10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
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 number    001–13489
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware		52–2057472
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization		Identification No.)
100 E. Vine Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(615) 890–2020
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) 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  [x] 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 [x]      No  [  ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non–accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated file," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large Accelerated filer  [  ]	Accelerated filer   [x]
Non–accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  [  ]	Smaller reporting company  [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as is defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange
Act).  Yes  [  ]   No [x]
14,065,202 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding as of May 2, 2012.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
		Page
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	24
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	32
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
Item 1A	Risk Factors	34
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	34
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	34
Item 5.	Other Information	34
Item 6.	Exhibits	34

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

				Three Months Ended March 31
				2013		2012
						(as adjusted)
Revenues:
	Net patient revenues		$	178,430	$	176,113
	Other revenues			15,948		13,937
		Net operating revenues		194,378		190,050
Cost and Expenses:
	Salaries, wages and benefits			107,063		106,471
	Other operating			54,411		51,528
	Facility rent			9,868		9,847
	Depreciation and amortization			6,956		7,380
	Interest			84		118
		Total costs and expenses		178,382		175,344
Income Before Non–Operating Income				15,996		14,706
Non–Operating Income				6,618		5,868
Income Before Income Taxes				22,614		20,574
Income Tax Provision				(8,809)		(7,920)
Net Income				13,805		12,654
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders				(2,168)		(2,168)
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders			$	11,637	$	10,486
Earnings Per Common Share:
	Basic		$	0.84	$	0.76
	Diluted		$	0.82	$	0.75
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
	Basic			13,861,584		13,840,079
	Diluted			14,111,752		13,908,274

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

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited – in thousands)

			Three Months Ended March 31
			2013		2012
					(as adjusted)
Net Income		$	13,805	$	12,654
Other Comprehensive Income:
	Unrealized gains on investments in marketable securities		15,764		8,656
	Less:  Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sale of securities		(230)		(687)
	Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income		(6,090)		(3,110)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			9,444		4,859
Comprehensive Income		$	23,249	$	17,513

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

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 (in thousands)

				March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
				(unaudited)		(as adjusted)
Assets
	Current Assets:
		Cash and cash equivalents		$	73,839	$	66,701
		Restricted cash and cash equivalents			17,376		11,563
		Marketable securities			123,577		107,250
		Restricted marketable securities			134,782		135,207
		Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,407 and $3,166, respectively			75,687		74,693
		Inventories			6,558		6,660
		Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,917		1,132
		Notes receivable			5,950		5,840
		Federal income tax receivable			–		5,933
			Total current assets		440,686		414,979
	Property and Equipment:
		Property and equipment, at cost			681,818		675,455
		Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(261,501)		(254,548)
			Net property and equipment		420,317		420,907
	Other Assets:
		Deposits			108		143
		Goodwill			17,600		17,600
		Notes receivable			15,445		15,949
		Deferred income taxes			13,844		12,817
		Investments in limited liability companies			41,823		40,039
			Total other assets		88,820		86,548
			Total assets	$	949,823	$	922,434

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

The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 is taken from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

					March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
					(unaudited)		(as adjusted)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
		Trade accounts payable		$	10,948	$	10,555
		Accrued payroll			35,385		37,243
		Amounts due to third party payors			16,826		17,001
		Accrued risk reserves			114,367		110,331
		Deferred income taxes			30,420		24,474
		Other current liabilities			23,182		20,411
		Dividends payable			6,461		6,480
			Total current liabilities		237,589		226,495
	Long–term debt				10,000		10,000
	Refundable entrance fees				10,837		10,680
	Deferred revenue				6,334		3,430
	Obligation to provide future services				1,791		1,791
	Other noncurrent liabilities				14,462		13,890
	Stockholders’ Equity:
		Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,838,305 and 10,838,412 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation of  $15.75 per share			170,512		170,514
		Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,058,152 and 14,158,127 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding			140		141
		Capital in excess of par value			150,493		154,692
		Retained earnings			287,413		279,993
		Accumulated other comprehensive income			60,252		50,808
			Total stockholders’ equity		668,810		656,148
			Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	949,823	$	922,434

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

The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 is taken from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited – in thousands)

						Three Months Ended March 31
						2013			2012
								(as adjusted)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
	Net income				$	13,805	$		12,654
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization				6,956			7,380
		Provision for doubtful accounts receivable				806			501
		Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments				(3,806)			(2,804)
		Distributions from unconsolidated investments				2,022			16
		Gains on sale of marketable securities				(230)			(687)
		Deferred income taxes				(1,171)			(618)
		Stock–based compensation				498			543
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
			Restricted cash and cash equivalents			(5,125)			(2,836)
			Accounts receivable			(1,800)			(3,037)
			Income tax receivable			5,933			3,779
			Inventories			102			481
			Prepaid expenses and other assets			(1,785)			(1,724)
			Trade accounts payable			393			384
			Accrued payroll			(1,858)			(16,243)
			Amounts due to third party payors			(175)			471
			Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves			6,807			2,370
			Other noncurrent liabilities			572			(140)
			Deferred revenue			2,904			3,056
				Net cash provided by operating activities		24,848			3,546
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
		Additions to property and equipment				(6,366)			(2,972)
		Collections of notes receivable, net				394			170
		Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents				(688)			237
		Purchase of marketable securities				(22,193)			(24,343)
		Sale of marketable securities				22,055			23,394
				Net cash used in investing activities		(6,798)			(3,514)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
		Tax benefit from stock–based compensation				-			3
		Dividends paid to preferred stockholders				(2,168)			(2,168)
		Dividends paid to common stockholders				(4,236)			(4,146)
		Issuance of common shares				–			5,578
		Repurchase of common shares				(4,700)			–
		Entrance fee deposits (refunds)				157			(511)
		Change in deposits				35			(82)
				Net cash used in financing activities		(10,912)			(1,326)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents						7,138			(1,294)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period						66,701			61,008
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period					$	73,839	$		59,714

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

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

		Preferred Stock			Common Stock				Capital in Excess of Par Value		(as adjusted)Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		(as adjusted)Total Stockholders’ Equity
		Shares		Amount	Shares		Amount
Balance at January 1, 2012		10,838,490	$	170,515	13,862,738	$	138	$	139,183	$	260,331	$	36,702	$	606,869
	Net income	–		–	–		–		–		12,654		–		12,654
	Other comprehensive income	–		–	–		–		–		–		4,859		4,859
	Stock–based compensation	–		–	–		–		543		–		–		543
	Tax expense from exercise of stock options	–		–	–		–		3		–		–		3
	Shares sold – options exercised	–		–	120,050		1		5,577		–		–		5,578
	Dividends declared to preferred stockholders ($0.20 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(2,168)		–		(2,168)
	Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.30 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(4,195)		–		(4,195)
Balance at March 31, 2012		10,838,490	$	170,515	13,982,788	$	139	$	145,306	$	266,622	$	41,561	$	624,143
Balance at January 1, 2013		10,838,412	$	170,514	14,158,127	$	141	$	154,692	$	279,993	$	50,808	$	656,148
	Net income	–		–	–		–		–		13,805		–		13,805
	Other comprehensive income	–		–	–		–		–		–		9,444		9,444
	Stock–based compensation	–		–	–		–		498		–		–		498
	Repurchase of common stock	–		–	(100,000)		(1)		(4,699)		–		–		(4,700)
	Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(107)		(2)	25		–		2		–		–		–
	Dividends declared to preferred stockholders ($0.20 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(2,168)		–		(2,168)
	Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.30 per share)	–		–	–		–		–		(4,217)		–		(4,217)
Balance at March 31, 2013		10,838,305	$	170,512	14,058,152	$	140	$	150,493	$	287,413	$	60,252	$	668,810

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

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2013

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Description of Business

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of long–term health care services.  We operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 73 long–term health care centers with 9,221 beds in 10 states and provide other services in one additional state.  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, homecare programs, assisted living centers and independent living centers.  In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and lease properties to operators of long–term health care centers.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The listing below is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our significant 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 December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.  Our audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements are available at our web site: www.nhccare.com.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements to which these notes are attached include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHC.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  We assume that users of these interim financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in our most recent annual report to stockholders have been omitted.  This interim financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.

Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01 , Continuing Care Retirement Communities — Refundable Advance Fees. This standard is intended to clarify the accounting for advance fees (“entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community (“CCRC”). The updated guidance states that entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is both contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit and

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limited to the proceeds received by the resale.  If the refund is simply contingent upon re-occupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for as a liability (“refundable entrance fees”). Previously, we accounted for both the 10% non-refundable and 90% refundable portions of the entrance fees as deferred revenue, amortizing the deferred revenue over the life expectancy of the resident and the estimated useful life of the building, respectively, in accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities-Deferred Revenue.  The Company believes recording the refundable entrance fees as a liability and not amortizing the balance over the estimated useful life of the building more clearly aligns how we have historically operated the CCRC.  Also, with the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation for the CCRC was modified.  Because the future service obligation calculation includes an offset for unamortized deferred revenue, the reclassification of refundable entrance fee amounts from deferred revenue to a liability has a direct impact on the future revenues input of the calculation.  With the loss of deferred revenue, the present value of the CCRC’s expenses exceeds the present value of the CCRC’s revenues, which creates the recording of a future service obligation.  

As described in the guidance for accounting changes, the comparative interim consolidated financial statements of prior periods are adjusted to apply the new accounting method retrospectively.  The following tables present the effect on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the accounting change that was retrospectively adopted on January 1, 2013:

Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands)
		December 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change		As Adjusted
Deferred tax asset	$	10,564	$	2,253	$	12,817
Total assets		920,181		2,253		922,434
Refundable entrance fees		–		10,680		10,680
Deferred revenue		10,124		(6,694)		3,430
Future service obligation		–		1,791		1,791
Retained earnings		283,517		(3,524)		279,993
Total stockholders' equity		659,672		(3,524)		656,148
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	920,181	$	2,253	$	922,434

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (in thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change		As Adjusted
Other revenues	$	13,973	$	(36)	$	13,937
Net operating revenues		14,742		(36)		14,706
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,610		(36)		20,574
Income Before Income Taxes		20,610		(36)		20,574
Income Tax Provision		(7,934)		14		(7,920)
Net Income		12,676		(22)		12,654
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	10,508	$	(22)	$	10,486
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.76	$	(0.01)	$	0.75

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change		As Adjusted
Net Income	$	12,676	$	(22)	$	12,654
Comprehensive Income	$	17,535	$	(22)	$	17,513

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change		As Adjusted
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	12,676	$	(22)	$	12,654
Deferred income taxes		(605)		(13)		(618)
Deferred revenue		3,088		(32)		3,056
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,613		(67)		3,546
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Entrance fee refunds		(578)		67		(511)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(1,393)	$	67	$	(1,326)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (in thousands)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change		As Adjusted
Retained Earnings
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	265,198	$	(4,867)	$	260,331

Revenue Recognition – Third Party Payors

Approximately 67% of our net patient 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 or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We have made provisions of approximately $16,826,000 and $17,001,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.  

Revenue Recognition – Private Pay

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, we bill room and board in advance with payment being due 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.  

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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 operating 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 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 or proceeds from the sale 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.  We believe 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.  

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 our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an external, independent actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted 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 an increase in personal injury/wrongful death claims based on alleged negligence by nursing homes and their employees in providing care to residents.  As of March 31, 2013, we and/or our managed centers are defendants in 39 such claims inclusive of years 2005 through March 31, 2013.  It remains possible that those pending matters plus potential unasserted claims could exceed our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 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 providers owned or leased by us.  The coverages include both primary policies and excess policies.  In all years, settlements, if any, in excess of available insurance policy limits and our own reserves would be expensed by us.

 Continuing Care Contracts and Refundable Entrance Fees

We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations.  Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us.  The contract provides that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment exceeds the original resident’s entry fee. In each case, we amortize the

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non-refundable part of these fees into revenue over the actuarially determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees when residents relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are classified as non-current liabilities and non-refundable entrance fees are classified as deferred revenue in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.  The balances of refundable entrance fees as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $10,837,000 and $10,680,000, respectively.

Obligation to Provide Future Services

The CCRC annually calculates the present value of the net cost of future services and the use of facilities to to be provided to the current residents and compares that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the net cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded (obligation to provide future services) with a corresponding charge to income.  With the recent adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation was modified and we now have a liability recorded in the amount of $1,791,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.   

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National, the non-refundable portion (10%) of CCRC entrance fees being amortized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents, and premiums received within our workers’ compensation and professional liability companies that are not yet earned.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2013–02, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”. The objective of this updated standard is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard states that disclosure of reclassification amounts required by U.S. GAAP to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, should be provided in one location, by component of other comprehensive income. Presentation of such amounts is permitted on either the face of the financial statement where net income is presented or as a separate tabular disclosure in the notes to the financial statements, and should be disclosed by respective line item of net income affected. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012–01, which is included in the Codification under ASC subtopic 954-430, “Health Care Entities—Deferred Revenue”. This revised standard is intended to clarify the accounting for refundable advance fees (“refundable entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community. The guidance states that refundable portion of entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit, limited to the proceeds received by the resale, and the legal environment and management’s policy and practice support the withholding of refunds under said conditions. In the event that the refund is contingent upon reoccupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for and reported as a liability. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in a change of accounting principle which was applied retrospectively, including the cumulative effect of this change recognized through beginning retained earnings.  See the beginning of Note 2 under “Change in Accounting Principle” for further discussion on the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01.

Note 3 – Other Revenues

Other revenues are outlined in the table below.  Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees provided to managed and other long–term health care centers. Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators.    Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation, health insurance, and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly–owned limited purpose insurance subsidiaries have written for certain

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long–term health care centers to which we provide management or accounting services.  "Other" revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.

Other revenues include the following:

		Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)		2013		2012
Management and accounting services fees	$	4,832	$	4,962
Rental income		4,737		4,761
Insurance services		6,127		3,925
Other		252		289
	$	15,948	$	13,937

Management Fees from National

We manage five long–term care centers owned by National Health Corporation ("National"). During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized management fees and interest on management fees of $912,000 and $861,000, respectively, from these 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, the unpaid fees from the five centers owned by National will be recognized as revenues only when the 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 or the 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.  

Management Fees from Other Nursing Centers

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we managed fourteen long-term health care centers (excluding the five National centers) for two non-profit organizations (ElderTrust and SeniorTrust) where a court-appointed receiver was custodian over the assets of the organizations.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $1,360,000 and $1,406,000, respectively, of management fees from these fourteen long-term health care centers.

