxes, applicable penalties, and interest thereon and are the result of the potential alternative interpretations of tax laws and the judgmental nature of the timing of recognition of taxable income.

Concentration of Credit Risks—

Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash held by trustees, accounts receivable, marketable securities and notes receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. Restricted cash is primarily invested in commercial paper and certificates of deposit with financial institutions and other interest bearing accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from patients (funded through Medicare, Medicaid, other contractual programs and through private payors) and from other health care companies for management, accounting and other services. We perform continual credit evaluations of our clients and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts on these accounts receivable. Marketable securities are held primarily in accounts with brokerage institutions. Notes receivable relate primarily to secured loans with health care facilities (recorded as notes receivable in the consolidated balance sheets) as discussed in Note 12.

At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and restricted cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions. These balances in the U.S. may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts, these cash and restricted cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Our financial instruments, principally our notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations. We obtain various collateral and other protective rights, and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss. We evaluate the need to provide reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management's periodic review of the portfolio on an instrument by instrument basis. See Note 12 for additional information on the notes receivable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Investments —

Restricted cash and investments primarily represent assets that are held by trustees for the purpose of our workers’ compensation insurance and professional liability insurance.

Inventories—

Inventories consist generally of food and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

Other Current Liabilities—

Other current liabilities primarily represent accruals for current federal and state income taxes, real estate taxes and other current liabilities.

Accrued Risk Reserves—

We are principally self-insured for risks related to employee health insurance and utilize wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies for workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. Accrued risk reserves primarily represent the accrual for risks associated with employee health insurance, workers’ compensation and professional liability claims. The accrued risk reserves include a liability for unpaid reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims. Our policy with respect to a significant portion of our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an actuary to support the estimates recorded for incurred but unreported claims. Our health insurance reserve is based on our known claims incurred and an estimate of incurred but unreported claims determined by our analysis of historical claims paid. We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis, with changes in estimated losses being recorded in the consolidated statements of income in the period first identified.

Stock-Based Compensation—

Pursuant to ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (previously SFAS No. 123(revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”), the Company measures the cost of employee, director, and non-employee consultant services received in exchange for an award of stock-based compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the requisite service period, except for awards granted to directors, which are fully expensed on the grant date. No compensation cost is recognized for awards that are subsequently forfeited. See Note 15 for additional disclosures regarding our stock option plan.

Deferred Lease Credits—

Deferred lease credits include amounts being amortized to properly reflect expenses on a straight line basis under the terms of our existing lease agreements based on the physical use of the property.

Other Noncurrent Liabilities—

Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions (See Note 14).

At the inception of any guarantee agreement, we recognize a liability for the estimated fair value of the obligation assumed, if any, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 460, Guarantees (previously FIN No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others”).

Deferred Revenue—

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National (as discussed in Note 4), certain amounts related to episodic payments received by our home health care providers in advance of providing services (as discussed in Note 1) and entrance fees that have been and are currently being received upon reservation and occupancy of retirement center units for a continuing care retirement community we own. In accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities – Deferred Revenue, the estimated amount of entrance fees that are expected to be refunded to current residents should be recorded as deferred revenue. According to our entrance fee contracts, a portion of the entrance fees are refundable (90%) only after a contract holder’s unit has been resold. The amounts received from new residents in excess of the amounts to be paid to previous residents are deferred

and amortized over the estimated life of the facility. The non-refundable portion (10%) is being recognized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.

Comprehensive Income—

ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income (previously SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”) requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, including unrealized gains and losses on certain securities, be shown in the consolidated financial statements as comprehensive income. We report our comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

Segment Disclosures—

ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting (previously SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”) establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial reports issued to stockholders. Management believes that substantially all of our operations are part of the long-term health care industry segment. Our operations outside of the long-term health care industry segment are not material. See Note 5 for a detail of other revenues provided within the long-term health care industry segment. Information about the costs and expenses associated with each of the components of other revenues is not separately identifiable.

Reclassifications –

The 2008 and 2007 financial information has been reclassified so the basis of presentation is consistent with that of the 2009 financial information. Specifically, the Company reclassified “non-operating income” out of “other revenues” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

New Accounting Pronouncements—

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASC Topic 810, Consolidation-Overall (previously SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). This updated guidance requires an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives the entity a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. It also requires an ongoing reassessment and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining whether an entity is the primary beneficiary. This update is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010 and we believe the adoption will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (previously SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”), which is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) does not alter current U.S. GAAP, but rather integrates existing accounting standards with other authoritative guidance. ASC is the single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP for nongovernmental entities and supersedes all other previously issued non-SEC accounting and reporting guidance. The adoption of ASC did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events (previously SFAS 165, “Subsequent Events”), which provides guidance to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company adopted this pronouncement for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure – Overall (previously FSP SFAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly”) which provides additional guidance

for estimating fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820 (previously SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”), when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. The Company adopted this guidance on April 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities (previously FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”) to amend the other-than-temporary guidance for debt securities to be based on intent and not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before the recovery and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. The Company adopted this guidance on April 1, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (previously FSP SFAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”). This update requires fair value disclosures for financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. The Company adopted this guidance on April 1, 2009.

In June 2008, the FASB issued ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share (previously FASB Staff Position EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities”). This guidance addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method. Non-vested share awards granted to employees contain nonforfeitable dividend rights and, therefore, are now considered participating securities. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. The Company’s adoption as of January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (previously SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations”). This guidance establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company’s adoption as of January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (previously SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”). This guidance clarifies that a noncontrolling interest should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements and requires net income attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be disclosed separately on the face of the consolidated statement of income. These presentation and disclosure provisions require retrospective application to all prior periods presented. This guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 - Relationship with National Health Realty, Inc.

On October 31, 2007, NHC acquired, through a merger recorded as a business combination, all of the net assets of National Health Realty, Inc. (“NHR”). The results of operations from the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been included in the NHC consolidated financial statements since that date. Prior to the acquisition, NHR was a real estate investment trust which owned 23 health care facilities including 16 licensed skilled nursing facilities, six assisted living facilities and one independent living facility (the Healthcare Facilities) and six first promissory notes secured by the real property of healthcare facilities.

As a result of the acquisition, NHC is provided with a larger asset and equity base, which in turn should result in enhanced future growth and prospects for long term increases in stockholder value. Furthermore, NHC expects to capitalize on increases in NHC’s annual recurring free cash flow resulting from the elimination of annual lease payments to NHR, even after providing for dividends on the preferred stock issued in the acquisition.

The aggregate purchase price was $297,686,000 including cash of $97,571,000, 10,841,062 shares of convertible preferred stock valued at $170,747,000 (based on independent valuation which confirmed the liquidation value of $15.75 per share as the fair value), assets including leasehold improvements, common stock of NHR surrendered in the purchase and transaction costs of the purchase that were capitalized totaling $29,368,000 and liabilities assumed of $8,249,000.

