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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):  August 9, 2016 (August 4, 2016)


____________________________


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 8.01.

Other Events.


On August 4, 2016 the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program.  The program will allow for repurchases of up to $25 million of its common stock.  The new stock repurchase plan will begin September 1, 2016 and will expire on August 31, 2017. The stock repurchase plan replaces the stock repurchase plan previously approved by the Board of Directors on May 7, 2015.  Repurchases may be made under the previous plan until August 31, 2016.


Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations.  The Companys repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions.  The Company intends to fund repurchases under the new stock repurchase program from cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital market sources. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.  The Company will provide an update regarding any purchases made pursuant to the stock repurchase program each time it reports its results of operations.



Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

99.1

Copy of press release issued on August 9, 2016 by National HealthCare Corporation announcing a new stock repurchase program.






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:

August 9, 2016


NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Donald K. Daniel

Name: Donald K. Daniel

Title:   Senior VP/Controller

            Principal Accounting Officer