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): May 7, 2010 (May 6, 2010)

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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 May 6, 2010 announcing its preferred and common dividends.  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 May 6, 2010 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:

May 7, 2010

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Donald K. Daniel

Name: Donald K. Daniel

Title:   Senior VP/Controller

            Principal Accounting Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit
99.1	Copy of press release issued on May 6, 2010 by National HealthCare Corporation

EX-99

Exhibit 99.1

For release:  May 6, 2010

Contact:  Gerald Coggin, Senior VP of Corporate Relations

Phone:  (615) 890-2020

NHC Announces a 7.69% Increase in Common Dividend and Announces Preferred Dividend

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE Amex:  NHC, NHC.PR.A), one of the nation’s oldest long-term health care companies, announced today the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.28 per common share to shareholders of record on June 30, 2010 and payable on September 1, 2010.  This represents a 7.69% increase over last quarter’s common dividend.  The Company will also pay a quarterly dividend of $.20 per preferred share to shareholders of record on June 15, 2010 and payable on July 15, 2010.  

Forward-Looking Statements

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. The risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by NHC with the S.E.C., including Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K, and include, among others, the following:  liabilities and other claims asserted against us and patient care liabilities, as well as the resolution of current litigation; availability of insurance and assets for indemnification; national and local economic conditions; including their effect on the availability and cost of labor, utilities and materials; the effect of government regulations and changes in regulations governing the healthcare industry, including our compliance with such regulations; changes in Medicare and Medicaid payment leve ls and methodologies and the application of such methodologies by the government and its fiscal intermediaries, the ability of third parties for whom we have guaranteed debt to refinance certain short term debt obligations; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in the S.E.C. filings.  The risks included here are not exhaustive.  All forward-looking statements represent NHC’s best judgment as of the date of this release.

About NHC

NHC affiliates operate for themselves and third parties 77 long-term health care centers with 9,892 beds.  NHC affiliates also operate 33 homecare programs, seven independent living centers and 16 assisted living communities.  NHC’s other services include Alzheimer’s units, long-term care pharmacies, hospice, a rehabilitation services company, and providing management and accounting services to third parties. Other information about the company can be found on our web site at www.NHCcare.com.