Prior to our acquisition of the Healthcare Facilities, we leased 14 properties from NHR on which we had constructed improvements (leasehold improvements) which had a net book value of approximately $24,845,000. In addition, prior to the merger, we owned 363,200 shares of NHR common stock in which we had a cost basis of $3,045,000 at October 31, 2007. Our investment in NHR common stock has also been considered in the purchase of the NHR assets. Finally, the legal, accounting and other costs of the acquisition that were included in the allocation of the purchase price totaled $1,478,000. Components of the purchase price is summarized as follows:


	(in thousands)
Cash to selling shareholders ($9.00 per share)		$	97,571
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (10,841,062 shares valued at $15.75 per share)			170,747
Carrying amount of leasehold improvements			24,845
NHR shares previously acquired, at cost			3,045
Transaction costs			1,478
		$	297,686

The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (previously SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”). NHC was aided in arriving at the estimates, including the value of the preferred stock issued as consideration in the acquisition, by third party valuations and cost segregation studies. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.


			(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents				$	8,172
Marketable securities					6,590
Dividends receivable					113
Mortgage notes receivable					16,798
Fixed assets:
	Land				26,613
	Real Property				247,649
		Total Assets			305,935
Liabilities Assumed					(8,249)
		Total Purchase Price		$	297,686

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial summary is presented as if the acquisition of NHR was completed at the beginning of the 2007 reporting period. The unaudited pro forma combined results have been prepared for informational purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results which would have been attained had the business combination been consummated on the dates indicated or of the results which may be expected to occur in the future.


Year Ended December 31			2007
(in thousands, except per share amounts)				(unaudited)
Net Operating Revenues		$		581,483

Net Income		$		48,671
Dividends to Preferred Shareholders				(8,672)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		$		39,999

Earnings Per Share:
	Basic	$		3.18
	Diluted	$		3.08

Relationship with NHR Prior to the Merger—

Prior to October 31, 2007 and the merger described above, NHC leased from NHR the real estate of ten long-term care centers, three assisted living centers and one retirement center. The term of the leases after being renegotiated in 2005 had been extended to December 31, 2017 with certain renewal options at the expiration date. NHC accounted for the leases as operating leases. For 2007 (prior to the merger), NHC paid base rent, percentage rent and expansion rent totaling $9,422,000, excluding rent paid on nine Florida health care facilities as described below.

On October 1, 2000, we terminated our individual leases on nine Florida long-term care facilities. Also effective October 1, 2000, the facilities were leased by NHR under a five year term to nine separate limited liability corporations, none of which we own or control. These leases have currently been extended through December 31, 2010. Lease payments to NHR from the new leases offset our lease obligations pursuant to the master operating lease. Effective October 31, 2007, these Florida leases were assigned to us as a result of the merger with NHR.

Under terms of the lease agreements, we earn base rent on the nine Florida properties of $6,625,000 per year. Base rent earned by us during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and during the two month period ended December 31, 2007 totaled $6,625,000, $6,625,000 and $1,085,000, respectively. In addition to base rent, NHC will earn percentage rent equal to 3% of the amount by which gross revenue of each Florida health care facility in such later year exceeds the gross revenues of such health care facility in the base year of 2005. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the two month period ended December 31, 2007, we earned $536,000, $489,000 and $28,000 of percentage rent, respectively.

At December 31, 2009, the approximate future minimum base rent commitments (which exclude percentage rents) to be received by us on non-cancelable operating leases are as described in the following table.


2010	$	6,625,000
Thereafter		---

In addition to the lease relationship prior to October 31, 2007, NHC had an Advisory Agreement relationship with NHR whereby NHC provided day-to-day management services to NHR. For 2007 (prior to the merger), advisory fees earned by NHC under the agreement were $417,000. The terms of the advisory agreement allowed either party to terminate the arrangement upon 90 days written notice.

Prior to the merger described above, NHC owned 363,200 shares (or 3.5%) of NHR’s outstanding common stock with a cost basis on October 31, 2007 of $3,045,000. NHC accounted for its investment in NHR common stock as available for sale marketable securities in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments.

Note 3 - Relationship with National Health Investors, Inc.

In 1991, we formed NHI as a wholly-owned subsidiary. We then transferred to NHI certain healthcare facilities owned by NHC and distributed the shares of NHI to NHC’s shareholders. The distribution had the effect of separating NHC and NHI into two independent public companies. As a result of the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of NHI were distributed to the then NHC investors. NHI is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Leases—

On October 17, 1991, concurrent with our conveyance of real property to NHI, we leased from NHI the real property of 40 long-term health care centers and three retirement centers. Each lease was for an initial term originally expiring December 31, 2001, with two additional five-year renewal terms at our option, assuming no defaults. During 2000, we exercised our option to extend the lease term for the first five-year renewal term under the same terms and conditions as the initial term.

On December 27, 2005, we exercised our option to extend the existing master lease on 41 properties for the second renewal term. The 41 properties include four Florida properties that are leased to and operated by others, but for which we continue to guarantee the lease payments to NHI under the master lease. A 15-year lease extension began on January 1, 2007, and includes three additional five-year renewal options, each at fair market value. Under the terms of the lease, base rent for 2007 will total $33,700,000 with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a 2007 base year. The lease renewal provides for no percentage rent in 2007 since 2007 is the new base year. The percentage rent is based on a quarterly calculation of revenue increases and is payable on a quarterly basis. Percentage rent for 2009 and 2008 was approximately $757,000 and $531,000, respectively.

Each lease with NHI is a “triple net lease” under which we are responsible for paying all taxes, utilities, insurance premium costs, repairs and other charges relating to the ownership of the facilities. We are obligated at our expense to maintain adequate insurance on the facilities' assets.

We have a right of first refusal with NHI to purchase any of the properties transferred from us should NHI receive an offer from an unrelated party during the term of the lease or up to 180 days after termination of the related lease.

As part of our lease with NHI, we lease four Florida long-term care centers that we sublease to four separate corporations, none of which we own or control.

Base rent expense to NHI was $33,700,000 in 2009. At December 31, 2009, the approximate future minimum base rent to be paid by us on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI are as follows:


		Total Commitments Including Florida Facilities		Total Commitments Excluding Florida Facilities
2010	$	33,700,000	$	28,948,000
2011		33,700,000		28,948,000
2012		33,700,000		33,700,000
2013		33,700,000		33,700,000
2014		33,700,000		33,700,000
Thereafter		235,900,000		235,900,000

Investment in NHI Common Stock —

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, we own 1,630,642 shares (or 5.9%) of NHI’s outstanding common stock. We account for our investment in NHI common stock as available for sale marketable securities in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 320, Investments.

Note 4 - Relationship with National Health Corporation

National, which is wholly-owned by the National Health Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (AESOP”), was formed in 1986 and served as our administrative general partner through December 31, 1997, when we operated as a master limited partnership. As discussed below, all of the personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation as employees in the ESOP.

Sale of Long–Term Health Care Centers to and Notes Receivable from National, Recognition of $10,000,000 of Previously Deferred Gain in 2007—

During 1988, we sold the assets (inventory, property and equipment) of eight long–term health care centers (1,121 licensed beds) to National for a total consideration of $40,000,000. The consideration consisted of $30,000,000 in cash and an 8.5% $10,000,000 note receivable due December 31, 2007. We manage the centers under a management contract for management fees comparable to those in the industry. National sold one center to an unrelated third party in 1997 and two centers to an unrelated third party in 1999. Thus, we now manage five centers for National under a management contract that has been extended until January 20, 2018. See Note 5 for additional information on management fees recognized from National.