In conjunction with the litigation settlement between us and the two non-profit organizations as described in Note 16, we will no longer manage seven of the long-term health care centers located in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  We have agreed to lease and operate the seven long-term health care centers from National Health Investors (“NHI”).  NHI is purchasing the seven health care centers from ElderTrust and will then subsequently lease the facilities to us.  We are expected to lease and operate the facilities as soon we receive court approval and state licensure is obtained.  At the time of this settlement agreement, ElderTrust was paying approximately $3,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.  We do not anticipate a material change to our future results of operations and cash flows from the transition of us managing the seven long-term health care centers to us leasing and operating the seven health care facilities.  

We are no longer providing management services to the two Missouri health care centers that were sold in February 2013 and will no longer provide management services to the remaining five Kansas health care centers after May 1, 2013.  At the time of this settlement agreement, the Missouri and Kansas health care centers were paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.   We anticipate the loss of management fee revenue from the Missouri and Kansas health care centers to be adverse to our future results of operations and cash flows.   

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Rental Income and Accounting Services Fees

As part of the negotiated resolution with the receiver regarding our relationship with non-profit organizations, we have agreed to no longer sublease The Health Center at Standifer Place and Standifer Place Assisted Living facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a third party non-profit organization.  At the termination of the sublease, we may then operate, sell, or re-lease the two health care facilities.  At the time of this settlement agreement, the third party non-profit organization was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in lease payments and $1,400,000 annually in accounting services fees.  We anticipate the terminating sublease with the third party non-profit organization to have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and cash flows of approximately $1,500,000 annually.

Note 4 – Non–Operating Income

Non–operating income is outlined in the table below.  Non–operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, and interest income.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non–controlling ownership interest in Caris HealthCare L.P. (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services.

		Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)		2013		2012
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	3,806	$	2,804
Dividends and other net realized gains and losses on sales of securities		1,461		1,927
Interest income		1,351		1,137
	$	6,618	$	5,868

Note 5 – 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, and professional liability insurance and licensing fees.  The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

Note 6 – Earnings per Share

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented.  Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that would have occurred if securities to issue common stock were exercised, converted, or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have then shared in our earnings.  

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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.

		Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)		2013		2012
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Net income	$	13,805	$	12,654
Dividends to preferred stockholders		2,168		2,168
Net income available to common stockholders		11,637		10,486
Earnings per common share, basic	$	0.84	$	0.76
Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Dilutive effect of stock options		9,799		9,874
Dilutive effect of restricted stock		7,369		8,178
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		233,000		50,143
Assumed average common shares outstanding		14,111,752		13,908,274
Net income available to common stockholders	$	11,637	$	10,486
Earnings per common share, diluted	$	0.82	$	0.75

In the above table, options to purchase 1,048,640 and 1,330,114 shares of our common stock have been excluded for 2013 and 2012, respectively, due to their anti–dilutive impact.  

Note 7 – Investments in Marketable Securities

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

Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities consist of the following:

			March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)			Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized   Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
	Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	123,577	$	30,176	$	107,250
Restricted investments available for sale:
	Corporate debt securities		57,701		58,615		61,453		62,876
	Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,168		53,808		47,194		48,063
	U.S. Treasury securities		14,369		14,704		16,218		16,604
	State and municipal securities		7,208		7,655		7,213		7,664
		$	162,622	$	258,359	$	162,254	$	242,457

Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following (in thousands, except share amounts):

	March 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value	Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	106,726	1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180

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

		March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)		Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,635	$	8,678	$	8,868	$	8,918
1 to 5 years		76,815		78,669		80,910		82,801
6 to 10 years		46,997		47,435		40,670		41,856
Over 10 years		–		–		1,630		1,632
	$	132,447	$	134,782	$	132,078	$	135,207

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $96,088,000 and $80,296,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities are $351,000 and $93,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  

Proceeds from the sale of investments in restricted marketable securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $22,055,000 and $23,394,000, respectively.  Investment gains of $230,000 and $687,000 were realized on these sales during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available.  The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2 – The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model–based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.  

Level 3 – The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument.  Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  

Valuation of Marketable Securities

The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 1 inputs through quoted market prices.  The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 2 inputs through broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.  Our Level 2 marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each month, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data.  The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value.  These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events.  

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We validated the prices provided by our broker by reviewing their pricing methods, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain instances and confirming that the relevant markets are active.  After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by our broker as of March 31, 2013.  We did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  

Other

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short–term nature.  The estimated fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value based principally on their underlying interest rates and terms, maturities, collateral and credit status of the receivables.  Our long–term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates, but fair value is also determined using Level 2 inputs through alternative pricing sources.  At March 31, 2013, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.  

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

		Fair Value Measurements Using
March 31, 2013		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,839	$	73,839	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		17,376		17,376		–		–
Marketable equity securities		123,577		123,577		–		–
Corporate debt securities		58,615		–		58,615		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,808		–		53,808		–
U.S. Treasury securities		14,704		14,704		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,655		–		7,655		–
Total financial assets	$	349,574	$	229,496	$	120,078	$	–

		Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

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Note 9 – Long–Term Debt

Long–term debt consists of the following:

	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities		3/31/13		12/31/12
				(dollars in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$		–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000			10,000
				10,000			10,000
Less current portion				–			–
			$	10,000	$		10,000

Note 10 – $75,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility  

 Effective October 24, 2012, 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 0.70% or (ii) the prime rate.  Letter of credit fees are equal to 0.70% 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 fifteen (15) basis points per annum.  NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.  

The Credit Facility matures on October 23, 2013.  We currently anticipate renewing the credit agreement at that time and while we have had no indication from the lender there is any question about renewal, there has been no commitment at this time.  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’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.

Note 11 - Stock Repurchase Program

On August 1, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its outstanding shares of common stock.   During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares for a total cost of $4.7 million.  

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These were the first shares repurchased pursuant to the program’s authorization.  The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued.  This program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.   

Note 12 – Stock–Based Compensation

NHC recognizes stock–based compensation expense for all stock options and restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the fair value for these grants as estimated at the date of grant either using the Black–Scholes pricing model for stock options or the quoted market price for restricted stock.

The 2005 and 2010 Stock–Based Compensation Plans

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 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 the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“the 2005 Plan”) pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock–based payments to key employees, directors, and non–employee consultants.  At March 31, 2013, 145,620 shares were available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.

In May 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“the 2010 Plan”) pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock–based payments to key employees, directors, and non–employee consultants.  The shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 consisted of 21,640 shares through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  At March 31, 2013, 449,092 shares were available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest.  Stock–based compensation totaled $498,000 and $543,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At March 31, 2013, we had $5,463,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock–based compensation awards, which consisted of $5,029,000 for stock options and $434,000 for restricted stock.  This expense will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period, which is approximately 2.9 years for stock options and 1.1 years for restricted stock.  Stock–based compensation is included in “Salaries, wages and benefits” in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the significant assumptions used to value the options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	2013	2012
Risk–free interest rate	0.15%	0.28%
Expected volatility	22.5%	38.8%
Expected life, in years	1.0 years	2.1 years
Expected dividend yield	2.55%	2.91%

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The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.  

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,482,077	$	46.92	$	–
Options granted	63,516		44.24		–
Options exercised	(295,371)		45.41		–
Options cancelled	(115,620)		50.99		–
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,134,602		46.75		–
Options granted	21,640		49.50		–
Options outstanding at March 31, 2013	1,156,242	$	46.80	$	265,000
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013	197,602	$	47.03	$	265,000

Options Outstanding March 31, 2013	Exercise Prices	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
28,800	37.70	37.70	1.1
1,015,802	45.80 – 46.69	46.58	3.0
111,640	49.50 – 51.50	51.11	0.2
1,156,242		46.80	2.7

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Non–vested restricted shares at January 1, 2012	24,000	$	34.46	$	–
Award shares granted	–		–		–
Award shares vested	6,000		34.46		–
Non–vested restricted shares at December 31, 2012	18,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted	–		–		–
Award shares vested	–		–		–
Non–vested restricted shares at March 31, 2013	18,000	$	34.46	$	203,000

The weighted average remaining contractual life of restricted stock at March 31, 2013 is 1.1 years.

Note 13 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

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 made adequate provision 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.  Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within Other Noncurrent Liabilities.

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At March 31, 2013, we had $12,390,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,686,000 of deferred tax assets and $3,704,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $2,072,000 relate to unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2013.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $3,704,000, net of federal benefit, at March 31, 2013, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,708,000 relate to these permanent differences at March 31, 2013.  We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning March 31, 2013, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,707,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,722,000, and permanent tax differences of $985,000.  Interest and penalties of $610,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning March 31, 2013.  

Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense.  

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 (with certain state exceptions). Currently, there are no U.S. federal or state returns under examination.  

Our deferred tax assets have been evaluated for realization based on historical taxable income, tax planning strategies, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income anticipated.  Our deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in full due to the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character under the tax law.  As such, there is no need for a valuation allowance.

Note 14 – Guarantees and Contingencies

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 $114,367,000 and $110,331,000 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  This liability is classified as a current liability based on the uncertainty regarding the timing of potential payments.  The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and is 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 could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 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.  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 interim condensed consolidated statements of income within "Other Revenues" for the three months ended March 31, 2013

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and 2012, respectively, are $3,609,000 and $1,349,000.  Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Salaries, wages and benefits."

General and Professional Liability Lawsuits and Insurance

The long term care industry has experienced increases in both the number 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 March 31, 2013, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 39 such claims covering the years 2005 through March 31, 2013.

In 2002, due to the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of third–party professional liability insurance coverage, we established and capitalized a wholly–owned licensed liability insurance company incorporated in the Cayman Island, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks.  Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all NHC owned providers, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly–owned insurance company.  

Insurance coverage for all years includes both primary policies and excess policies.  Beginning in 2003, both primary and excess coverage is provided through our wholly–owned insurance company.  The primary coverage is in the amount of $1.0 million per incident, $3.0 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit that is adjusted on an annual basis.  The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2005–2007, $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008–2010 and $4.0 million excess per occurrence for 2011–2013.

Beginning in 2008 and continuing through March 31, 2013, additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly–owned captive insurance company.  

For these professional liability insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Other Revenues" for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are $962,000 and $1,051,000.  Associated losses and expenses including those for self–insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Other operating costs and expenses".

Note 15 – Asset Purchase Commitment

On December 26, 2012, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase six skilled health care centers from NHI.  The six centers, which are located in Columbia (2), Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee; Madisonville, Kentucky and Rossville, Georgia, have been leased by NHC since 1991 and have a total of 650 beds.  The purchase price is $21 million and the transaction is expected to close in June 2013; which has been accelerated from the December 2013 date disclosed in our annual December 31, 2012 Form 10-K.  With the purchase of the six skilled health care centers, NHC’s master lease payment will decrease by $2.95 million in 2014.  

Note 16 – Settlement of SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Litigation

On April 26, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement concerning litigation with two management services clients, ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”), and SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. (“SeniorTrust”), both Tennessee nonprofit corporations.  NHC’s transactions with these entities have been previously disclosed in NHC’s Forms 10-Q and Forms 10-K and were the subject of a Civil Investigative Demand by the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General issued in July, 2009.  As part of the negotiated settlement, NHC will pay SeniorTrust $6,650,000 to resolve the claims.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we recorded additional other operating expenses in the interim condensed consolidated statement of income of $4,150,000 due to the settlement of this litigation.  

In conjunction with the settlement, which is subject to court approval, NHC will lease and operate ElderTrust’s seven skilled nursing facilities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts from National Health Investors,

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Inc. (“NHI”) after NHI purchases the centers from ElderTrust.  The purchase by NHI and subsequent lease to NHC is expected to be completed as soon as court approval and state licensure is obtained.  At the time of this settlement agreement, ElderTrust was paying approximately $3,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.  The triple-net lease with NHI is for an initial term of 15 years at an annual lease amount of $3,450,000 plus a 4% annual escalator based on the increase in facility revenue over a base year.  NHC will have an option to purchase the facilities in the twelfth year of the lease for $49,000,000.  We do not anticipate a material change to our future results of operations and cash flows from the transition of managing the seven health care facilities to leasing and operating the seven health care facilities.  

On April 30, 2013, SeniorTrust sold its five Kansas skilled nursing facilities and terminated their respective NHC management agreements effective May 1, 2013.  At the time of this settlement agreement, SeniorTrust was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in management and accounting fees for these five skilled nursing facilities and the two Missouri skilled nursing facilities previously sold on February 5, 2013.  We anticipate the loss of management fee revenue from the Missouri and Kansas skilled nursing facilities to be adverse to our future results of operations and cash flows.

Later this year and as part of the negotiated settlement, NHC will terminate its sublease of The Health Center at Standifer Place and Standifer Place Assisted Living facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the property’s current tenant, MatureCare of Standifer Place, LLC (“MatureCare”), which was scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2016. At the termination of the MatureCare sublease, NHC may then operate, sell, or re-lease the two health care facilities.  At the time of this settlement agreement, MatureCare was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in lease payments and $1,400,000 annually in accounting services fees.  We anticipate the terminating sublease with MatureCare to have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and cash flows of approximately $1,500,000 annually.

In summary and combining all the transactions in the negotiated settlement, we estimate our future results of operations and cash flows will be adversely affected by approximately $4,000,000 annually, or $2,500,000 annually net of income taxes.  Under the negotiated settlement, we do not admit to any wrongdoing, nor do the opposing parties make any claims as to the validity of their charges.

Item 2.

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

Overview

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of long–term health care services.  We operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 73 long–term health care centers with 9,221 beds in 10 states and provide other services in one additional state.  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, homecare programs, assisted living centers and independent living centers.  In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and lease properties to operators of long–term health care centers.

Summary of Goals and Areas of Focus

Earnings

To monitor our earnings, we have developed budgets and management reports to monitor labor, census, and the composition of revenues.  

Medicare Reimbursement Rate Changes

In July 2012, CMS released its skilled nursing facility PPS update for the fiscal year 2013, which begins October 1, 2012.  The notice provides a 1.8% rate update, which reflects a 2.5% market basket increase that is reduced under the ACA by a 0.7% multifactor productivity adjustment.  CMS estimates the update will increase overall payments to skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2013 by $670 million compared to fiscal year 2012 levels.

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The notice also provides an update to certain fiscal year 2012 policy changes involving recalibration of the parity adjustment, reallocation of group therapy time, and changes to the MDS 3.0 patient assessment instrument.  The effect of the 2013 PPS rate update on our revenues is dependent upon our census and the mix of our patients at the PPS pay rates.

