8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 19, 2008 (March 19, 2008)

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Delaware	001-13489	52-2057472
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

100 Vine Street
Murfreesboro, Tennessee	37130
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 890-2020

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[   ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[   ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01.

Other Events.

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”) issued a press release on March 19, 2008 announcing its quarterly common dividend.  The entire press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit
99.1	Copy of press release issued on March 19, 2008 by National HealthCare Corporation

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:

March 19, 2008

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Robert G. Adams

Name: Robert G. Adams

Title:   President

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit
99.1	Copy of press release issued on March 19, 2008 by National HealthCare Corporation

EX-99

EXHIBIT 99.1

For release: March 19, 2008

Contact: Gerald Coggin, Senior VP of Corporate Relations

Phone: (615) 890-2020

NHC to Pay 21 Cents Per Share Dividend

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- National HealthCare Corporation (AMEX: NHC; AMEX:  NHC.PR.A), one of the nation’s oldest long-term health care companies, announced today that it will pay a quarterly dividend of 21 cents per common share to shareholders of record on March 31 and payable on June 2, 2008.

NHC operates for itself and third parties 75 long-term health care centers with 9,582 beds. NHC also operates 32 homecare programs, seven independent living centers and assisted living centers at 23 locations. NHC’s other services include managed care specialty medical units, Alzheimer’s units, hospice and a rehabilitation services company. Other information about the company can be found on our web site at www.NHCcare.com.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements.  NHC cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance.  All forward-looking statements represent NHC’s best judgment as of the date of this release.

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