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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


___________________________


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT


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


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  February 17, 2012 (February 16, 2012)


____________________________


NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


____________________________



Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

001-13489

(Commission File Number)

52-2057472

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


100 Vine Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)



37130

(Zip Code)


Registrants telephone number, including area code:  (615) 890-2020



Not Applicable

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


__________________________________



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


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

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

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

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




Item 2.02.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition


National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) issued a press release on February 16, 2012 announcing its December 31, 2011 earnings.  The entire press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.



Item 8.01.

Other Events.


NHC issued a press release on February 16, 2012 announcing its preferred and common dividends.  The entire press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference herein.



Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

99.1

Copy of press release issued on February 16, 2012 by National HealthCare Corporation announcing December 31, 2011 earnings

99.2

Copy of press release issued on February 16, 2012 by National HealthCare Corporation announcing preferred and common dividends






SIGNATURES

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

Date:

February 17, 2012

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Donald K. Daniel

Name: Donald K. Daniel

Title:   Senior VP/Controller

            Principal Accounting Officer