Effective April 1, 2013, the automatic 2% Medicare spending cuts to Medicare providers are scheduled to begin.  We anticipate that, assuming other factors remain constant, the resulting decrease in revenue on our 2013 consolidated statement of income to range from approximately $3,750,000 to $4,875,000 for the remaining nine months of the 2013 calendar year, or $1,250,000 to $1,625,000 per quarter.  We are unable to predict the financial impact of other spending cuts Congress may implement.  However, such impact may be adverse and material to our future results of operations and cash flows.

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 construction and purchase activities.

Type of Operation	Description	Size	Location	Placed in Service
Hospice	Acquisition	Additional 7.5% interest in Caris HealthCare LP	Knoxville, TN	June, 2012
SNF	New Facility	90 Beds	Tullahoma, TN	Under construction
SNF	Addition	50 bed	Lexington, SC	Under construction

In the third quarter of 2013, we expect to begin construction on a 92-bed skilled nursing facility in Sumner County, Tennessee.

In addition, we entered into a joint venture with RSF Partners, Inc., and Flournoy Development, Inc. to build and operate an 85-unit assisted living community ("Camellia Walk") in Augusta, Georgia.  Camellia Walk is currently under construction and plans to open in the first quarter of 2014.  

We also entered into a joint venture with Reliant Healthcare, LLC to develop and operate a 14-bed psychiatric hospital focusing on geriatric care in Osage Beach, Missouri.  This project is projected to open in 2014.  

During 2013 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.  We will also evaluate the feasibility of construction of new assisted living facilities in select markets.

Accrued Risk Reserves

Our accrued professional liability reserves, workers’ compensation reserves and health insurance reserves totaled $114,367,000 at March 31, 2013 and are a primary area of management focus.  We have set aside restricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities to fund all of our professional liability and workers’ compensation liabilities.  

As to exposure for professional liability claims, we have developed 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.  

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Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01 , Continuing Care Retirement Communities — Refundable Advance Fees. This standard is intended to clarify the accounting for advance fees (“entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community (“CCRC”). The updated guidance states that entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is both contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit and limited to the proceeds received by the resale.  If the refund is simply contingent upon re-occupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for as a liability (“refundable entrance fees”). Previously, we accounted for both the 10% non-refundable and 90% refundable portions of the entrance fees as deferred revenue, amortizing the deferred revenue over the life expectancy of the resident and the estimated useful life of the building, respectively, in accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities-Deferred Revenue.  The Company believes recording the refundable entrance fees as a liability and not amortizing the balance over the estimated useful life of the building more clearly aligns how we have historically operated the CCRC.  Also, with the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation for the CCRC was modified.  Because the future service obligation calculation includes an offset for unamortized deferred revenue, the reclassification of refundable entrance fee amounts from deferred revenue to a liability has a direct impact on the future revenues input of the calculation.  With the loss of deferred revenue, the present value of the CCRC’s expenses exceeds the present value of the CCRC’s revenues, which creates the recording of a future service obligation.  As described in the guidance for accounting changes, the comparative interim consolidated financial statements of prior periods are adjusted to apply the new accounting method retrospectively.

There were no other significant changes during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 to the items we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in our December 31, 2012 Annual Report on Form 10–K filed with the SEC.

Government Program Financial Changes

Federal Health Care Reform

In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA" or, commonly, “ACA”) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 ("HCERA"), which represents significant changes to the current U.S. health care system (collectively the "Acts"). The primary goals of the Acts are to: (1) expand coverage to Americans without health insurance, (2) reform the delivery system to improve quality and drive efficiency, (3) and to lower the overall costs of providing health care.  The timeline of the enacted provisions span over several years – some of the provisions were effective immediately in 2010 and others will be phased in through 2020.  

The U.S. Supreme Court has since issued its ruling on the constitutionality of a key provision in the ACA, which is the requirement that every American maintain a minimum level of health coverage or pay a penalty beginning in 2014.  The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the “individual mandate”, holding that the penalty for not doing so could reasonably be interpreted as a tax, which the Constitution permits.  The ruling also permits the federal government to pursue a broad expansion of the Medicaid program, but the ruling gives the states the maximum flexibility on whether to do so.  In preparation for the Medicaid coverage expansion to occur in 2014, the current Administration is expected to release a host of regulations and an array of new taxes and fees. It is uncertain at this time the effect the Acts, their modifications, or Medicaid expansion will have on our future results of operations or cash flows.  

In August 2011 and pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011, Congress created a 12–member bipartisan committee called the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee was charged with issuing a formal recommendation by November 23, 2011 on how to reduce the federal deficit by at least $1.5 trillion over the next ten years.  The Committee concluded their work in November 2011 and was not able to reach a bipartisan agreement before the Committee’s deadline period.  This failure by the Committee has

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triggered automatic reductions (known as “sequestration”) in discretionary and mandatory spending starting April 1, 2013, including reductions of not more than 2% to payments to Medicare providers.  

On January 3, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.  Among the legislation was the delay of sequestration and the automatic Medicare spending cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2013.  This legislation delayed sequestration for three months until April 1, 2013.  We anticipate that, assuming other factors remain constant, the resulting decrease in revenue from the 2% Medicare spending cuts to range from approximately $3,750,000 to $4,875,000 for the remaining nine months of the 2013 calendar year, or $1,250,000 to $1,625,000 per quarter.  We are unable to predict the financial impact of other spending cuts Congress may implement.  However, such impact may be adverse and material to our future results of operations and cash flows.

Medicare – Skilled Nursing Facilities

In July 2012, CMS released its skilled nursing facility PPS update for the fiscal year 2013, which began October 1, 2012.  The notice provides a 1.8% rate update, which reflects a 2.5% market basket increase that is reduced under the ACA by a 0.7% multifactor productivity adjustment.  CMS estimates the update will increase overall payments to skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2013 by $670 million compared to fiscal year 2012 levels. The notice also provides an update to certain fiscal year 2012 policy changes involving recalibration of the parity adjustment, reallocation of group therapy time, and changes to the MDS 3.0 patient assessment instrument.  The effect of the 2013 PPS rate update on our revenues is dependent upon our census and the mix of our patients at the PPS pay rates.  

For the first three months of 2013, our average Medicare per diem rate for skilled nursing facilities decreased 0.1% compared to the same period in 2012.  

With the passing of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the scheduled spending cuts of not more than 2% for Medicare skilled nursing facility payments were delayed until April 1, 2013.  We anticipate that, assuming other factors remain constant, the resulting decrease in revenue to our skilled nursing facilities from the 2% Medicare spending cuts to range from approximately $3,000,000 to $4,125,000 for the remaining nine months of the 2013 calendar year, or $1,000,000 to $1,375,000 per quarter.  

Medicaid – Skilled Nursing Facilities

 Effective July 1, 2012 and for the fiscal year 2013, the state of Tennessee implemented specific individual nursing facility rate increases.  We estimate the resulting increase in revenue beginning July 1, 2012 will be approximately $3,500,000 annually, or $875,000 per quarter.

Effective October 1, 2012 and for the fiscal year 2013, South Carolina implemented specific individual nursing facility rate increases.  We estimate the resulting increase in revenue beginning October 1, 2012 will be approximately $1,660,000 annually, or $415,000 per quarter.

There was no rate increase or decrease implemented as of October 1, 2012 (for the fiscal year 2013) for the Medicaid program in the state of Missouri.  

For the first three months of 2013, our average Medicaid per diem increased 5.0% compared to same period in 2012. 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.  There are several pieces of legislation that include 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.

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Medicare – Homecare Programs

In November 2012, CMS issued a final rule to update and revise reimbursement rates for the calendar year 2013. The final rule includes a 2.3% market basket increase, a 1% reduction mandated by the ACA, and a negative 1.32% case-mix adjustment.  The net effect of these changes is a 0.04% decrease in the base rate.  Additionally, the wage index was updated which impacts providers differently depending on their geographic location. In total, CMS estimates the effect of these changes will result in a 0.01% reduction in reimbursement to home health providers.

With the passing of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the scheduled spending cuts of not more than 2% for Medicare home health payments was delayed until April 1, 2013.  We anticipate that, assuming other factors remain constant, the resulting decrease in revenue to our homecare programs from the 2% Medicare spending cuts to be approximately $750,000 for the remaining nine months of the 2013 calendar year, or $250,000 per quarter.  

Litigation Settlement

See Note 16 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the details of the SeniorTrust and ElderTrust litigation settlement.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Results for the three month period ended March 31, 2013 include a 2.3% increase in net operating revenues and a 9.9% increase in income before income taxes compared to the same period in 2012.

The total census at owned and leased long–term health care centers for the quarter averaged 89.7% compared to an average of 91.1% for the same quarter a year ago.

Medicare per diem rates at our owned and leased long-term health care centers decreased 0.1% compared to the quarter a year ago.  Managed care, Medicaid and private pay per diem rates at our owned and leased long-term health care centers increased 3.5%, 5.0% and 3.7%, respectively, compared to the quarter a year ago.  

Net patient revenues increased $2,317,000 or 1.3% compared to the same period last year.  In addition to our average skilled nursing facility per diem increasing compared to the quarter a year ago, we also had a favorable patient mix change compared to the quarter a year ago that helped increase net patient revenues.  

Other revenues increased $2,011,000 or 14.4% in the three month 2013 period to $15,948,000 from $13,937,000 in the 2012 three–month period.  The increase in other revenues is primarily due to the increased workers compensation insurance revenue recorded as a result of a positive settlement reached with one of the states in which we insure third party operators of healthcare facilities.  The other revenue recorded of $2,267,000 due to the insurance settlement is a one-time, nonrecurring item.  

Other revenues are further detailed in Note 3 of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, there was not a material impact on our management and accounting services fees or rental income from the discontinuation of our relationships with certain non-profit organizations.  As discussed in Note 3 and Note 16 of this Form 10-Q, we do estimate our future results of operations and cash flows to be adversely affected by approximately $4,000,000 annually, or $2,500,000 net of income taxes annually, due to the loss of management and accounting service fees and rental income from the discontinuation of these relationships.

Total costs and expenses for the 2013 first quarter compared to the 2012 first quarter increased $3,038,000 or 1.7% to $178,382,000 from $175,344,000.  Salaries, wages and benefits, the largest operating costs of our company, increased $592,000 to $107,063,000 from $106,471,000.  Other operating expenses increased $2,883,000

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or 5.6% to $54,411,000 for the 2013 period compared to $51,528,000 for the 2012 period.  Facility rent expense increased $21,000 or 0.2% to $9,868,000.  Depreciation and amortization decreased 5.7% to $6,956,000.  

The increase in salaries, wages and benefits is primarily due to the increased costs for therapist services of $671,000.  The increase in other operating expenses is primarily due to the settlement of the SeniorTrust and ElderTrust litigation cases.  We recorded additional other operating expenses in the amount of $4,150,000 due to the settlement of these cases.  We continue to implement cost saving measures in our skilled nursing facilities, which helped offset the litigation expense by $967,000.

Non–operating income increased by $750,000 to $6,618,000 in the three month 2013 period in comparison to $5,868,000 for the three month 2012 period, as further detailed in Note 4 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.  The increase ($1,019,000) is primarily due to our equity method investment in Caris, which includes our increased 7.5% non–controlling ownership interest that was effective June 1, 2012.

The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is $8,809,000 (an effective income tax rate of 39.0%).  The income tax provision and effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were unfavorably impacted by adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits of $153,000 and permanent differences including nondeductible expenses of $30,000 resulting in an increase in the provision.  The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $7,920,000 (an effective income tax rate of 38.5 %, which is consistent with management expectations).  The income tax provision and effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were favorably impacted by adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits of $50,000 and unfavorably impacted by permanent differences including nondeductible expenses of $78,000 resulting in an increase in the provision.  

Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Condition

Our primary sources of cash include revenues from the operations of our healthcare and senior living facilities, insurance services, management services and accounting services.  Our primary uses of cash include salaries, wages and other operating costs of our healthcare and senior living facilities, the cost of additions to and acquisitions of real property, facility rent expenses, and dividend distributions.  These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our interim condensed 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):

		Three Months Ended March 31				Three Month Change
		2013		2012		$	%
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$	66,701	$	61,008	$	5,693	9.3%
Cash provided by operating activities		24,848		3,546		21,302	600.7%
Cash used in investing activities		(6,798)		(3,514)		(3,284)	(93.5)%
Cash used in financing activities		(10,912)		(1,326)		(9,586)	(722.9)%
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	73,839	$	59,714	$	14,125	23.6%

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $24,848,000 as compared to $3,546,000 in the same period last year.  Cash provided by operating activities consisted of net income of $13,805,000, adjustments for non–cash items of $5,075,000, and $5,968,000 provided by working capital.  

Cash provided by working capital primarily consisted of an increase in accrued risk reserves ($4,036,000) and deferred revenue ($2,904,000), but was offset by an increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents ($5,125,000).  The increase in accrued risk reserves is due to the timing of payments.  The increase in deferred revenue is due to our professional liability insurance company deferring revenue until services are performed.  The

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increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents is from NHC and other healthcare entities paying insurance premiums into NHC insurance companies, which restrict the cash payment.  

Investing Activities

 Cash used in investing activities totaled $6,798,000 and $3,514,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Cash used for property and equipment additions was $6,366,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and $2,972,000 in the comparable period in 2012.  Cash provided by net collections of notes receivable was $394,000 in 2013 compared to $170,000 in 2012.  Purchases and sales of restricted marketable securities resulted in a net use of cash of $826,000 for the 2013 period compared to $712,000 for the 2012 period.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $10,912,000 and $1,326,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Attributable to the increase during the first quarter of 2013 was the use of cash of $4,700,000 to purchase outstanding common stock under our current stock repurchase program, as compared to $-0- for the same period in 2012.  Cash used for dividend payments to common and preferred stockholders totaled $6,404,000 in the current year period compared to $6,314,000 for the same period a year ago.  In the prior period, cash of $5,578,000 was provided by the issuance of common stock.  

Table of Contractual Cash Obligations

Our contractual cash obligations for periods subsequent to March 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

		Total		1 year		1–3 Years		3–5 Years		After 5 Years
Long–term debt – principal	$	10,000	$	−	$	−	$	−	$	10,000
Long–term debt – interest		1,312		276		552		484		−
Operating leases		463,375		33,700		67,400		67,400		294,875
Asset purchase commitment		21,000		21,000		−		−		−
Obligations to complete construction		9,558		9,558		−		−		−
Total contractual cash obligations	$	505,245	$	64,534	$	67,952	$	67,884	$	304,875

Other noncurrent liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $3,704,000, attributable to permanent differences, at March 31, 2013 has not been included in the above table because of the inability to estimate the period in which the tax payment is expected to occur.  See Note 13 of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion on income taxes.