Our carrying amount in the assets sold in 1988 to National was approximately $24,255,000. The resulting profit of $15,745,000 was deferred. $10,000,000 of the deferred gain and related deferred income taxes of $4,000,000 was recognized as income in December 2007 with the collection of the $10,000,000 note receivable from National. The $10,000,000 gain on the sale of assets was reported as the recognition of deferred gain in Costs and Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. $3,745,000 of the deferred gain was amortized into income on a straight line basis over the original 20-year term of the management contract (through December 31, 2007). $2,000,000 of deferred gain is related to NHC’s obligation to loan up to $2,000,000 to National under a line-of-credit agreement. That amount is expected to remain deferred until the obligation expires, currently scheduled in January, 2018.

In conjunction with our management contract, we have entered into a line of credit arrangement whereby we may have amounts due to or due from National from time to time. The maximum loan commitment under the line of credit is $2,000,000. The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus one percent and the final maturity is January 20, 2018. At December 31, 2009, National did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit.

Financing Activities—

During 1991, we borrowed $10,000,000 from National. The term note payable currently requires quarterly interest payments at the prime rate minus .85 percent. The entire principal is due at maturity in 2018.

Payroll and Related Services—

The personnel conducting our business, including our executive management team, are employees of National and have ownership interests in National only through their participation in the ESOP. National provides payroll services to NHC, provides employee fringe benefits, and maintains certain liability insurance. We pay to National all the costs of personnel employed for our benefit, as well as an administrative fee equal to 1% of payroll costs. Such costs of personnel totaling approximately $370,708,000, $347,934,000, and $326,445,000 for 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively, are

reflected as salaries, wages and benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The administrative fee paid to National for 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $3,195,000, $3,019,000, and $2,830,000, respectively. National owes us $6,142,000 and $14,311,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as a result of the differences between interim payments for payroll and benefits services costs made during the current and previous years and such actual costs. The amounts are included in accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes receivable from National in the consolidated balance sheets.

National’s Ownership of Our Stock—

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, National owns 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 9.3% and 9.8% for 2009 and 2008, respectively) of our outstanding common stock and 1,271,147 shares (or approximately 11.7%) of our outstanding preferred stock.

Consolidation Considerations—

Because of the considerable contractual and management relationships between NHC and National as described in this note above, we have considered whether National should be consolidated by NHC under the guidance provided in ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (previously FIN No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” and current guidance effective January 1, 2010 of SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). We do not consolidate National because (1) NHC does not have any obligation or rights (current or future) to absorb losses or to receive benefits from National. The ESOP participants bear the current and future financial gain or burden of National, (2) National’s equity at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without past or future subordinated support from NHC or other parties, and (3) the equity holders of National (that is collectively the ESOP, its trustees, and the ESOP participants) possess the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, including voting rights that are proportional to their economic interests. Supporting the assertions above is the following: (1) substantive independent trustees are appointed for the benefit of the ESOP participants when decisions must be made that may create the appearance of a conflict of interest between NHC and the ESOP, and (2) National was designed, formed and is operated for the purpose of creating variability and passing that variability along to the ESOP participants—that is, to provide retirement benefits and value to the employees of NHC and NHC’s affiliates.

Note 5 - Other Revenues

Other revenues are outlined in the table below. Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly-owned limited purpose insurance subsidiaries have written for certain long-term health care centers to which we provide management or accounting services. Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees and revenues from other services provided to managed and other long-term health care centers. “Other” revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.


Year ended December 31,		2009		2008		2007
(in thousands)
Insurance services	$	14,560	$	16,690	$	15,914
Management and accounting service fees		17,845		18,496		16,799
Guarantee fees		−		−		4
Advisory fees from NHR		−		−		417
Rental income		12,764		13,273		4,078
Other		1,463		1,695		2,390
	$	46,632	$	50,154	$	39,602

Management Fees from National—

We have managed long-term care centers for National since 1988 and we currently manage five centers. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding our relationship with National.

During 2009, 2008 and 2007, National paid and we recognized approximately $1,200,000, $-0-, and $-0-, respectively, of management fees and interest on management fees, which amounts are included in management and accounting service fees. Unrecognized management fees from National total $21,890,000, $19,789,000, and $16,436,000 at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We have recognized approximately $26,704,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 1988.

The unpaid fees from these five centers, because the amount collectable could not be reasonably determined when the management services were provided, and because we cannot estimate the timing or amount of expected future collections, will be recognized as revenues only when fixed or determinable and collectability of these fees can be reasonably assured. Under the terms of our management agreement with National, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of the five long-term care centers. We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit. We may receive payment for the unrecognized management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from the operating and investing activities of the five centers are sufficient to pay the fees. There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.

Management Fees from Nursing Centers Formerly Owned by NHI—

NHI in the past operated certain long-term health care centers on which it had foreclosed, accepted deeds in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise obtained possession of the related assets. NHI engaged us to manage these foreclosure properties from 2000 through 2004. During 2004 or prior, NHI sold or closed all of these properties and NHC now manages for others the properties that continue to operate.

We continue to manage 15 long-term care centers that were previously owned by NHI. During 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $4,030,000, $6,024,000, and $2,892,000, respectively, of management fees and interest from these 15 long-term care centers. Unrecognized and unpaid management fees from these centers total $9,051,000, $7,790,000, and $8,654,000 at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We have recognized approximately $23,256,000 of management fees and interest from these centers since 2002.

Of the total 15 centers managed, the management fee revenues from seven centers were currently paid and recognized on the accrual method in 2009. The fees from the remaining eight centers, because of insufficient historical collections and the lack of expected future collections, are recognized only when realized. Under the terms of our management agreements, the payment of these fees to us may be subordinated to other expenditures of each of the long-term care providers. We continue to manage these centers so that we may be able to collect our fees in the future and because the incremental savings from discontinuing services to a center may be small compared to the potential benefit. We may receive payment for the unrecognized and uncollected management fees in whole or in part in the future only if cash flows from operating and investing activities of the centers or proceeds from the sale of the centers are sufficient to pay the fees. There can be no assurance that such future improved cash flows will occur.

Accounting Service Fees and Rental Income from Florida Centers—

During 2009, 2008, and 2007, we recognized $6,530,000, $6,042,000, and $7,109,000, respectively, of accounting services fees from long-term health care centers in Florida that we previously operated or managed. Amounts recognized are included in management and accounting service fees.

During 2009, 2008, and 2007, we also recognized $10,308,000, $10,807,000, and $3,581,000, respectively, of rental income from the divested operations of long-term health care centers in Florida related to our two owned facilities and the facilities acquired as a result of the merger with NHR effective October 31, 2007. These amounts are included in rental income.

Rental Income from a Health Care and Assisted Living Center located in Tennessee –

During 2009, 2008 and 2007, we earned $2,386,000, $2,400,000, and $400,000, respectively, of rental revenue as a result of the purchase and lease on November 1, 2007 of the real estate of a 544-bed long-term care center and a 66-unit assisted living center located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. These amounts are also included in rental income.

Note 6 – Non-Operating Income

Non-operating income is outlined in the table below. Non-operating income includes dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, interest income and equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments. Our most significant equity method investment is a 50% ownership and voting interest in Caris HealthCare L.P., a business that specializes in hospice care services. See Note 17 for additional disclosure regarding Caris.


Year ended December 31,		2009		2008		2007
(in thousands)
Dividends and other net realized gains and losses on sales of securities	$	4,409	$	4,601	$	5,028
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments		8,679		7,556		5,951
Interest income		3,696		3,578		7,695
	$	16,784	$	15,735	$	18,674

Note 7 – Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities. Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, professional insurance and licensing fees. The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

Note 8 - Earnings Per Share

Effective January 1, 2009, we compute earnings per share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

The following table summarizes the earnings and the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.


Year Ended December 31,			2009		2008		2007
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,562,850		12,834,630		12,562,347
	Net income	$	40,049	$	36,371	$	45,449
	Dividends to preferred stockholders		8,673		8,673		1,831
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	31,376	$	27,698	$	43,618
	Earnings per common share, basic	$	2.31	$	2.16	$	3.47

Diluted:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,562,850		12,834,630		12,562,347
	Dilutive effect of stock options		14,826		298,789		431,583
	Assumed average common shares outstanding		13,577,676		13,133,419		12,993,930

	Net income available to common stockholders	$	31,376	$	27,698	$	43,618
	Earnings per common share, diluted	$	2.31	$	2.11	$	3.36

Excluded in the above table are 337,305; 290,620; and 18,494 shares of stock options for 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, due to their antidilutive impact. Also excluded are 2,623,971; 2,623,971; and 442,082 preferred stock potential common shares for 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, issuable upon the conversion of preferred stock due to their antidilutive impact.

Note 9 - Investments in Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities include available for sale securities. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined on the specific identification of the securities.

Marketable securities consist of the following:


December 31,			2009				2008
(in thousands)			Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Available for sale:
	Marketable equity securities	$	29,604	$	71,280	$	29,604	$	54,682
	U.S. government securities		8,918		8,833		1,474		1,537
	Mortgage-backed securities		7,422		7,392		–		–
	Corporate debt securities		3,159		3,125		–		–
		$	49,103	$	90,630	$	31,078	$	56,219

Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following:

(in thousands, except share amounts)


December 31,	2009					2008
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value	Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	60,317	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	44,729

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities classified as available for sale, by contractual maturity, are as follows:


December 31,		2009				2008
(in thousands)		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	1,475	$	1,493	$	−	$	−
1 to 5 years		13,105		12,984		1,474		1,537
6 to 10 years		4,919		4,873		–		−
	$	19,499	$	19,350	$	1,474	$	1,537

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $41,676,000 and $25,141,000 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities were $149,000 and $-0- as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of investments in marketable securities during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $-0-, $225,000, and $5,236,000, respectively. Gross investment losses of $265,000 were realized in these sales during the year ended December 31, 2007. Gross investment gains of $-0- were realized on these sales during the year ended December 31, 2008.

As described in Note 2, on October 31, 2007, NHC surrendered (through merger with NHR) 363,200 shares of NHR common stock with a cost of $3,045,000 and unrealized gain of $4,764,000. NHC also acquired (thru merger with NHR) 225,000 shares of NHI common stock at a value of $6,590,000 ($29.29 per common share at October 31, 2007).

Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Our long-term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates and the short term maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.

Effective January 1, 2009, we fully adopted ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (previously SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”), as it relates to both financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. Prior to January 1, 2009, the standard applied only to our financial assets and financial liabilities. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The standard clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Valuation techniques are the market, cost or income approach. The adoption did not have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

As a basis for considering such assumptions, fair value guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 – quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets, Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and model-based valuations in which significant inputs are corroborated by observable market data and Level 3 – valuation techniques in which significant inputs are unobservable.

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period are as follows (in thousands):


		Fair Value At Dec. 31, 2009		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Marketable securities	$	71,280	$	71,280	$	–	$	–
Restricted marketable securities		19,350		11,958		7,392		–

Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities –

The fair value of our investments in marketable securities and restricted marketable securities is derived using quoted market prices of identical securities or other observable inputs such as trading prices of identical securities in active markets.

Cash Fund in Liquidation –

At December 31, 2009, the Columbia Strategic Cash Portfolio Fund (the “Fund”) has been completely liquidated. The balance was $7,804,000 at December 31, 2008. The Fund invested in obligations denominated in U.S. dollars consisting of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, structured investment vehicles, corporate bonds and notes, certificates of deposit, short-term corporate debt obligations, commercial paper, extendible commercial notes and municipal bonds. A portion of the securities in the Fund had their fair values determined through readily available market data; however, some of the securities in the Fund had limited market activity such that the determination of fair value required significant judgment or estimation. Given current market conditions, these securities were not actively traded, and certain significant inputs (e.g. spreads, yield curves, prepayments and volatilities) were unobservable. These securities were valued primarily using broker pricing models that incorporated transaction details such as contractual terms, maturity, timing and amount of future cash inflows, as well as assumptions about liquidity. As a result, until the investments were liquidated, the Company categorized the investments as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008. The Company has adopted an accounting policy for Level 3 fair value measurements that provides for transfer of the asset or liability into/out of Level 3 as of the beginning of the quarter in which the charge is determined. Considering the continuing deterioration in market conditions during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the lack of current observable market activity, our investment in the Fund was transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as of October 1, 2008.


				Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(in thousands)				Year Ended December 31, 2009		Year Ended December 31, 2008
Balance at beginning of period			$	7,804	$	−
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
		Included in earnings		325		(1,525)
		Included in other comprehensive income		−		−
	Purchases, issuances and settlements			(8,129)		(3,332)
	Transfers in/out or out of Level 3			−		12,661
Balance at end of period			$	−	$	7,804

As to our total investment in the Fund, gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the years ended are reported in interest income as follows:


		Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)		2009		2008
Total realized gains or losses	$	325	$	(817)

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at reporting date	$	–	$	(1,343)

We received notice on December 6, 2007 at a time when our carrying value in the Fund was $39,500,000, that the Fund cash redemptions were suspended and that the Fund would begin an orderly liquidation and dissolution of its assets for distribution to the Fund holders, including to NHC. Activity in the Fund for the periods indicated is summarized as follows:


(in thousands)		Year Ended December 31, 2009		Year Ended December 31, 2008		25 Days Ended December 31, 2007
Fund balance, beginning of period	$	7,804	$	35,492	$	39,500
Realized gains (losses)		325		(817)		(42)
Reduction to adjust the Fund balance to its net asset value, charged to earnings		–		(1,343)		(453)
Cash distributed to NHC		(8,129)		(25,528)		(3,513)
Fund balance, end of period	$	–	$	7,804	$	35,492

Interest earned, in addition to the cash distributed above	$	32	$	654	$	156

The Fund’s valuation fluctuated based on changes in the market value of the securities held by the Fund. In addition to the transaction gains or losses reported by the Fund to us, since December, 2007, we have adjusted our carrying value to the Fund’s net asset value, which adjustments have required us to charge earnings and reduce our carrying value in the Fund. Because the Fund was invested in financial instruments with exposure to the current turmoil in the credit markets in the United States, we considered the write-down amount to be an other-than-temporary impairment. The Company realized gains of $325,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and recorded realized and

unrealized losses of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and realized and unrealized losses of $.5 million for the 25 days ended December 31, 2007, respectively.

Note 11 - Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following:


December 31,		2009		2008
(in thousands)
Land	$	46,595	$	46,542
Leasehold improvements		81,531		77,783
Buildings and improvements		338,178		331,046
Furniture and equipment		107,074		106,341
Construction in progress		35,375		10,248
		608,753		571,960
Less: Accumulated Depreciation		(181,177)		(158,478)
	$	427,576	$	413,482

As a result of the merger with NHR in 2007, NHC acquired land and real property of 16 long-term health care centers, six assisted living facilities and one independent living facility valued at approximately $274,263,000.