We started paying quarterly dividends on our common shares outstanding in 2004 and our preferred shares outstanding in 2007.  We anticipate the continuation of both the common and preferred dividend payments as approved quarterly by the Board of Directors.

Short–term liquidity

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 $73,839,000 at March 31, 2013, marketable securities of $123,577,000 at March 31, 2013 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.  We currently do not have any funds drawn against our revolving credit agreement and the amount of $75,000,000 is available to be drawn for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.

Long–term liquidity

Our $75,000,000 revolving credit agreement matures on October 23, 2013.  We currently anticipate renewing the credit agreement at that time and while we have had no indication from the lender that there is any

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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 five times with one year maturities.  At the inception and at each renewal, the lender offered longer maturities, but the Company chose a one–year maturity because of the terms.  If we 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 and contractual obligations and will be limited in 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, and 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.

Commitment and Contingencies

Governmental Regulations  

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs are complex and subject to interpretation.  Management believes that it is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects.  However, compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation as well as significant regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusions from the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.  We are not aware of any material regulatory proceeding or investigation underway or threatened involving allegations of potential wrongdoing.

Acquisitions

We have acquired and will continue to acquire businesses with prior operating histories.  Acquired companies may have unknown or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for failure to comply with healthcare laws and regulations, such as billing and reimbursement, anti–kickback and physician self–referral laws. Although we institute policies designed to conform practices to our standards following completion of acquisitions and attempts to structure our acquisitions as asset acquisitions in which we do not assume liability for seller wrongful actions, there can be no assurance that we will not become liable for past activities that may later be alleged to be improper by private plaintiffs or government agencies.  Although we obtain general indemnifications from sellers covering such matters, there can be no assurance that any specific matter will be covered by such indemnifications, or if covered, that such indemnifications will be adequate to cover potential losses and fines.  

Inflation

We have historically derived a substantial portion of our revenue from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, along with similar reimbursement programs.  Payments under these programs generally provide for reimbursement levels that are adjusted for inflation annually based upon the state’s fiscal year for the Medicaid programs and in each October for the Medicare program.  The adjustments may not continue in the future, and even if received, such adjustments may not reflect the actual increase in our costs for providing healthcare services.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact of new accounting standards.  

Forward–Looking Statements

References throughout this document to the Company include National HealthCare Corporation and its wholly–owned subsidiaries.  In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commissions “Plain English” guidelines, this Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q has been written in the first person.  In this document, the words

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“we”, “our”, “ours” and “us” refer only to National HealthCare Corporation and its wholly–owned subsidiaries and not any other person.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q and other information we provide from time to time, contains certain “forward–looking” statements as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, continued performance improvements, ability to service and refinance our debt obligations, ability to finance growth opportunities, ability to control our patient care liability costs, ability to respond to changes in government regulations, ability to execute our three–year strategic plan, and similar statements including, without limitations, those containing words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, and other similar expressions are forward–looking statements.

Forward–looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward–looking statements as a result of, but not limited to, the following factors:

·

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 levels and methodologies and the application of such methodologies by the government and its fiscal intermediaries;

·

liabilities and other claims asserted against us, including patient care liabilities, as well as the resolution of current litigation (see Note 13:  Guarantees and Contingencies);

·

the ability of third parties for whom we have guaranteed debt, if any, to refinance certain short term debt obligations;

·

the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

·

the availability and terms of capital to fund acquisitions and capital improvements;

·

the ability to refinance existing debt on favorable terms;

·

the competitive environment in which we operate;

·

the ability to maintain and increase census levels; and

·

demographic changes.

See the notes to the quarterly financial statements, and “Item 1.  Business” in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10–K for a discussion of various governmental regulations and other operating factors relating to the healthcare industry and the risk factors inherent in them.  This may be found on our web site at www.nhccare.com.  You should carefully consider these risks before making any investment in the Company.  These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us.  There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial.  If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.  Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurances that these forward–looking statements will, in fact, transpire and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them.

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Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk represents the potential economic loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments.  Currently, our exposure to market risk relates primarily to our fixed–income and equity portfolios.  These investment portfolios are exposed primarily to, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk, and concentration risk.  We also have exposure to market risk that includes our cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, revolving credit facility, and long–term debt.  The Company's senior management has established comprehensive risk management policies and procedures to manage these market risks.  

Interest Rate Risk

The fair values of our fixed–income investments fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates.  Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases, respectively, in the fair values of those instruments.  Additionally, the fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, the liquidity of the instrument and other general market conditions.  At March 31, 2013, we have available for sale debt securities in the amount of $134,782,000.  The fixed maturity portfolio is comprised of investments with primarily short–term and intermediate–term maturities.  The portfolio composition allows flexibility in reacting to fluctuations of interest rates.  The fixed maturity portfolio allows our insurance company subsidiaries to achieve an adequate risk–adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet obligations.  

As of March 31, 2013, both our long–term debt and revolving credit facility bear interest at variable interest rates.  Currently, we have long–term debt outstanding of $10.0 million and the revolving credit facility is zero.  However, we do intend to borrow funds on our credit facility in the future.  Based on a hypothetical credit facility borrowing of $75.0 million and our outstanding long–term debt, a 1% change in interest rates would change our annual interest cost by approximately $850,000.

Approximately $5.3 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 1% change in interest rates would result in a related increase or decrease in interest income of approximately $53,000.  

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 1% change in interest rates would have minimal impact on our future earnings and cash flows related to these instruments.

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 the Investment Committee of the Board.

Credit Risk  

Credit risk is managed by diversifying the fixed maturity portfolio to avoid concentrations in any single industry group or issuer and by limiting investments in securities with lower credit ratings.    

Equity Price and Concentration Risk  

Our available for sale equity 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.  At March 31, 2013, the fair value of our equity marketable securities is approximately $123,577,000.  Of the $123.6 million equity securities portfolio, our investment in National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI”) comprises approximately $106.7 million, or 86.3%, of the total fair value.  We manage our exposure to NHI by closely monitoring the financial condition, performance, and outlook of the company.  Hypothetically, a 10% change in quoted market prices would result in a related increase or decrease in the fair value of our equity investments of approximately $12.4 million.  At March 31, 2013, our equity securities had unrealized gains of $93.4 million.  Of the $93.4 million of unrealized gains, $82.0 million is related to our investment in NHI.

33

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

As of March 31, 2013, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Principal Accounting Officer (“PAO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and PAO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2013.  There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

For a discussion of prior, current and pending litigation of material significance to NHC, please see Note 14 and Note 16 of this Form 10–Q.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, there were no material changes to the risk factors that were disclosed in Item 1A of National HealthCare Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.  Not applicable

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.  None

Item 5.  Other Information.

Item 6.  Exhibits.  

(a)

List of exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
3.5	Restated Bylaws as amended February 14, 2013
31.1	Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2	Rule 13a–14(a)/15d–14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 906 by Chief Executive
	Officer and Principal Financial Officer
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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 thereunto duly authorized.

	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: May 8, 2013	/s/ Robert G. Adams
	Robert G. Adams
	Chief Executive Officer
Date:  May 8, 2013	/s/ Donald K. Daniel
	Donald K. Daniel
	Senior Vice President and Controller
	(Principal Financial Officer)

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EX-3

Exhibit 3.5

Amended & Restated Bylaws

of

National HealthCare Corporation

ARTICLE I

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

1.1

Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held, at such place within or without the state of incorporation as may be designated by the Board of Directors, on such date and at such time as shall be designated each year by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting. At the annual meeting the stockholders shall elect directors by a vote as provided in Section 2.1 of these Bylaws and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

1.2

Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the stockholders may be called by the President or a majority of the Board of Directors. The place of said meetings shall be designated by the directors. The business transacted at special meetings of the stockholders of the corporation shall be confined to the business stated in the notice given to the stockholders.

1.3

Notice of Stockholder Meetings.  Written or printed notice of stockholders meetings shall state the place, day, and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called and the person or persons calling the meeting; notice may be communicated in person, by mail or private carrier or by other means of written communication by or at the direction of the President, Secretary, officer, or person calling the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting. Such notice shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting; provided, however, that any such notice may be waived in writing, either prior to or subsequent to such meeting.

1.4

Advance Notice Requirements.  The provisions of this Section 1.4 are in addition to, and do not waive, any standards in effect under applicable federal or state law regarding stockholder proposals.

(a)

At an annual or special meeting of stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before a meeting, business must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the President, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or President, or (iii) brought before the meeting by a stockholder in accordance with these Bylaws. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary ofthe corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices ofthe corporation not less than sixty (60) nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than seventy (70) days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is

0

given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. A stockholder's notice shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares which are beneficially owned by the stockholder as of the record date of the meeting (if such record date is publicly available) and as of the date of the notice, and (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such business. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any annual or special meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.4(a). The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.4(a), and if he shall so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

(b)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bylaws, including the provisions of Section l.4(a), only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section l.4(b) shall be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or at the direction of a majority of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof (which committee in the case of any nomination of a director who is to be an Independent Director (as such term is defined in Section 2.2 below) shall have a majority of Independent Directors) or by any stockholder of the corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.4(b). Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, shall be made pursuant to written notice timely made in writing to the Secretary of the corporation.To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation within the time periods specified in Section 1.4(a). Such notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director (w) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (x) the principal occupation or employment of such person (y) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by such person as of the record date of such meeting (if such record date is publicly available) and as of the date of such notice, and (z) any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors or is otherwise required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including, without limitation, such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected); and (ii) as to the stockholder giving notice (y) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation's books, of such stockholder, and (z) the class and number of shares of the corporation's capital stock which arebeneficially owned by such stockholder as of the record date of the meeting (if such record date is publicly available) and as of the date of such notice. At the request of the Board of Directors or acommittee appointed by it, any person nominated by the board or such committee for election as adirector shall furnish to the Secretary of the corporation that information required to be set forth ina stockholder's notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee. No person shall be eligible forelection as a director unless nominated in accordance with the procedure set forth in this Section 1.4(b). The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was notmade in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these Bylaws, and ifhe should so determine,he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

1

Furthermore, to be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the corporation, a person must deliver to the secretary at the corporation's principal place of business a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person (i) will abide by the requirements of Section 2.1, and (ii) in such person's individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the corporation.

1.5

Quorum Requirements. A majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person

or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A meeting may be adjourned despite the absence of a quorum, and notice of an adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place to which the meeting is adjourned are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. When a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority in interest of the stock there represented shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or by the laws of Delaware, a larger or different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern the decision of such question.

1.6

Voting and Proxies.  Every stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting may do so either in person or by proxy appointment made by an instrument in writing subscribed by such stockholder which proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the meeting before being voted. Such proxy shall entitle the holders thereof to vote adjournment of such meeting, but shall not be valid after the final adjournment thereof. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of three (3) years from the date of its execution, unless the said instrument expressly provides for a longer period.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2.1

Qualification and Election. Directors need not be stockholders or residents of this

State, but must be of legal age. Each director shall be elected by the vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to the director's election at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors in accordance with the terms thereof.  For purposes of this paragraph, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted "for" a director must exceed 50% of the votes cast with respect to that director's election.  The votes cast shall include votes to withhold authority in each case and exclude abstentions with respect to that director's election.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a contested election of directors, directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present.  For purposes of these Bylaws, a contested election shall mean any election of directors in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected.  Each director shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which he is elected, and thereafter until his successor has been elected and qualified.

If an incumbent Director is not elected due to a failure to receive a majority of the votes cast as described above and his or her successor is not otherwise elected and qualified, the Director

2

shall promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors in accordance with the agreement contemplated by Section 1.4(b). The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider the resignation and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board of Directors shall act on the tendered resignation, taking into account the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation, and publicly disclose (by a press release, a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other broadly disseminated means of communication) its decision regarding the tendered resignation and the rationale behind the decision within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in making its recommendation, and the Board of Directors in making its decision, may each consider any factors or other information that it considers appropriate and relevant. Any Director who tenders his or her resignation shall not participate in either the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s or Board of Directors’ consideration or other action regarding whether to accept the resignation. However, if each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee failed to receive a majority of the votes cast at the same election, then the Independent Directors who did not fail to receive a majority of the votes cast shall appoint a committee amongst themselves to consider the resignations and recommend to the Board of Directors whether to accept them.

If an incumbent Director resignation pursuant to the foregoing paragraph is not accepted by the Board of Directors, such Director shall continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected, or his or her earlier resignation or removal. If a Director’s resignation is accepted by the Board of Directors, or if a nominee for Director is not elected and the nominee is not an incumbent Director, then the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may fill any resulting vacancy pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.3 of the Certificate of Incorporation and Section 4.4 hereof or may decrease the size of the Board of Directors pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 hereof.

2.2

Number.The Board of Directors shall be comprised of not less than six (6) or more than twelve (12) members, the exact numbers to be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of directors then in office. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased outside of this range only in the following manner:

(a)

By a majority of the shareholders of the Corporation entitled to vote if the then existing Board of Directors of the Corporation unanimously approve the proposed increase or decrease in members; or

(b)

By a vote of the holders of 70% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class.

Notwithstanding anything contained in these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation to the contrary, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 70% of the voting power of all of the shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class shall be required to alter, amend or repeal this Section 2.2 or adopt any provision inconsistent therewith.

3

At least a majority of the Directors shall at all times (except temporarily pending the filling of a vacancy as hereinafter provided) be persons ("Independent Directors") who are not officers, employees or owners (except for less than 1% of any public company) of any corporation, partnership or other person (including themselves) (a) which is a landlord of this corporation, or (b) which has any other relationship with this corporation that would prevent such person from serving on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of a corporation having stock listed on the American Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange.

2.3

Classes. The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors. The term of office for Class 1 directors will first expire at the annual meeting of stockholders for 1999; the term of office of Class 2 directors will first expire at the annual meeting of stockholders for 2000; and the term of office of Class 3 directors will first expire at the annual meeting of stockholders for 2001, and in each case until their successors are duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at the annual meeting of stockholders shall be elected by stockholders for a three-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation, increases in the size of the Board of Directors shall be distributed among the classes so as to render the class as nearly equal in size as possible.Whenever the holders of preferred stock issued pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution or resolutions adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office providing for the issue of shares of preferred stock shall have the right, voting as a separate class, to elect directors, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other terms of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation or such resolution or resolutions, as the case may be, and such directorships shall not be divided into serial classes or otherwise subject to this Section 2.3 unless expressly so provided therein.