At December 31, 2009, we have obligations to complete construction of approximately $19,255,000.

Note 12 - Notes Receivable

On October 31, 2007, we acquired, in the merger with NHR, notes receivable with an estimated fair value at date of acquisition of $16,798,000 ($14,746,000 at December 31, 2009). The notes are first and second mortgages with interest rates ranging from prime plus 2% to 10.5% fixed rate with periodic payments required prior to maturity. The notes mature in the years from 2012 through 2016.

We have notes receivable from managed and other long-term health care centers totaling $12,059,000, the proceeds of which were used by the long-term health care centers for construction costs, development costs incurred during construction and working capital. The notes generally require monthly payments with maturities beginning in 2010 through 2014. Interest on the notes is generally at rates ranging from prime plus 2% to 8.5%. The collateral for the notes consists of first and second mortgages, certificates of need, personal guarantees and stock pledges.

Recovery and Write-off of Notes Receivable—

In May 2007, we collected a note receivable which had previously been written off in the amount of $6,195,000. The collections are directly attributable to operations and are reported as recoveries of notes receivable in the consolidated statements of income.

In November 2007, we purchased the lease of a long-term health care center (544 beds) and an assisted living facility (66 units) located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The consideration we gave for the lease was substantially all of the outstanding first mortgage bonds of these centers that were held by us. The first mortgage bonds had a face value of approximately $14,760,000 but had been previously written down by approximately $7,376,000. Therefore, as a result of capitalizing the property, we recorded a recovery of notes receivable in the amount of $7,376,000 in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 13 - Long-Term Debt and Commitments

Long-Term Debt—

Long-term debt consists of the following:


December 31,	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities		Long-Term Debt
December 31,	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities		2009		2008
(dollars in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 1.24%	2010	$	–	$	50,500

Notes and other obligations, principal and interest payable periodically	Variable, 5.43%	2009		–		2

Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		60,502
Less current portion				–		(50,502)
			$	10,000	$	10,000

$75,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement—

Effective October 27, 2009, we extended the maturity of our Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), of which up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.

Borrowings bear interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% or (ii) the prime rate. Letter of credit fees are equal to 1.00% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit. Prior to the extension, the borrowing bore interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 0.375% or (ii) the prime rate.

Beginning October 27, 2009, commitment fees are payable on the daily unused portion of the Credit Facility at a rate of twenty (20) basis points per annum.

The Credit Facility matures on October 26, 2010. Between 90 and 120 days prior to the maturity date, NHC may request the extension of the maturity date. If the Lender elects to consent to such extension, subject to certain conditions, the maturity date will be extended to the date which is 364 days after the then maturity date.

NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.

NHC’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain NHC subsidiaries and are secured by pledges by NHC and the guarantors of (i) 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries and (ii) up to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, in each case, held by NHC or the guarantors.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and covenants, including covenants that restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, restricted payments, debt, liens, investments and affiliate transactions. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default.

The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt and debt serviced by other parties for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2009 are as follows:


			Long-Term Debt
			(in thousands)
2010		$	−
2011			−
2012			−
2013			−
2014			−
Thereafter			10,000
	Total	$	10,000

Lease Commitments—

Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 include expenses for leased premises and equipment under operating leases of $32,351,000, $31,453,000, and $40,205,000, respectively. See Note 3 for the approximate future minimum rent commitments on non-cancelable operating leases with NHI.

Note 14 - Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:


Year Ended December 31,				2009		2008		2007
(in thousands)
Current Tax Provision
	Federal		$	18,251	$	15,443	$	12,892
	State			5,743		3,912		3,720
				23,994		19,355		16,612
Deferred Tax Provision (Benefit)
	Federal			2,950		(1,997)		8,110
	State			663		(442)		2,063
				3,613		(2,439)		10,173
		Income Tax Provision	$	27,607	$	16,916	$	26,785

The deferred tax assets and liabilities, consisting of temporary differences tax effected at the respective income tax rates, are as follows:


December 31,				2009		2008
(in thousands)
Current deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable		$	1,214	$	1,836
	Accrued expenses			7,601		10,205
				8,815		12,041
Current deferred tax liability:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities			(16,202)		(10,053)
	Other			(1,040)		(1,004)
				(17,242)		(11,057)
		Net current deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(8,427)	$	984

Noncurrent deferred tax asset:
	Financial reporting depreciation in excess of tax depreciation		$	3,408	$	4,193
	Deferred gain on sale of assets (net)			(3,135)		(3,215)
	Tax basis intangible asset in excess of financial reporting basis			2,057		2,349
	Stock-based compensation			1,119		2,711
	Other			212		(60)
	Accrued expenses			4,209		1,326
	Deferred revenue			7,685		6,368
		Net noncurrent deferred tax asset	$	15,555	$	13,672

A reconciliation of income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:


Year Ended December 31,				2009		2008		2007
(in thousands)
Tax provision at federal statutory rate			$	23,680	$	18,650	$	25,282

Increase (decrease) in income taxes
	resulting from:
	State, net of federal benefit			2,801		2,155		3,804
	Tax exempt interest			−		−		(321)
	Nondeductible expenses			153		159		120
	Insurance expense			108		(450)		(220)
	Other, net			(614)		488		(376)
	Unrecognized tax benefits			3,032		−		−
	Expiration of statute of limitations			(1,553)		(4,086)		(1,504)
				3,927		(1,734)		1,503
		Effective income tax expense	$	27,607	$	16,916	$	26,785

The exercise of non-qualified stock options results in state and federal income tax benefits to the Company related to the difference between the market price at the date of exercise and the option exercise price. During 2009, 2008 and 2007, $1,566,000, $1,549,000, and $1,177,000, respectively, attributable to the tax benefit of stock options exercised, was credited to additional paid-in capital.

NHC continually evaluates for uncertain tax positions. Uncertain tax positions may arise where tax laws may allow for alternative interpretations or where the timing of recognition of income is subject to judgment. We believe we

have adequate provisions for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions. However, because of uncertainty of interpretation by various tax authorities and the possibility that there are issues that have not been recognized by management, we cannot guarantee we have accurately estimated our tax liabilities. We believe that our liabilities reflect the anticipated outcome of known uncertain tax positions in conformity with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes (previously FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”). Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheet within Other Noncurrent Liabilities.

On January 1, 2007, we adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of ASC Topic 740 (previously FIN No. 48). Under this guidance, tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more–likely–than–not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

Prior to January 1, 2007, we maintained a liability for the estimated amount of contingent liabilities for income tax matters in accordance with ASC Topic 450 Contingencies (previously SFAS 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”).

In accordance with current guidance, the Company has established a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which are differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to this Interpretation. Generally a liability is created for an unrecognized tax benefit because it represents a company’s potential future obligation to a taxing authority for a tax position that was not recognized per above.

As a result of adopting ASC Topic 740 (previously FIN No. 48), January 1, 2007, we reported a $900,000 increase to our retained earnings and a decrease in our accruals for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties of a corresponding amount. On January 1, 2007, we had $15,526,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $11,409,000 of deferred tax assets, $–0– of deferred tax liabilities, and $4,117,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties payable of $5,525,000 at January 1, 2007 relate to unrecognized tax benefits.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


		Deferred Tax Asset		Liability For Unrecognized Tax Benefits		Liability For Interest and Penalties		Liability Total
Balance, December 31, 2006 under ASC 450 (previously SFAS 5)	$	−	$	4,799	$	5,743	$	10,542
Adoption of ASC 740 (previously FIN 48) on January 1, 2007		11,409		10,727		(218)		10,509
Balance, January 1, 2007		11,409		15,526		5,525		21,051
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−		1,483		358		1,841
Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,219		3,219		466		3,685
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(1,001)		(1,001)		(282)		(1,283)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		−		(1,005)		(499)		(1,504)
Balance, December 31, 2007		13,627		18,222		5,568		23,790
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		−		1,206		245		1,451
Additions for tax positions of prior years		−		−		586		586
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(3,832)		(3,832)		−		(3,832)
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		(2,101)		(4,169)		(2,019)		(6,188)
Balance, December 31, 2008		7,694		11,427		4,380		15,807
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		323		4,558		487		5,045
Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,877		2,231		1,103		3,334
Reductions for statute of limitation expirations		−		(941)		(612)		(1,553)
Balance, December 31, 2009	$	11,894	$	17,275	$	5,358	$	22,633

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we have recognized a $941,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $-0- of temporary differences and $941,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $612,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse. The favorable impact on our tax provision was $1,553,000 composed of $941,000 tax and $612,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences and $-0- interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2009, we had $17,275,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $10,618,000 of deferred tax assets, $-0- of deferred tax liabilities, and $6,658,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties payable of $5,358,000 and a related deferred tax asset on interest of $1,275,000 relate to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009. Unrecognized tax benefits of $6,658,000, net of federal benefit, at December 31, 2009, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and penalties of $2,489,000 relate to these permanent differences at December 31, 2009. We do not expect to recognize significant

increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months of December 31, 2009, except for the effect of decreases related to statute of limitations lapse estimated at $2,546,000, composed of temporary differences of $-0- and permanent tax differences of $2,546,000. Interest and penalties of $1,080,000 relate to these permanent difference changes within 12 months of December 31, 2009.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, we have recognized a $4,169,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits (including $2,101,000 of temporary differences and $2,068,000 of permanent differences) and an accompanying $2,019,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse. The favorable impact on our tax provision was $4,086,000 composed of $2,067,000 tax and $904,000 interest and penalties on permanent differences, and $1,115,000 interest and penalties on temporary differences.

At December 31, 2008, we had $11,427,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $7,694,000 of deferred tax assets, $-0- of deferred tax liabilities, and $3,733,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties payable of $4,380,000 relate to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recognized a $1,005,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits and an accompanying $499,000 decrease of related interest and penalties due to the effect of statute of limitations lapse on permanent differences. We have also recognized an increase in unrecognized tax benefits of $1,483,000 and an accompanying $358,000 increase of related interest and penalties attributable to permanent differences during the same period. The $1,005,000 decrease in unrecognized tax benefits and an accompanying $499,000 decrease of related interest and penalties attributable to permanent differences have favorably impacted our effective tax rate.

At December 31, 2007, we had $18,222,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $13,627,000 of deferred tax assets, $-0- of deferred tax liabilities, and $4,595,000 of permanent differences. Accrued interest and penalties of $5,568,000 relate to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007.

Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense. Interest and penalties expense was $979,000; ($1,189,000); and $42,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2006 (with few state exceptions). Currently, there are no U.S. federal or state returns under examination.

Note 15 - Stock Option Plan

Our shareholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “Plan”) which provides for the grant of stock options to key employees, directors and non-employee consultants. Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“the Committee”) has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option (“ISO”), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted and the term of an ISO may not be any more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

Under the Plan, options issued to non-employee directors are granted automatically on the date of our annual shareholder meeting, vest immediately upon grant and have a maximum five year term. Options granted to employees in 2000 vested over a six year period and had a maximum six year term. Options granted to employees in 2004 vested over a five year period and had a maximum five year term. Options granted to employees in 2007 vested over a 2.1 year period and had a maximum 2.1 year term. No options were granted to employees during 2009 and 2008.

The Company is required to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated using the Black–Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table. Generally, awards are subject to cliff vesting. Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term based upon expected employment and termination behavior. Compensation cost is recognized as “Salaries, wages and benefits” in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the requisite service period in a manner consistent with the option vesting provisions. The straight–line attribution method requires that compensation expense is recognized at least equal to the portion of the grant–date fair value that is vested at that date. The expected volatility is derived using weekly historical data for periods immediately preceding the date of grant. The risk–free interest rate is the approximate yield on the United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected option life on the date of grant. The expected life is an estimate of the number of years an option will be held before it is exercised. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the options granted in the periods shown.


	Year Ended December 31
	2009	2008	2007
Risk-free interest rate	0.96%	2.60%	4.64%
Expected volatility	29.1%	25.5%	27.9%
Expected life, in years	2.0 years	2.0 years	2.1 years
Expected dividend yield	2.99%	2.36%	1.92%
Expected forfeiture rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

The following table summarizes option activity:


	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Options outstanding at December 31, 2006	1,289,179	$	23.13		−
Options granted	161,748		53.67		−
Options exercised	(229,480)		24.95		−
Options forfeited	(1,797)		55.45		−
Options cancelled	(53,000)		20.90		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2007	1,166,650		27.06		−
Options granted	112,586		51.86		−
Options exercised	(273,589)		24.34		−
Options forfeited	(3,451)		50.94		−
Options cancelled	(10,000)		20.90		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008	992,196		30.55		−
Options granted	113,914		37.37		−
Options exercised	(685,805)		22.44		−
Options cancelled	(35,000)		55.00		−
Options outstanding at December 31, 2009	385,305	$	44.78	$	(3,341,000)

Options exercisable	385,305	$	44.78	$	(3,341,000)


Options Outstanding December 31, 2009	Exercise Prices	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years

134,685	$32.01 to $37.70	$35.67	2.9
250,620	$44.25 to $52.50	$49.67	2.4
385,305

At December 31, 2009, 385,305 options outstanding are exercisable. Exercise prices on the options range from $32.01 to $52.50. The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2009 is 2.6 years. The total intrinsic value of shares exercised during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $11,516,000.

Additionally, we have an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase our shares of stock through payroll deductions. The plan allows employees to terminate participation at any time.

Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy share option exercises. In May 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 National HealthCare Corporation Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. We have reserved 787,738 shares of common stock for issuance under these plans.

NHC recognized $1,134,000, $2,150,000, and $2,318,000 of compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such expense is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of income. Current accounting guidance requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of amounts recognized as compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than an operating cash flow, as required under prior accounting guidance. Tax deductions in excess of amounts recognized as compensation costs totaled $9,057,000, $3,871,000, and $2,942,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No share based compensation cost was capitalized for the years presented.

Note 16 - Contingencies and Guarantees

Accrued Risk Reserves

We are self insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned or leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services. The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $107,456,000 and $106,000,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This liability is classified as current based on the uncertainty regarding the timing of potential payments. The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred. It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of wholly-owned limited purpose insurance companies, we have retained significant insurance risk with respect to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability. We use independent actuaries to estimate our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to deductibles and exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations. Such estimates are based on many variables including historical and statistical information and other factors.