2.4

Meetings.  The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after the adjournment of the annual meeting of the stockholders, at which time the officers of the corporation shall be elected. The board may also designate more frequent intervals for regular meetings. Special meetings may be called at any time by the chairman of the board, President, or any two directors. Members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other,and participation in a meeting in such manner shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting.

2.5

Notice of Directors' Meetings.  The annual and all regular board meetings may be held without notice of the date, time, place or purpose of the meeting. Special meetings shall be held upon notice sent by any usual means of communication not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting noting the date, time and place of the meeting. The notice need not describe the purposes of the special meeting. Attendance by a director at a meeting or subsequent execution or approval by a director of the minutes of a meeting or a consent action shall constitute a waiver of any defects in notice of such meeting and/or consent action.

2.6

Quorum and Vote.A majority of the Directors then in office shall constitute a

quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that a quorum for transaction of business with respect to any matter in which any director (or affiliate of such director) who is not an Independent Director has any interest shall consist of a

4

majority of the directors including a majority of the Independent Directors, then in office. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the act of a majority of directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the act of the Board of Directors, except that no act relating to any matter in which any director (or affiliate of such director) who is not an Independent Director has any interest shall be the act of the Board unless a majority of the Independent Directors on the Board vote for such act.

2.7

Executive, Audit and Other Committees. The Board of Directors, by a resolution adopted by a majority of its members, may designate an executive committee, consisting of two or more directors, an audit committee, a majority of the members of which shall be Independent Directors, and other committees, consisting of two or more directors. If any committee may take or authorize any act as to any matter in which any director (or affiliate of such director) who is not an Independent Director has or may have any interest, a majority of the members of such committee shall be Independent Directors, except that any such committee consisting of only two directors may have one Independent Director and one director who is not an Independent Director. The Board may delegate to such committee or committees any and all such authority as it deems desirable, including the right to delegate to an executive committee the power to exercise all the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the affairs and property of the corporation, except those powers which the Board of Directors is specifically prohibited from delegating pursuant to Section 141 (c )(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified fromvoting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors at act at the meeting in the place of any such absent ordisqualified member.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

3.1

Number.The corporation shall have a President, a Secretary, and such other officers as the Board of Directors shall from time to time deem necessary. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary.

3.2

Election and Term. The officers shall be elected by, and shall hold office at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors.

3.3

Duties. All officers shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the corporation as are normally incident to their offices and as the Board of Directors may from time to time provide.

5

ARTICLE IV

RESIGNATIONS, REMOVALS AND VACANCIES

4.1

Resignations.  Any officer or director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, then upon its acceptance by the Board of Directors.

4.2

Removal of Officers.  Any officer or agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Board of Directors.

4.3

Removal of Directors.  Any or all of the directors may be removed at any time for "cause" by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class). "Cause" for purposes of these Bylaws shall be: (i) any fraudulent or dishonest act or activity by the director; or (ii) behavior materially detrimental to the business of the Corporation.

4.4

Vacancies.  Newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors, and vacancies occurring in any office or directorship for any reason, including removal of an officer or director, may be filled by the vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office, even if less than a quorum exists; provided, however, that any vacancy created by removal of a director pursuant to Section 4.3 may be filled by action of the stockholders taken at the same meeting at which the vacancy was created, such action to be taken upon the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, voting as a single class.

ARTICLE V

CAPITAL STOCK

5.1

Stock Certificates.  Every stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate or certificates of capital stock of the corporation in such form as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise decided by the board, such certificates shall be signed by the President and the Secretary of the corporation; however, any or all of the signatures may be a facsimile. The corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock of the corporation as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it has actual or other notice thereof, except as provided by law.

5.2

Transfer of Shares.  Shares of stock may be transferred on the books of the corporation by delivery and surrender of the properly assigned certificate, but subject to any restrictions on transfer imposed by either the applicable securities laws or any stockholder agreement.

6

5.3

Loss, Theft or Destruction of Certificates.  In the case of the loss, theft, mutilation, or destruction of a certificate of stock, a duplicate certificate may be issued upon such terms as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.

ARTICLE VI

ACTION BY CONSENT

6.1

Directors.  Whenever the directors are required or permitted to take any action by

vote, such action may be taken without a meeting on written consent, setting forth the action so taken, signed by all the persons or entities entitled to vote thereon, and such action shall be as validand effective as any action taken at a regular or special meeting of the directors.

6.2

Stockholders.  Any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of the

issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation may be effected solely at an annual or special meeting of stockholders duly called and held in accordance with law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, and not by the consent in writing of such stockholders or any of them, provided, however, that holders of shares of any series of the Corporation's preferred stock may exercise the special voting rights, if any, of such series to elect directors upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the Certificate of Incorporation or in the resolution or resolutions adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office providing for the issue of any series of preferred stock pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, in any manner now or hereafter permitted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

These Bylaws may be amended, added to or repealed by an affirmative vote of a majority of either (1) the shares of the corporation's capital stock entitled to vote thereon represented at any duly constituted stockholders' meeting, or (2) the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year for the corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

7

CERTIFICATION

I certify that these Amended and Restated Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors of the corporation and became effective on February 14, 2013.

/s/ John K. Lines

John K. Lines

SVP, General Counsel & Secretary

8

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert G. Adams, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National HealthCare Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function);

a.

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 8, 2013

/s/ Robert G. Adams                                             

Robert G. Adams

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Donald K. Daniel, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National HealthCare Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function);

a.

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 8, 2013    

/s/Donald K. Daniel                                                

Donald K. Daniel

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Certification of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

of National HealthCare Corporation

For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2013

The undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the undersigned's best knowledge and belief, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for National HealthCare Corporation ("Issuer") for the period ending March 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"):

(a)	fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
	Exchange Act of 1934; and
(b)	the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects,
	the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

This Certification accompanies the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Issuer for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013.

This Certification is executed as of May 8, 2013.

/s/Robert G. Adams                            

Robert G. Adams

Chief Executive Officer

 /s/ Donald K. Daniel                              

Donald K. Daniel

Principal Accounting Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.  

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Note 4 - Non-Operating Income (Detail) (Caris [Member])	Mar. 31, 2013
Caris [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.10%

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Options Outstanding (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	1,156,242	1,134,602	1,482,077
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.80	$ 46.75	$ 46.92
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 255 days
Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	28,800
Exercise Prices	$ 37.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 37.70
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 36 days
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Exercise Prices, Low range	$ 45.80
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Exercise Prices, Upper range	$ 46.69
Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	1,015,802
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 46.58
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	3 years
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Exercise Prices, Low range	$ 49.50
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Exercise Prices, Upper range	$ 51.50
Exercise Price Range 3 [Member]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	111,640
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 51.11
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	73 days

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Note 9 - Long-Term Debt (Detail) - Long-term Debt (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	2013
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	$ 0	$ 0
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	2018
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	10,000	10,000
	10,000	10,000
Less current portion	0	0
	$ 10,000	$ 10,000

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Number of Shares	24,000	18,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 34.46	$ 34.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)		$ 203,000
Number of Shares	6,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 34.46
Number of Shares	18,000	18,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 34.46	$ 34.46
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)		$ 203,000

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities as Available for Sale (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Within 1 year	$ 8,635	$ 8,868
Within 1 year	8,678	8,918
1 to 5 years	76,815	80,910
1 to 5 years	78,669	82,801
6 to 10 years	46,997	40,670
6 to 10 years	47,435	41,856
Over 10 years		1,630
Over 10 years		1,632
	132,447	132,078
	$ 134,782	$ 135,207

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used

	2013			2012
Risk–free interest rate		0.15	%		0.28	%
Expected volatility		22.5	%		38.8	%
Expected life, in years		1.0			2.1
Expected dividend yield		2.55	%		2.91	%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012		1,482,077		$	46.92	$	–
Options granted		63,516			44.24		–
Options exercised		(295,371	)		45.41		–
Options cancelled		(115,620	)		50.99		–
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,134,602			46.75		–
Options granted		21,640			49.50		–
Options outstanding at March 31, 2013		1,156,242		$	46.80	$	265,000
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013		197,602		$	47.03	$	265,000

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

Options Outstanding March 31, 2013		Exercise Prices				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
	28,800			37.70			37.70		1.1
	1,015,802		45.80	–	46.69		46.58		3.0
	111,640		49.50	–	51.50		51.11		0.2
	1,156,242						46.80		2.7

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Non–vested restricted shares at January 1, 2012		24,000	$	34.46	$	–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Non–vested restricted shares at December 31, 2012		18,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		–		–		–
Non–vested restricted shares at March 31, 2013		18,000	$	34.46	$	203,000

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Note 14 - Contingencies and Guarantees (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	36 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2007	Mar. 31, 2012 Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Workers Compensation Premium Revenue [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Professional Liability Insurance [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Professional Liability Insurance [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Coverage Amount per Incident [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Coverage Amount per Location [Member]
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 114,367,000	$ 110,331,000
Direct Business Coverage Statutory Limits	1,000,000
Other Premium Revenue, Net					1,349,000	3,609,000	962,000	1,051,000
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Incident									1,000,000
Primary Insurance Coverage Amount Per Location										3,000,000
Annual Excess Coverage		$ 4,000,000	$ 9,000,000	$ 7,500,000

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Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements to which these notes are attached include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHC.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  We assume that users of these interim financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in our most recent annual report to stockholders have been omitted.  This interim financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.

Contractual Adjustments and Third Party Settlements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition – Third Party Payors

Approximately 67% of our net patient 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 or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We have made provisions of approximately $16,826,000 and $17,001,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.

Revenue Recognition for Alternative Revenue Programs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition – Private Pay

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, we bill room and board in advance with payment being due 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.

Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 operating 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 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 or proceeds from the sale 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.  We believe 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.

Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an external, independent actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted 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 an increase in personal injury/wrongful death claims based on alleged negligence by nursing homes and their employees in providing care to residents.  As of March 31, 2013, we and/or our managed centers are defendants in 39 such claims inclusive of years 2005 through March 31, 2013.  It remains possible that those pending matters plus potential unasserted claims could exceed our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 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 providers owned or leased by us.  The coverages include both primary policies and excess policies.  In all years, settlements, if any, in excess of available insurance policy limits and our own reserves would be expensed by us.

Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National, the non-refundable portion (10%) of CCRC entrance fees being amortized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents, and premiums received within our workers’ compensation and professional liability companies that are not yet earned.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2013–02, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”. The objective of this updated standard is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard states that disclosure of reclassification amounts required by U.S. GAAP to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, should be provided in one location, by component of other comprehensive income. Presentation of such amounts is permitted on either the face of the financial statement where net income is presented or as a separate tabular disclosure in the notes to the financial statements, and should be disclosed by respective line item of net income affected. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012–01, which is included in the Codification under ASC subtopic 954-430, “Health Care Entities—Deferred Revenue”. This revised standard is intended to clarify the accounting for refundable advance fees (“refundable entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community. The guidance states that refundable portion of entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit, limited to the proceeds received by the resale, and the legal environment and management’s policy and practice support the withholding of refunds under said conditions. In the event that the refund is contingent upon reoccupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for and reported as a liability. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in a change of accounting principle which was applied retrospectively, including the cumulative effect of this change recognized through beginning retained earnings.  See the beginning of Note 2 under “Change in Accounting Principle” for further discussion on the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01.

Refundable Advance Fees [Member]

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01 , Continuing Care Retirement Communities — Refundable Advance Fees. This standard is intended to clarify the accounting for advance fees (“entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community (“CCRC”). The updated guidance states that entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is both contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit and limited to the proceeds received by the resale.  If the refund is simply contingent upon re-occupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for as a liability (“refundable entrance fees”). Previously, we accounted for both the 10% non-refundable and 90% refundable portions of the entrance fees as deferred revenue, amortizing the deferred revenue over the life expectancy of the resident and the estimated useful life of the building, respectively, in accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities-Deferred Revenue.  The Company believes recording the refundable entrance fees as a liability and not amortizing the balance over the estimated useful life of the building more clearly aligns how we have historically operated the CCRC.  Also, with the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation for the CCRC was modified.  Because the future service obligation calculation includes an offset for unamortized deferred revenue, the reclassification of refundable entrance fee amounts from deferred revenue to a liability has a direct impact on the future revenues input of the calculation.  With the loss of deferred revenue, the present value of the CCRC’s expenses exceeds the present value of the CCRC’s revenues, which creates the recording of a future service obligation.

As described in the guidance for accounting changes, the comparative interim consolidated financial statements of prior periods are adjusted to apply the new accounting method retrospectively.  The following tables present the effect on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the accounting change that was retrospectively adopted on January 1, 2013:

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in thousands)

	December 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Deferred tax asset	$	10,564	$	2,253		$	12,817
Total assets		920,181		2,253			922,434
Refundable entrance fees		–		10,680			10,680
Deferred revenue		10,124		(6,694	)		3,430
Future service obligation		–		1,791			1,791
Retained earnings		283,517		(3,524	)		279,993
Total stockholders' equity		659,672		(3,524	)		656,148
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	920,181	$	2,253		$	922,434

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Other revenues	$	13,973		$	(36	)	$	13,937
Net operating revenues		14,742			(36	)		14,706
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Before Income Taxes		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Tax Provision		(7,934	)		14			(7,920	)
Net Income		12,676			(22	)		12,654
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	10,508		$	(22	)	$	10,486
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.76		$	(0.01	)	$	0.75

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Net Income	$	12,676	$	(22	)	$	12,654
Comprehensive Income	$	17,535	$	(22	)	$	17,513

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	12,676		$	(22	)	$	12,654
Deferred income taxes		(605	)		(13	)		(618	)
Deferred revenue		3,088			(32	)		3,056
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,613			(67	)		3,546
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Entrance fee refunds		(578	)		67			(511	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(1,393	)	$	67		$	(1,326	)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Retained Earnings
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	265,198	$	(4,867	)	$	260,331

Refundable Advance Fees [Member]

Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Advance Fees, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Continuing Care Contracts and Refundable Entrance Fees

We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations.  Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us.  The contract provides that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment exceeds the original resident’s entry fee. In each case, we amortize the non-refundable part of these fees into revenue over the actuarially determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees when residents relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are classified as non-current liabilities and non-refundable entrance fees are classified as deferred revenue in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.  The balances of refundable entrance fees as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $10,837,000 and $10,680,000, respectively.