Workers’ Compensation

For workers’ compensation, we utilize a wholly-owned Tennessee domiciled property/casualty insurance company to write coverage for NHC affiliates and for third-party customers. Policies are written for a duration of twelve months and cover only risks related to workers’ compensation losses. All customers are companies which operate in the long-term care industry. Business is written on a direct basis. For direct business, coverage is written for statutory limits and the insurance company’s losses in excess of $1,000,000 per claim are covered by reinsurance.

For these workers’ compensation insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the financial statements as “Other Revenues” for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are $2,687,000, $6,339,000, and $7,250,000. Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as “Other operating costs and expenses”.

General and Professional Liability Lawsuits and Insurance

Across the nation, the entire long term care industry has experienced significant amounts of personal injury/wrongful death claims and awards based on alleged negligence by nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents. As of December 31, 2009, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 38 such claims covering the years 1999 through December 31, 2009.

Due to either the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of quoted professional liability insurance coverage in 2002, we elected to pay the premiums into a wholly-owned licensed captive insurance company, incorporated in the Cayman Islands, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks. Thus, for the years 2002-2009, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all providers owned or leased, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly-owned insurance company. Current policies are written for a duration of twelve months.

Our insurance coverage for all years includes both primary and excess policies. In 2002, deductibles were eliminated and first dollar coverage was provided through the wholly-owned insurance company, while the excess coverage was provided by a third party insurer.

For 2003-2009, both primary professional liability insurance coverage and excess coverage is provided through our wholly-owned liability insurance company in the amount of $1 million per incident, $3 million per location with an aggregate primary policy limit. The limit was $17.0 million, $16.0 million, and $14.0 million for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. There is a $7.5 million annual excess aggregate applicable to years 2003-2007 while years 2008 and 2009 have a $9.0 million annual excess aggregate.

For these professional liability insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the financials as “Other revenues” for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are $4,646,000, $4,011,000, and $3,467,000. Associated losses and expenses including those for self-insurance are included in the consolidated financial statements as “Other operating costs and expenses”.

Debt Guarantees—

At December 31, 2009, no agreement to guarantee the debt of other parties exists.

Other Matters –

Note 17 – Equity Method Investment in Caris HealthCare, L.P.

We have a 50% ownership and voting interest in Caris HealthCare L.P., a business that specializes in hospice care services in NHC owned health care centers and in other settings. In 2003 we entered into a partnership agreement with Caris in order to develop hospice programs in selected market locations. Summarized financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is provided below.


		2009		2008		2007
( in thousands)
Current assets	$	27,289	$	19,890	$	17,211
Noncurrent assets		816		1,007		977
Liabilities		7,563		4,104		3,581
Partners’ Capital		20,542		16,793		14,607
Revenue		44,086		37,579		31,959
Expenses		26,929		23,379		20,366
Net Income		17,157		14,200		11,593

Note 18 - Gain on Sale of Assets and Recognition of Deferred Gain - National

Effective July 9, 2007, we sold undeveloped land located in Charleston, South Carolina for approximately $12,200,000 and recognized a gain of approximately $10,785,000 related to the sale. Proceeds from the sale were held by a facilitator pending completion of an IRC§1031 exchange in January 2008.

In December 2007, we sold an undeveloped parcel of land located in McMinnville, Tennessee for $323,000 in cash. We had nominal basis allocated to the land. Therefore, the sale resulted in a gain of $323,000.

Amortization of Deferred Income—

We recognized as income in 2007 $10,000,000 of gain on the sale of assets to National that had been deferred since 1988. See Note 4 – Relationship with National Health Corporation for more information.

The gain on the sale of land and the recognition of the deferred gain on sale of assets to National are included in “Total Costs and Expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 19- Purchases of Healthcare Centers and Hospice Business

On January 1, 2009, we purchased for $3,100,000 in cash certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of five hospice locations in the state of South Carolina. As a result of the acquisition, we recorded $2,900,000 as goodwill, all of which is expected to be fully deductible for income tax purposes. The results of the five hospice locations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2009, the acquisition date. The unaudited pro forma results are not disclosed due to the results being immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

On August 1, 2008, we purchased a 132-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility and a 60-bed assisted living facility for approximately $13,250,000 located in Charleston, South Carolina.

On January 2, 2008, we purchased a 109-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility from the St. Mary’s Health System for $6,347,000 in cash. Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The operating results for the acquisitions described above are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income from their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma disclosures related to the acquisitions are not material.

In January, 2008, we purchased for $5,073,000 in cash two tracts of land located in the state of South Carolina and one tract of land located in Tennessee. The tracts were undeveloped and are held for future development.

On November 1, 2007, we purchased a lease with an option to purchase a 544-bed long-term care center and 66 unit assisted living facility located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The facilities were immediately subleased to an unrelated third party and the rent income has been included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income since the date of purchase. The sublease agreement is for a two year term and the approximate future minimum rent commitment to be received by us on this non-cancelable operating lease is $2,316,000 in 2010 and 2011.

The aggregate capitalized cost related to the Chattanooga facilities was $14,760,000, including $14,710,000 principal balance of the outstanding 1^st Mortgage Bonds of the center purchased (which Bonds were owned by us). $50,000 remains outstanding on the bonds. The value of the 1^st Mortgage Bonds paid was determined based on an appraisal of the property purchased which appraisal value exceeded the purchase price paid. The carrying value of the 1^st Mortgage Bonds had been previously written down by us. As a result of acquiring the property, we recorded a recovery of notes receivable of $7,376,000 in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Note 20 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

On October 31, 2007, NHC issued $170,555,000 of NHC Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) with a liquidation preference of $15.75. Each share of the Preferred Stock is entitled to annual preferred dividends of $0.80 per share. Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative.

The Preferred Stock, which is listed on the NYSE Amex exchange with the symbol “NHC.PRA” is convertible at any time at the option of the shareholder into NHC common stock at a conversion price of $65.07. Each share of the Preferred Stock will be convertible into 0.24204 of a share of NHC common stock. After the fifth anniversary of the closing date, NHC will have the option to redeem the Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for $15.75 cash per share (plus accrued but unpaid dividends); provided that the Preferred Stock will not be redeemable prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing date unless the average closing price for NHC common stock for 20 trading sessions equals or exceeds the conversion price. The conversion price will be adjusted to reflect any future NHC common stock splits or stock dividends.

Note 21 – Series B. Junior Participating Preferred Stock

On August 2, 2007, the NHC board of directors approved the adoption of a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend distribution of one right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of NHC common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 2, 2007. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from NHC a unit consisting of one one-ten thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value at a purchase price of $250 per Unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a rights agreement between NHC and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent, dated as of August 2, 2007, as may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. No shares have been issued pursuant to this stockholder rights plan.

Note 22 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the two most recent fiscal years.


2009		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter

Net Operating Revenues	$	164,689	$	167,647	$	167,386	$	168,499
Income Before Non-Operating Income		11,577		13,812		13,827		11,656
Non-Operating Income		3,980		4,389		4,244		4,171
Net Income		9,184		11,367		12,344		7,154
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,169		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		7,016		9,199		10,175		4,986
Basic Earnings Per Share		.53		.67		.74		.37
Diluted Earnings Per Share		.53		.67		.74		.37

2008		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter

Net Operating Revenues	$	156,208	$	156,198	$	159,048	$	161,754
Income Before Non-Operating Income		9,219		11,177		11,931		5,225
Non-Operating Income		3,933		4,364		4,223		3,215
Net Income		8,172		9,486		13,773		4,940
Preferred Dividends		2,168		2,168		2,169		2,168
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		6,004		7,318		11,604		2,772
Basic Earnings Per Share		.47		.57		.91		.21
Diluted Earnings Per Share		.46		.56		.88		.21

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2009, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and instructions for Form 10-K.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young, LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting included herein.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

We have audited National HealthCare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). National HealthCare Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, National HealthCare Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and our report dated March 2, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 2, 2010

Changes in Internal Control - There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Our management, including our President and Principal Accounting Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with NHC have been detected.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information in our definitive 2010 proxy statement set forth under the captions Directors of the Company and Executive Officers of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information in our definitive 2010 proxy statement set forth under the caption Compensation Discussion & Analysis is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information in our definitive 2010 proxy statement set forth under the captions Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.

The information in our definitive 2010 proxy statement set forth under the caption Certain Relationships and Related Transactions is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information in our definitive 2010 proxy statement set forth under the caption Report of the Audit Committee is hereby incorporated by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule.

The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(a)

(1)

Financial Statements:

The Financial Statements are included in Item 8 and are filed as part of this report.

(2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

We have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of National HealthCare Corporation as of December 31, 2009 and for the year then ended, and have issued our report thereon dated March 2, 2010 (included elsewhere in this Form 10-K). Our audit also included the financial statement schedule as of December 31, 2009 and for the year then ended, included in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audit.

In our opinion, the 2009 schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 2, 2010

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

Board of Directors and Stockholders

National HealthCare Corporation

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The audits referred to in our report dated March 5, 2009 relating to the consolidated financial statements of National HealthCare Corporation, which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audit of the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based upon our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 5, 2009

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

(in thousands)


Column A			Column B		Column C				Column D		Column E
					Additions
Description			Balance- Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to other Accounts		Deductions		Balance- End of Period
For the year ended December 31, 2007
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,873	$	2,764	$	−	$	3,256⁽¹⁾	$	4,381
	Accrued risk reserve	$	76,471	$	40,994	$	−	$	29,083	$	88,382

For the year ended December 31, 2008
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4,381	$	2,464	$	−	$	1,828⁽¹⁾	$	5,017
	Accrued risk reserve	$	88,382	$	53,007	$	−	$	35,389	$	106,000

For the year ended December 31, 2009
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	5,017	$	1,121	$	–	$	2,636⁽¹⁾	$	3,502
	Accrued risk reserve	$	106,000	$	47,450	$	–	$	45,994	$	107,456

⁽¹⁾Amounts written off, net of recoveries

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

(3)

Exhibits:

(a)

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index, which is found within this Form 10-K Annual Report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION


Date: March 2, 2010	BY: /s/ Robert G. Adams
	Robert G. Adams
	Chairman
	Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Robert G. Adams
	Robert G. Adams
	Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Donald K. Daniel
	Donald K. Daniel
	Senior Vice President and Controller
	Principal Accounting Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ J. Paul Abernathy
	J. Paul Abernathy
	Director

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ W. Andrew Adams
	W. Andrew Adams
	Director

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Ernest G. Burgess
	Ernest G. Burgess
	Director

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Emil E. Hassan
	Emil E. Hassan
	Director

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
	Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
	Director

Date: March 2, 2010	/s/ Lawrence C. Tucker
	Lawrence C. Tucker
	Director


NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description	Page No. or Location

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 20, 2006, by and among Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, NHC/OP, L.P., NHC and NHR	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the current report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on December 20, 2006

2.2	Amendment and Waiver No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 6, 2007, by and among Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, NHC/OP, L.P., NHC and NHR	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on April 11, 2007

2.3	Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 3, 2007, by and among Davis Acquisition Sub LLC, NHC/OP, L.P., NHC and NHR	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on August 6, 2007

3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of National HealthCare Corporation	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-37185) dated October 3, 1997)

3.2	Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of National HealthCare Corporation	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A, dated October 31, 2007)

3.3	Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of National HealthCare Corporation	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2006

3.4	Certificate of Designation Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A, dated August 3, 2007


Exhibit No.	Description	Page No. or Location
3.5	By-laws	Specifically incorporated by reference to Exhibit A attached to Form S-4, (Proxy Statement-Prospectus), amended, Registration No. 333-37185, (December 5, 1997)

4.1	Form of Common Stock	Specifically incorporated by reference to Exhibit A attached to Form S-4, (Proxy Statement- Prospectus), amended, Registration No. 333- 37185, (December 5, 1997)

4.2	Form of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A, dated October 31, 2007)

4.3	Rights Agreement, dated as of August 2, 2007, between National HealthCare Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A, dated August 3, 2007

10	Material Contracts	Incorporated by reference from Exhibits 10.1 thru 10.9 attached to Form S-4, (Proxy Statement-Prospectus), as amended, Registration No. 333-37185 (December 5, 1997)

10.11	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Specifically incorporated by reference to Exhibit A attached to Form S-4), Proxy Statement-Prospectus), amended, Registration No. 333- 37185, (December 5, 1997)


Exhibit No.		Description		Page No. or Location
10.12		1997 Stock Option Plan		Incorporated by reference from 1997 Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed on December 5, 1997

10.13		2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan		Incorporated by reference from 2005 Proxy Statement filed on March 28, 2005

10.14		2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan		Incorporated by reference from 2005 Proxy Statement filed on March 28, 2005

10.15		Amendment No. 1 to Master Operating Lease between NHR/OP, L.P. and National HealthCare Corporation		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.16		Amendment No. 2 to Master Operating Lease between NHR/OP, L.P. and National HealthCare Corporation		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.17		Amendment No. 3 to Master Operating Lease between NHR/OP, L.P. and National HealthCare Corporation		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.18		Amendment No. 4 to Master Operating Lease between NHR/OP, L.P. and National HealthCare Corporation		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.19		Amendment No. 1 to Master Agreement to Lease between National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCorp L.P.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.20		Amendment No. 2 to Master Agreement to Lease between National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCare L.P.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

	10.21		Amendment No. 3 to Master Agreement to Lease between National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCare L.P.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

	10.22		Amendment No. 4 to Master Agreement to Lease between National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCare L.P.		Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006


Exhibit No.	Description	Page No. or Location
10.23	Amendment No. 5 to Master Agreement to Lease between National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCare Corporation	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 from 2005 Form 10-K filed March 16, 2006

10.24	Letter Agreement dated December 15, 2006, between NHC and AdamsMark, L.P.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2007

10.25	2002 Stock Option Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Schedule 14A filed on March 1, 2002

10.24	Credit Agreement, dated October 30, 2007, between National HealthCare Corporation and Bank of America, N.A	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of National HealthCare Corporation’s current report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2007

10.25	First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 28, 2008 between National HealthCare Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of National HealthCare Corporation’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2008

10.26	Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated October 27, 2009 between National HealthCare Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of National HealthCare Corporation’s current report on Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2009.

14	Code of Ethics	Available at NHC’s website www.nhccare.com or in print upon request to: National HealthCare Corp. Attn: Investor Relations P. O. Box 1398 Murfreesboro, TN 37133-1398 Telephone (615) 890-2020

21	Subsidiaries of Registrant	Filed Herewith

23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Ernst & Young LLP	Filed Herewith


Exhibit No.	Description	Page No. or Location

23.2	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – BDO Seidman LLP	Filed Herewith

31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer	Filed Herewith

31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Accounting Officer	Filed Herewith

32	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer	Filed Herewith