Obligation to Provide Future Services [Member]

Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Advance Fees, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Obligation to Provide Future Services

The CCRC annually calculates the present value of the net cost of future services and the use of facilities to to be provided to the current residents and compares that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the net cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded (obligation to provide future services) with a corresponding charge to income.  With the recent adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation was modified and we now have a liability recorded in the amount of $1,791,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

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Note 11 - Stock Repurchase Program (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 25,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)		100,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		$ 4,700,000

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Note 6 - Earnings per Share (Detail) - Summary of Earnings and Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Used in the Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	13,861,584	13,840,079
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock	233,000	50,143
Assumed average common shares outstanding	14,111,752	13,908,274
Net income (in Dollars)	$ 13,805	$ 12,654
Dividends to preferred stockholders (in Dollars)	2,168	2,168
Net income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	$ 11,637	$ 10,486
Earnings per common share, basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.84	$ 0.76
Earnings per common share, diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 0.75
Stock Options [Member]
Basic:
Dilutive effect of securities	9,799	9,874
Restricted Stock [Member]
Basic:
Dilutive effect of securities	7,369	8,178

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Note 3 - Other Revenues (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	$ 3,200,000
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	4,000,000
National [Member]
Management Fees Revenue	912,000	861,000
Other Nursing Centers [Member]
Management Fees Revenue	1,360,000	1,406,000
Elder Trust [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	3,200,000
Centers in Missouri and Kansas [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	1,500,000
Rental Income [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	$ 1,400,000

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Assumptions Used To Value Options Granted	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Risk–free interest rate	0.15%	0.28%
Expected volatility	22.50%	38.80%
Expected life, in years	1 year	2 years 36 days
Expected dividend yield	2.55%	2.91%

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Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Summary of Fair Value Measurements by Level (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,839	$ 66,701
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	17,376	11,563
Available for sale securities	258,359	242,457
Total financial assets	349,574	320,721
Marketable Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Available for sale securities	123,577	107,250
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	123,577	107,250
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	58,615	62,876
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	58,615	62,876
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	53,808	48,063
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	53,808	48,063
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents		16,604
Available for sale securities	14,704
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents		16,604
Available for sale securities	14,704
State and Municipal Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Available for sale securities	7,655	7,664
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Available for sale securities	7,655	7,664
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	73,839	66,701
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	17,376	11,563
Total financial assets	229,496	202,118
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Total financial assets	$ 120,078	$ 118,603

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Note 1 - Description of Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 1 – Description of Business

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of long–term health care services.  We operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 73 long–term health care centers with 9,221 beds in 10 states and provide other services in one additional state.  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, homecare programs, assisted living centers and independent living centers.  In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and lease properties to operators of long–term health care centers.

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$ 96,088,000		$ 80,296,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	351,000		93,000
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities	22,055,000	23,394,000
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$ 230,000	$ 687,000

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Note 6 - Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)	2013		2012
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Net income	$	13,805	$	12,654
Dividends to preferred stockholders		2,168		2,168
Net income available to common stockholders		11,637		10,486
Earnings per common share, basic	$	0.84	$	0.76
Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Dilutive effect of stock options		9,799		9,874
Dilutive effect of restricted stock		7,369		8,178
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		233,000		50,143
Assumed average common shares outstanding		14,111,752		13,908,274
Net income available to common stockholders	$	11,637	$	10,486
Earnings per common share, diluted	$	0.82	$	0.75

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Note 4 - Non-Operating Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)	2013		2012
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	3,806	$	2,804
Dividends and other net realized gains and losses on sales of securities		1,461		1,927
Interest income		1,351		1,137
	$	6,618	$	5,868

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Note 13 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 12,390,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	2,072,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	2,707,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	610,000
Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	8,686,000
Permanent Differences [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	3,704,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,708,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	$ 985,000
Temorary Difference [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	1722000.00%

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted investments available for sale:
	$ 162,622	$ 162,254
	258,359	242,457
Marketable Equity Securities [Member]
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	30,176	30,176
Marketable equity securities	123,577	107,250
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	57,701	61,453
Fair Value	58,615	62,876
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	53,168	47,194
Fair Value	53,808	48,063
US Government Corporations and Agencies Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	14,369	16,218
Fair Value	14,704	16,604
State and Municipal Securities [Member]
Restricted investments available for sale:
Amortized Cost	7,208	7,213
Fair Value	$ 7,655	$ 7,664

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	123,577	$	30,176	$	107,250
Restricted investments available for sale:
Corporate debt securities		57,701		58,615		61,453		62,876
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,168		53,808		47,194		48,063
U.S. Treasury securities		14,369		14,704		16,218		16,604
State and municipal securities		7,208		7,655		7,213		7,664
	$	162,622	$	258,359	$	162,254	$	242,457

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	March 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value		Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	106,726		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,635	$	8,678	$	8,868	$	8,918
1 to 5 years		76,815		78,669		80,910		82,801
6 to 10 years		46,997		47,435		40,670		41,856
Over 10 years		–		–		1,630		1,632
	$	132,447	$	134,782	$	132,078	$	135,207

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Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements Using
March 31, 2013	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,839	$	73,839	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		17,376		17,376		–		–
Marketable equity securities		123,577		123,577		–		–
Corporate debt securities		58,615		–		58,615		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,808		–		53,808		–
U.S. Treasury securities		14,704		14,704		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,655		–		7,655		–
Total financial assets	$	349,574	$	229,496	$	120,078	$	–

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common Stock [Member]
Dividends declared to common stockholders per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

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Note 9 - Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities	3/31/13		12/31/12
			(dollars in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$	–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		10,000
Less current portion				–		–
			$	10,000	$	10,000

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Note 4 - Non-Operating Income (Detail) - Non-operating income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Non-operating Income	$ 6,618	$ 5,868
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Investments [Member]
Non-operating Income	3,806	2,804
Dividends and Other Net Realized Gains and Losses on Sales of Securities [Member]
Non-operating Income	1,461	1,927
Interest Income [Member]
Non-operating Income	$ 1,351	$ 1,137

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary of Outstanding Stock Options (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of Shares	1,134,602	1,482,077
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 46.75	$ 46.92
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 265,000
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013	197,602
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013 (in Dollars per share)	$ 47.03
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013 (in Dollars)	$ 265,000
Number of Shares	21,640	63,516
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 49.50	$ 44.24
Options exercised		(295,371)
Options exercised (in Dollars per share)		$ 45.41
Options cancelled		(115,620)
Options cancelled (in Dollars per share)		$ 50.99
Number of Shares	1,156,242	1,134,602
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 46.80	$ 46.75

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Net patient revenues	$ 178,430	$ 176,113
Other revenues	15,948	13,937
Net operating revenues	194,378	190,050
Cost and Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	107,063	106,471
Other operating	54,411	51,528
Facility rent	9,868	9,847
Depreciation and amortization	6,956	7,380
Interest	84	118
Total costs and expenses	178,382	175,344
Income Before Non–Operating Income	15,996	14,706
Non–Operating Income	6,618	5,868
Income Before Income Taxes	22,614	20,574
Income Tax Provision	(8,809)	(7,920)
Net Income	13,805	12,654
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders	(2,168)	(2,168)
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$ 11,637	$ 10,486
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.84	$ 0.76
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 0.75
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	13,861,584	13,840,079
Diluted (in Shares)	14,111,752	13,908,274

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) - Available for Sale Marketable Equity Securities (NHI Common Stock [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
NHI Common Stock [Member]
NHI Common Stock (in Shares)	1,630,642	1,630,642
NHI Common Stock	$ 24,734	$ 24,734
NHI Common Stock	$ 106,726	$ 92,180

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 13,805,000	$ 12,654,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,956,000	7,380,000
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	806,000	501,000
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	(3,806,000)	(2,804,000)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments	2,022,000	16,000
Gains on sale of marketable securities	(230,000)	(687,000)
Deferred income taxes	(1,171,000)	(618,000)
Stock–based compensation	498,000	543,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	(5,125,000)	(2,836,000)
Accounts receivable	(1,800,000)	(3,037,000)
Income tax receivable	5,933,000	3,779,000
Inventories	102,000	481,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,785,000)	(1,724,000)
Trade accounts payable	393,000	384,000
Accrued payroll	(1,858,000)	(16,243,000)
Amounts due to third party payors	(175,000)	471,000
Other current liabilities and accrued risk reserves	6,807,000	2,370,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	572,000	(140,000)
Deferred revenue	2,904,000	3,056,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,848,000	3,546,000
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(6,366,000)	(2,972,000)
Collections of notes receivable, net	394,000	170,000
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(688,000)	237,000
Purchase of marketable securities	(22,193,000)	(24,343,000)
Sale of marketable securities	22,055,000	23,394,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,798,000)	(3,514,000)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Tax benefit from stock–based compensation		3,000
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders	(2,168,000)	(2,168,000)
Dividends paid to common stockholders	(4,236,000)	(4,146,000)
Issuance of common shares		5,578,000
Repurchase of common shares	(4,700,000)
Entrance fee deposits (refunds)	157,000	(511,000)
Change in deposits	35,000	(82,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,912,000)	(1,326,000)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,138,000	(1,294,000)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	66,701,000	61,008,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 73,839,000	$ 59,714,000

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Note 16 - Settlement of SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Litigation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 6,650,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	4,150,000
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	3,200,000
Initial Lease Term	15 years
Annual Lease Amount	3,450,000
Annual Lease Escalator	4.00%
Lease Purchase Option	49,000,000
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	4,000,000
Settlement Impact On Results Of Operations And Cash Flows Net Of Tax	2,500,000
Senior Trust [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
MatureCare [Member] | Rental Income [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
MatureCare [Member] | Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	1,400,000
MatureCare [Member]
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	1,500,000
Rental Income [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	$ 1,400,000

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Refundable Advance Fees [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Refundable Advance Fees [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Refundable Advance Fees [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Percent of Revenues Derived From Medicare, Medicaid, and Other Government Programs [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Medicare and Medicaid [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage								67.00%
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, End of Period (in Dollars)	$ 16,826,000								$ 17,001,000
Management Services Fees				6.00%	7.00%
Nonrefundable Resident Entry Fee Percentage			10.00%			10.00%
Refundable Resident Entry Fee Percentage	90.00%
Appreciation of Apartment Over Original Resident's Entry Fee, Percentage	40.00%
Customer Refundable Fees (in Dollars)						10,837,000	10,680,000
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Advance Fees, Obligation for Future Services, Amount (in Dollars)	$ 1,791,000	$ 1,791,000

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Note 14 - Contingencies and Guarantees

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 14 – Guarantees and Contingencies

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 $114,367,000 and $110,331,000 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  This liability is classified as a current liability based on the uncertainty regarding the timing of potential payments.  The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and is 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 could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 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.  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 interim condensed consolidated statements of income within "Other Revenues" for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are $3,609,000 and $1,349,000.  Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Salaries, wages and benefits."

General and Professional Liability Lawsuits and Insurance

The long term care industry has experienced increases in both the number 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 March 31, 2013, we and/or our managed centers are currently defendants in 39 such claims covering the years 2005 through March 31, 2013.

In 2002, due to the unavailability and/or prohibitive cost of third–party professional liability insurance coverage, we established and capitalized a wholly–owned licensed liability insurance company incorporated in the Cayman Island, for the purpose of managing our losses related to these risks.  Thus, since 2002, insurance coverage for incidents occurring at all NHC owned providers, and most providers managed by us, is provided through this wholly–owned insurance company.

Insurance coverage for all years includes both primary policies and excess policies.  Beginning in 2003, both primary and excess coverage is provided through our wholly–owned insurance company.  The primary coverage is in the amount of $1.0 million per incident, $3.0 million per location with an annual primary policy aggregate limit that is adjusted on an annual basis.  The excess coverage is $7.5 million annual excess in the aggregate applicable to years 2005–2007, $9.0 million annual excess in the aggregate for years 2008–2010 and $4.0 million excess per occurrence for 2011–2013.

Beginning in 2008 and continuing through March 31, 2013, additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly–owned captive insurance company.

For these professional liability insurance operations, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Other Revenues" for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are $962,000 and $1,051,000.  Associated losses and expenses including those for self–insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income as "Other operating costs and expenses".

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) - Effect of Accounting Change on Interim Financial Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total assets	$ 949,823,000		$ 922,434,000
Deferred revenue	6,334,000		3,430,000
Future service obligation	1,791,000		1,791,000
Retained earnings	287,413,000		279,993,000
Total stockholders' equity	668,810,000	624,143,000	656,148,000	606,869,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	949,823,000		922,434,000
Other revenues	15,948,000	13,937,000
Net operating revenues	194,378,000	190,050,000
Income Before Non-Operating Income	15,996,000	14,706,000
Income Before Income Taxes	22,614,000	20,574,000
Income Tax Provision	(8,809,000)	(7,920,000)
Net Income	13,805,000	12,654,000
Deferred income taxes	(1,171,000)	(618,000)
Deferred revenue	2,904,000	3,056,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,848,000	3,546,000
Entrance fee refunds	157,000	(511,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,912,000)	(1,326,000)
Comprehensive Income	23,249,000	17,513,000
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	11,637,000	10,486,000
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.82	$ 0.75
Previously Reported [Member]
Deferred tax asset			10,564,000
Total assets			920,181,000
Deferred revenue			10,124,000
Retained earnings		265,198,000	283,517,000
Total stockholders' equity			659,672,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			920,181,000
Other revenues		13,973,000
Net operating revenues		14,742,000
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,610,000
Income Before Income Taxes		20,610,000
Income Tax Provision		(7,934,000)
Net Income		12,676,000
Deferred income taxes		(605,000)
Deferred revenue		3,088,000
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,613,000
Entrance fee refunds		(578,000)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,393,000)
Comprehensive Income		17,535,000
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		10,508,000
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.76
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Deferred tax asset			2,253,000
Total assets			2,253,000
Refundable entrance fees			10,680,000
Deferred revenue			(6,694,000)
Future service obligation			1,791,000
Retained earnings		(4,867,000)	(3,524,000)
Total stockholders' equity			(3,524,000)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			2,253,000
Other revenues		(36,000)
Net operating revenues		(36,000)
Income Before Non-Operating Income		(36,000)
Income Before Income Taxes		(36,000)
Income Tax Provision		14,000
Net Income		(22,000)
Deferred income taxes		(13,000)
Deferred revenue		(32,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities		(67,000)
Entrance fee refunds		67,000
Net cash used in financing activities		67,000
Comprehensive Income		(22,000)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		(22,000)
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$ (0.01)
As Adjusted [Member]
Deferred tax asset			12,817,000
Total assets			922,434,000
Refundable entrance fees			10,680,000
Deferred revenue			3,430,000
Future service obligation			1,791,000
Retained earnings		260,331,000	279,993,000
Total stockholders' equity			656,148,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			922,434,000
Other revenues		13,937,000
Net operating revenues		14,706,000
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,574,000
Income Before Income Taxes		20,574,000
Income Tax Provision		(7,920,000)
Net Income		12,654,000
Deferred income taxes		(618,000)
Deferred revenue		3,056,000
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,546,000
Entrance fee refunds		(511,000)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,326,000)
Comprehensive Income		17,513,000
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders		$ 10,486,000
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.75

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Note 16 - Settlement of SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Litigation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]

Note 16 – Settlement of SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Litigation

           On April 26, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement concerning litigation with two management services clients, ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”), and SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. (“SeniorTrust”), both Tennessee nonprofit corporations.  NHC’s transactions with these entities have been previously disclosed in NHC’s Forms 10-Q and Forms 10-K and were the subject of a Civil Investigative Demand by the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General issued in July, 2009.  As part of the negotiated settlement, NHC will pay SeniorTrust $6,650,000 to resolve the claims.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we recorded additional other operating expenses in the interim condensed consolidated statement of income of $4,150,000 due to the settlement of this litigation.

In conjunction with the settlement, which is subject to court approval, NHC will lease and operate ElderTrust’s seven skilled nursing facilities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts from National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI”) after NHI purchases the centers from ElderTrust.  The purchase by NHI and subsequent lease to NHC is expected to be completed as soon as court approval and state licensure is obtained.  At the time of this settlement agreement, ElderTrust was paying approximately $3,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.  The triple-net lease with NHI is for an initial term of 15 years at an annual lease amount of $3,450,000 plus a 4% annual escalator based on the increase in facility revenue over a base year.  NHC will have an option to purchase the facilities in the twelfth year of the lease for $49,000,000.  We do not anticipate a material change to our future results of operations and cash flows from the transition of managing the seven health care facilities to leasing and operating the seven health care facilities.

On April 30, 2013, SeniorTrust sold its five Kansas skilled nursing facilities and terminated their respective NHC management agreements effective May 1, 2013.  At the time of this settlement agreement, SeniorTrust was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in management and accounting fees for these five skilled nursing facilities and the two Missouri skilled nursing facilities previously sold on February 5, 2013.  We anticipate the loss of management fee revenue from the Missouri and Kansas skilled nursing facilities to be adverse to our future results of operations and cash flows.

Later this year and as part of the negotiated settlement, NHC will terminate its sublease of The Health Center at Standifer Place and Standifer Place Assisted Living facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the property’s current tenant, MatureCare of Standifer Place, LLC (“MatureCare”), which was scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2016. At the termination of the MatureCare sublease, NHC may then operate, sell, or re-lease the two health care facilities.  At the time of this settlement agreement, MatureCare was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in lease payments and $1,400,000 annually in accounting services fees.  We anticipate the terminating sublease with MatureCare to have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and cash flows of approximately $1,500,000 annually.

In summary and combining all the transactions in the negotiated settlement, we estimate our future results of operations and cash flows will be adversely affected by approximately $4,000,000 annually, or $2,500,000 annually net of income taxes.  Under the negotiated settlement, we do not admit to any wrongdoing, nor do the opposing parties make any claims as to the validity of their charges.

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 170,515,000	$ 138,000	$ 139,183,000	$ 260,331,000	$ 36,702,000	$ 606,869,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	10,838,490	13,862,738
Net income				12,654,000		12,654,000
Other comprehensive income					4,859,000	4,859,000
Stock-based compensation			543,000			543,000
Tax expense from exercise of stock options			3,000			3,000
Shares sold – options exercised		1,000	5,577,000			5,578,000
Shares sold – options exercised (in Shares)		120,050
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders				(2,168,000)		(2,168,000)
Dividends declared to common stockholders				(4,195,000)		(4,195,000)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	170,515,000	139,000	145,306,000	266,622,000	41,561,000	624,143,000
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2012	10,838,490	13,982,788
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	170,514,000	141,000	154,692,000	279,993,000	50,808,000	656,148,000
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	10,838,412	14,158,127
Net income				13,805,000		13,805,000
Other comprehensive income					9,444,000	9,444,000
Stock-based compensation			498,000			498,000
Repurchase of common stock		(1,000)	(4,699,000)			(4,700,000)
Repurchase of common stock (in Shares)		(100,000)				(100,000)
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock	(2,000)		2,000
Shares issued in conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in Shares)	(107)	25
Dividends declared to preferred stockholders				(2,168,000)		(2,168,000)
Dividends declared to common stockholders				(4,217,000)		(4,217,000)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 170,512,000	$ 140,000	$ 150,493,000	$ 287,413,000	$ 60,252,000	$ 668,810,000
Balance (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	10,838,305	14,058,152

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net Income	$ 13,805	$ 12,654
Other Comprehensive Income:
Unrealized gains on investments in marketable securities	15,764	8,656
Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sale of securities	(230)	(687)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(6,090)	(3,110)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	9,444	4,859
Comprehensive Income	$ 23,249	$ 17,513

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Note 9 - Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 9 – Long–Term Debt

Long–term debt consists of the following:

	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Maturities	3/31/13		12/31/12
			(dollars in thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility, interest payable monthly	Variable, 0.9%	2013	$	–	$	–
Unsecured term note payable to National, interest payable quarterly, principal payable at maturity	Variable, 2.8%	2018		10,000		10,000
				10,000		10,000
Less current portion				–		–
			$	10,000	$	10,000

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Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	May 02, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,065,202
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001047335
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

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Note 10 - $75,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Revolving Credit Facility [Text Block]

Note 10 – $75,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility

 Effective October 24, 2012, 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 0.70% or (ii) the prime rate.  Letter of credit fees are equal to 0.70% 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 fifteen (15) basis points per annum.  NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.

The Credit Facility matures on October 23, 2013.  We currently anticipate renewing the credit agreement at that time and while we have had no indication from the lender there is any question about renewal, there has been no commitment at this time.  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’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.

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,839,000	$ 66,701,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	17,376,000	11,563,000
Marketable securities	123,577,000	107,250,000
Restricted marketable securities	134,782,000	135,207,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,407 and $3,166, respectively	75,687,000	74,693,000
Inventories	6,558,000	6,660,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,917,000	1,132,000
Notes receivable	5,950,000	5,840,000
Federal income tax receivable		5,933,000
Total current assets	440,686,000	414,979,000
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment, at cost	681,818,000	675,455,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(261,501,000)	(254,548,000)
Net property and equipment	420,317,000	420,907,000
Other Assets:
Deposits	108,000	143,000
Goodwill	17,600,000	17,600,000
Notes receivable	15,445,000	15,949,000
Deferred income taxes	13,844,000	12,817,000
Investments in limited liability companies	41,823,000	40,039,000
Total other assets	88,820,000	86,548,000
Total assets	949,823,000	922,434,000
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	10,948,000	10,555,000
Accrued payroll	35,385,000	37,243,000
Amounts due to third party payors	16,826,000	17,001,000
Accrued risk reserves	114,367,000	110,331,000
Deferred income taxes	30,420,000	24,474,000
Other current liabilities	23,182,000	20,411,000
Dividends payable	6,461,000	6,480,000
Total current liabilities	237,589,000	226,495,000
Long–term debt	10,000,000	10,000,000
Refundable entrance fees	10,837,000	10,680,000
Deferred revenue	6,334,000	3,430,000
Obligation to provide future services	1,791,000	1,791,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	14,462,000	13,890,000
Stockholders’ Equity:
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 10,838,305 and 10,838,412 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding; stated at liquidation of $15.75 per share	170,512,000	170,514,000
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,058,152 and 14,158,127 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding	140,000	141,000
Capital in excess of par value	150,493,000	154,692,000
Retained earnings	287,413,000	279,993,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	60,252,000	50,808,000
Total stockholders’ equity	668,810,000	656,148,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 949,823,000	$ 922,434,000

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Note 4 - Non-Operating Income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Nonoperating Income [Text Block]

Note 4 – Non–Operating Income

Non–operating income is outlined in the table below.  Non–operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on securities, and interest income.  Our most significant equity method investment is a 75.1% non–controlling ownership interest in Caris HealthCare L.P. (“Caris”), a business that specializes in hospice care services.

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)	2013		2012
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments	$	3,806	$	2,804
Dividends and other net realized gains and losses on sales of securities		1,461		1,927
Interest income		1,351		1,137
	$	6,618	$	5,868

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Note 3 - Other Revenues

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Revenues

Note 3 – Other Revenues

Other revenues are outlined in the table below.  Revenues from management and accounting services include management and accounting fees provided to managed and other long–term health care centers. Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators.    Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation, health insurance, 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.  "Other" revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings.

Other revenues include the following:

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)	2013		2012
Management and accounting services fees	$	4,832	$	4,962
Rental income		4,737		4,761
Insurance services		6,127		3,925
Other		252		289
	$	15,948	$	13,937

Management Fees from National

We manage five long–term care centers owned by National Health Corporation ("National"). During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized management fees and interest on management fees of $912,000 and $861,000, respectively, from these 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, the unpaid fees from the five centers owned by National will be recognized as revenues only when the 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 or the 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.

Management Fees from Other Nursing Centers

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we managed fourteen long-term health care centers (excluding the five National centers) for two non-profit organizations (ElderTrust and SeniorTrust) where a court-appointed receiver was custodian over the assets of the organizations.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $1,360,000 and $1,406,000, respectively, of management fees from these fourteen long-term health care centers.

In conjunction with the litigation settlement between us and the two non-profit organizations as described in Note 16, we will no longer manage seven of the long-term health care centers located in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  We have agreed to lease and operate the seven long-term health care centers from National Health Investors (“NHI”).  NHI is purchasing the seven health care centers from ElderTrust and will then subsequently lease the facilities to us.  We are expected to lease and operate the facilities as soon we receive court approval and state licensure is obtained.  At the time of this settlement agreement, ElderTrust was paying approximately $3,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.  We do not anticipate a material change to our future results of operations and cash flows from the transition of us managing the seven long-term health care centers to us leasing and operating the seven health care facilities.

We are no longer providing management services to the two Missouri health care centers that were sold in February 2013 and will no longer provide management services to the remaining five Kansas health care centers after May 1, 2013.  At the time of this settlement agreement, the Missouri and Kansas health care centers were paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in management fees to NHC.   We anticipate the loss of management fee revenue from the Missouri and Kansas health care centers to be adverse to our future results of operations and cash flows.

Rental Income and Accounting Services Fees

As part of the negotiated resolution with the receiver regarding our relationship with non-profit organizations, we have agreed to no longer sublease The Health Center at Standifer Place and Standifer Place Assisted Living facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a third party non-profit organization.  At the termination of the sublease, we may then operate, sell, or re-lease the two health care facilities.  At the time of this settlement agreement, the third party non-profit organization was paying approximately $2,200,000 annually in lease payments and $1,400,000 annually in accounting services fees.  We anticipate the terminating sublease with the third party non-profit organization to have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and cash flows of approximately $1,500,000 annually.

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Note 15 - Asset Purchase Commitment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Purchase Commitment To Increase Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block]

Note 15 – Asset Purchase Commitment

On December 26, 2012, we entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase six skilled health care centers from NHI.  The six centers, which are located in Columbia (2), Knoxville and Springfield, Tennessee; Madisonville, Kentucky and Rossville, Georgia, have been leased by NHC since 1991 and have a total of 650 beds.  The purchase price is $21 million and the transaction is expected to close in June 2013; which has been accelerated from the December 2013 date disclosed in our annual December 31, 2012 Form 10-K.  With the purchase of the six skilled health care centers, NHC’s master lease payment will decrease by $2.95 million in 2014.

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Note 11 - Stock Repurchase Program

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Treasury Stock Acquired, Repurchase Authorization

Note 11 - Stock Repurchase Program

On August 1, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $25 million of its outstanding shares of common stock.   During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares for a total cost of $4.7 million.  These were the first shares repurchased pursuant to the program’s authorization.  The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued.  This program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

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Note 7 - Investments in Marketable Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7 – Investments in Marketable Securities

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

Marketable securities and restricted marketable securities consist of the following:

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Investments available for sale:
Marketable equity securities	$	30,176	$	123,577	$	30,176	$	107,250
Restricted investments available for sale:
Corporate debt securities		57,701		58,615		61,453		62,876
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,168		53,808		47,194		48,063
U.S. Treasury securities		14,369		14,704		16,218		16,604
State and municipal securities		7,208		7,655		7,213		7,664
	$	162,622	$	258,359	$	162,254	$	242,457

Included in the available for sale marketable equity securities are the following (in thousands, except share amounts):

	March 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Shares		Cost		Fair Value		Shares		Cost		Fair Value
NHI Common Stock		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	106,726		1,630,642	$	24,734	$	92,180

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

	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
(in thousands)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Maturities:
Within 1 year	$	8,635	$	8,678	$	8,868	$	8,918
1 to 5 years		76,815		78,669		80,910		82,801
6 to 10 years		46,997		47,435		40,670		41,856
Over 10 years		–		–		1,630		1,632
	$	132,447	$	134,782	$	132,078	$	135,207

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are $96,088,000 and $80,296,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale securities are $351,000 and $93,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of investments in restricted marketable securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $22,055,000 and $23,394,000, respectively.  Investment gains of $230,000 and $687,000 were realized on these sales during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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Note 5 - Other Operating Expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Operating Expenses [Text Block]

Note 5 – 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, and professional liability insurance and licensing fees.  The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

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Note 6 - Earnings per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note 6 – Earnings per Share

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented.  Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that would have occurred if securities to issue common stock were exercised, converted, or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have then shared in our earnings.

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.

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)	2013		2012
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Net income	$	13,805	$	12,654
Dividends to preferred stockholders		2,168		2,168
Net income available to common stockholders		11,637		10,486
Earnings per common share, basic	$	0.84	$	0.76
Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		13,861,584		13,840,079
Dilutive effect of stock options		9,799		9,874
Dilutive effect of restricted stock		7,369		8,178
Dilutive effect of contingent issuable stock		233,000		50,143
Assumed average common shares outstanding		14,111,752		13,908,274
Net income available to common stockholders	$	11,637	$	10,486
Earnings per common share, diluted	$	0.82	$	0.75

In the above table, options to purchase 1,048,640 and 1,330,114 shares of our common stock have been excluded for 2013 and 2012, respectively, due to their anti–dilutive impact.

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Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available.  The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2 – The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model–based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 – The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument.  Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Valuation of Marketable Securities

The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 1 inputs through quoted market prices.  The Company determines fair value for marketable securities with Level 2 inputs through broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.  Our Level 2 marketable securities have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each month, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data.  The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value.  These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, and other industry and economic events.

We validated the prices provided by our broker by reviewing their pricing methods, obtaining market values from other pricing sources, analyzing pricing data in certain instances and confirming that the relevant markets are active.  After completing our validation procedures, we did not adjust or override any fair value measurements provided by our broker as of March 31, 2013.  We did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Other

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short–term nature.  The estimated fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value based principally on their underlying interest rates and terms, maturities, collateral and credit status of the receivables.  Our long–term debt approximates fair value due to variable interest rates, but fair value is also determined using Level 2 inputs through alternative pricing sources.  At March 31, 2013, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of NHC’s financial instruments.

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements Using
March 31, 2013	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,839	$	73,839	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		17,376		17,376		–		–
Marketable equity securities		123,577		123,577		–		–
Corporate debt securities		58,615		–		58,615		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		53,808		–		53,808		–
U.S. Treasury securities		14,704		14,704		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,655		–		7,655		–
Total financial assets	$	349,574	$	229,496	$	120,078	$	–

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,701	$	66,701	$	–	$	–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		11,563		11,563		–		–
Marketable equity securities		107,250		107,250		–		–
Corporate debt securities		62,876		–		62,876		–
Commercial mortgage–backed securities		48,063		–		48,063		–
U.S. Treasury securities		16,604		16,604		–		–
State and municipal securities		7,664		–		7,664		–
Total financial assets	$	320,721	$	202,118	$	118,603	$	–

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Note 1 - Description of Business (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2013
Number of Skilled Nursing Centers	73
Number Of Beds	9,221
Number of States in which Entity Operates	10

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Stock Options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Restricted Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 2005 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2005 2005 Plan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 2010 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2010 2010 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized										1,200,000		1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant									145,620		449,092
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	21,640
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$ 498,000	$ 543,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)			$ 5,463,000				$ 5,029,000	$ 434,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				2 years 328 days	1 year 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 255 days					1 year 36 days

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Note 13 - Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 13 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

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 made adequate provision 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.  Our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within Other Noncurrent Liabilities.

At March 31, 2013, we had $12,390,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, composed of $8,686,000 of deferred tax assets and $3,704,000 of permanent differences.  Accrued interest and penalties of $2,072,000 relate to unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2013.  Unrecognized tax benefits of $3,704,000, net of federal benefit, at March 31, 2013, attributable to permanent differences, would favorably impact our effective tax rate if recognized.  Accrued interest and penalties of $1,708,000 relate to these permanent differences at March 31, 2013.  We do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits within the twelve months beginning March 31, 2013, except for the effect of decreases related to the lapse of statute of limitations estimated at $2,707,000, composed of temporary differences of $1,722,000, and permanent tax differences of $985,000.  Interest and penalties of $610,000 relate to these temporary and permanent difference changes within 12 months beginning March 31, 2013.

Interest and penalties expense related to U.S. federal and state income tax returns are included within income tax expense.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 (with certain state exceptions). Currently, there are no U.S. federal or state returns under examination.

Our deferred tax assets have been evaluated for realization based on historical taxable income, tax planning strategies, the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income anticipated.  Our deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in full due to the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character under the tax law.  As such, there is no need for a valuation allowance.

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]

	December 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Deferred tax asset	$	10,564	$	2,253		$	12,817
Total assets		920,181		2,253			922,434
Refundable entrance fees		–		10,680			10,680
Deferred revenue		10,124		(6,694	)		3,430
Future service obligation		–		1,791			1,791
Retained earnings		283,517		(3,524	)		279,993
Total stockholders' equity		659,672		(3,524	)		656,148
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	920,181	$	2,253		$	922,434

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Other revenues	$	13,973		$	(36	)	$	13,937
Net operating revenues		14,742			(36	)		14,706
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Before Income Taxes		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Tax Provision		(7,934	)		14			(7,920	)
Net Income		12,676			(22	)		12,654
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	10,508		$	(22	)	$	10,486
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.76		$	(0.01	)	$	0.75

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Net Income	$	12,676	$	(22	)	$	12,654
Comprehensive Income	$	17,535	$	(22	)	$	17,513

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	12,676		$	(22	)	$	12,654
Deferred income taxes		(605	)		(13	)		(618	)
Deferred revenue		3,088			(32	)		3,056
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,613			(67	)		3,546
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Entrance fee refunds		(578	)		67			(511	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(1,393	)	$	67		$	(1,326	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Retained Earnings
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	265,198	$	(4,867	)	$	260,331

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Note 10 - $75,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	$ 75,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage (in Basis Points)	0.15%
Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.70%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.70%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	$ 5,000,000

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Note 6 - Earnings per Share (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,048,640	1,330,114

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Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$ 3,407	$ 3,166
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares authorized (in Shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares issued (in Shares)	10,838,305	10,838,412
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; shares outstanding (in Shares)	10,838,305	10,838,412
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; liquidation value (in Dollars per share)	$ 15.75	$ 15.75
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in Shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in Shares)	14,058,152	14,158,127
Common stock, shares outstanding (in Shares)	14,058,152	14,158,127

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Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The listing below is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our significant 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 December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.  Our audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements are available at our web site: www.nhccare.com.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements to which these notes are attached include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHC.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  We assume that users of these interim financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in our most recent annual report to stockholders have been omitted.  This interim financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.

Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company recorded the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle related to the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01 , Continuing Care Retirement Communities — Refundable Advance Fees. This standard is intended to clarify the accounting for advance fees (“entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community (“CCRC”). The updated guidance states that entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is both contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit and limited to the proceeds received by the resale.  If the refund is simply contingent upon re-occupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for as a liability (“refundable entrance fees”). Previously, we accounted for both the 10% non-refundable and 90% refundable portions of the entrance fees as deferred revenue, amortizing the deferred revenue over the life expectancy of the resident and the estimated useful life of the building, respectively, in accordance with ASC Topic 954-430, Health Care Entities-Deferred Revenue.  The Company believes recording the refundable entrance fees as a liability and not amortizing the balance over the estimated useful life of the building more clearly aligns how we have historically operated the CCRC.  Also, with the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation for the CCRC was modified.  Because the future service obligation calculation includes an offset for unamortized deferred revenue, the reclassification of refundable entrance fee amounts from deferred revenue to a liability has a direct impact on the future revenues input of the calculation.  With the loss of deferred revenue, the present value of the CCRC’s expenses exceeds the present value of the CCRC’s revenues, which creates the recording of a future service obligation.

As described in the guidance for accounting changes, the comparative interim consolidated financial statements of prior periods are adjusted to apply the new accounting method retrospectively.  The following tables present the effect on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the accounting change that was retrospectively adopted on January 1, 2013:

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(in thousands)

	December 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Deferred tax asset	$	10,564	$	2,253		$	12,817
Total assets		920,181		2,253			922,434
Refundable entrance fees		–		10,680			10,680
Deferred revenue		10,124		(6,694	)		3,430
Future service obligation		–		1,791			1,791
Retained earnings		283,517		(3,524	)		279,993
Total stockholders' equity		659,672		(3,524	)		656,148
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	920,181	$	2,253		$	922,434

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Other revenues	$	13,973		$	(36	)	$	13,937
Net operating revenues		14,742			(36	)		14,706
Income Before Non-Operating Income		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Before Income Taxes		20,610			(36	)		20,574
Income Tax Provision		(7,934	)		14			(7,920	)
Net Income		12,676			(22	)		12,654
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	10,508		$	(22	)	$	10,486
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	0.76		$	(0.01	)	$	0.75

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Net Income	$	12,676	$	(22	)	$	12,654
Comprehensive Income	$	17,535	$	(22	)	$	17,513

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported			Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	12,676		$	(22	)	$	12,654
Deferred income taxes		(605	)		(13	)		(618	)
Deferred revenue		3,088			(32	)		3,056
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,613			(67	)		3,546
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Entrance fee refunds		(578	)		67			(511	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(1,393	)	$	67		$	(1,326	)

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	As Previously Reported		Effect of Accounting Change			As Adjusted
Retained Earnings
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	265,198	$	(4,867	)	$	260,331

Revenue Recognition – Third Party Payors

Approximately 67% of our net patient 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 or their agents.  In our opinion, adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from these reviews.  Any differences between our original estimates of reimbursements and subsequent revisions are reflected in operations in the period in which the revisions are made often due to final determination or the period of payment no longer being subject to audit or review.  We have made provisions of approximately $16,826,000 and $17,001,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, for various Medicare and Medicaid current and prior year cost reports and claims reviews.

Revenue Recognition – Private Pay

For private pay patients in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, we bill room and board in advance with payment being due 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.

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 operating 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 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 or proceeds from the sale 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.  We believe 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.

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 our workers’ compensation and professional and general liability claims is to use an external, independent actuary to estimate our exposure for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted 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 an increase in personal injury/wrongful death claims based on alleged negligence by nursing homes and their employees in providing care to residents.  As of March 31, 2013, we and/or our managed centers are defendants in 39 such claims inclusive of years 2005 through March 31, 2013.  It remains possible that those pending matters plus potential unasserted claims could exceed our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated 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 providers owned or leased by us.  The coverages include both primary policies and excess policies.  In all years, settlements, if any, in excess of available insurance policy limits and our own reserves would be expensed by us.

Continuing Care Contracts and Refundable Entrance Fees

We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations.  Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us.  The contract provides that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment exceeds the original resident’s entry fee. In each case, we amortize the non-refundable part of these fees into revenue over the actuarially determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees when residents relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are classified as non-current liabilities and non-refundable entrance fees are classified as deferred revenue in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.  The balances of refundable entrance fees as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $10,837,000 and $10,680,000, respectively.

Obligation to Provide Future Services

The CCRC annually calculates the present value of the net cost of future services and the use of facilities to to be provided to the current residents and compares that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the net cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded (obligation to provide future services) with a corresponding charge to income.  With the recent adoption of ASU No. 2012-01, our future service obligation calculation was modified and we now have a liability recorded in the amount of $1,791,000 as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National, the non-refundable portion (10%) of CCRC entrance fees being amortized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents, and premiums received within our workers’ compensation and professional liability companies that are not yet earned.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2013–02, which is included in Codification under ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income”. The objective of this updated standard is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard states that disclosure of reclassification amounts required by U.S. GAAP to be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, should be provided in one location, by component of other comprehensive income. Presentation of such amounts is permitted on either the face of the financial statement where net income is presented or as a separate tabular disclosure in the notes to the financial statements, and should be disclosed by respective line item of net income affected. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard update resulted in financial statement presentation changes only.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012–01, which is included in the Codification under ASC subtopic 954-430, “Health Care Entities—Deferred Revenue”. This revised standard is intended to clarify the accounting for refundable advance fees (“refundable entrance fees”) received by a continuing care retirement community. The guidance states that refundable portion of entrance fees should be accounted for as deferred revenue when the refund of the fee is contingent upon the resale of the contract holder’s unit, limited to the proceeds received by the resale, and the legal environment and management’s policy and practice support the withholding of refunds under said conditions. In the event that the refund is contingent upon reoccupancy, but not limited to the proceeds of the resale, then the fees should be accounted for and reported as a liability. This accounting standard update became effective beginning in our first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this accounting standard resulted in a change of accounting principle which was applied retrospectively, including the cumulative effect of this change recognized through beginning retained earnings.  See the beginning of Note 2 under “Change in Accounting Principle” for further discussion on the adoption of ASU No. 2012-01.

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Note 15 - Asset Purchase Commitment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 26, 2012
Purchase Commitment Number of Properties		6
Purchase Commitment Number of Beds		650
Purchase Commitment Purchase Price (in Dollars)		$ 21
Purchase Commitment Impact on Lease Expense (in Dollars)	$ 2.95

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Note 3 - Other Revenues (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Schedule of Other Revenues

	Three Months Ended March 31
(in thousands)	2013		2012
Management and accounting services fees	$	4,832	$	4,962
Rental income		4,737		4,761
Insurance services		6,127		3,925
Other		252		289
	$	15,948	$	13,937

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Note 3 - Other Revenues (Detail) - Other Revenues (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Other Revenues	$ 15,948	$ 13,937
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Other Revenues	4,832	4,962
Rental Income [Member]
Other Revenues	4,737	4,761
Insurance Services [Member]
Other Revenues	6,127	3,925
Other Income [Member]
Other Revenues	$ 252	$ 289

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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Note 12 – Stock–Based Compensation

NHC recognizes stock–based compensation expense for all stock options and restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the fair value for these grants as estimated at the date of grant either using the Black–Scholes pricing model for stock options or the quoted market price for restricted stock.

The 2005 and 2010 Stock–Based Compensation Plans

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 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 the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (“the 2005 Plan”) pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock–based payments to key employees, directors, and non–employee consultants.  At March 31, 2013, 145,620 shares were available for future grants under the 2005 Plan.

In May 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“the 2010 Plan”) pursuant to which 1,200,000 shares of our common stock were available to grant as stock–based payments to key employees, directors, and non–employee consultants.  The shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 consisted of 21,640 shares through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.  At March 31, 2013, 449,092 shares were available for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest.  Stock–based compensation totaled $498,000 and $543,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At March 31, 2013, we had $5,463,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock–based compensation awards, which consisted of $5,029,000 for stock options and $434,000 for restricted stock.  This expense will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period, which is approximately 2.9 years for stock options and 1.1 years for restricted stock.  Stock–based compensation is included in “Salaries, wages and benefits” in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the significant assumptions used to value the options granted for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	2013			2012
Risk–free interest rate		0.15	%		0.28	%
Expected volatility		22.5	%		38.8	%
Expected life, in years		1.0			2.1
Expected dividend yield		2.55	%		2.91	%

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012		1,482,077		$	46.92	$	–
Options granted		63,516			44.24		–
Options exercised		(295,371	)		45.41		–
Options cancelled		(115,620	)		50.99		–
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,134,602			46.75		–
Options granted		21,640			49.50		–
Options outstanding at March 31, 2013		1,156,242		$	46.80	$	265,000
Options exercisable at March 31, 2013		197,602		$	47.03	$	265,000

Options Outstanding March 31, 2013		Exercise Prices				Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
	28,800			37.70			37.70		1.1
	1,015,802		45.80	–	46.69		46.58		3.0
	111,640		49.50	–	51.50		51.11		0.2
	1,156,242						46.80		2.7

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Non–vested restricted shares at January 1, 2012		24,000	$	34.46	$	–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		6,000		34.46		–
Non–vested restricted shares at December 31, 2012		18,000		34.46		–
Award shares granted		–		–		–
Award shares vested		–		–		–
Non–vested restricted shares at March 31, 2013		18,000	$	34.46	$	203,000

The weighted average remaining contractual life of restricted stock at March 31, 2013 is 1.1 years.