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): November 21, 2006 (November 20, 2006)

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

001-13489

52-2057472

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File No.)

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

100 Vine Street

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(615) 890-2020

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

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

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of
the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
[ ] 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 30.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 8.01. Other Events.

On November 20, 2006, it was announced that the last two lawsuits filed against National HealthCare Corporation over a tragic Nashville nursing home fire in September 2003 have been settled out of court. The announcement was made by attorneys for both sides. The parties agreed to keep terms of the settlements confidential. All of the more than 30 lawsuits which resulted from the September 25, 2003 fire have now been settled . A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.



SIGNATURES

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



National HealthCare Corporation
By: /s/ Robert G. Adams
Name: Robert G. Adams
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 21, 2006




Exhibit Index



Number Exhibit
99 Press release, dated November 20, 2006

Exhibit 99



For Immediate Release For Immediate Release
Monday, November 20, 2006 For More Information Contact:
Mike Pigott (615) 259-4000


LAST OF NHC NURSING HOME FIRE CASES SETTLED

Families say they are relieved by closure after three years

Nashville, Tenn. - The last two lawsuits filed against National Healthcare Corp. over a tragic Nashville nursing home fire in September 2003 have been settled out of court, attorneys for both sides announced today.

The parties agreed to keep terms of the settlements confidential, but lawyers for both NHC and for the families of fire victims expressed satisfaction and relief after the settlement.

John Norris, one of the attorneys for the families of former nursing home patients Emmie Webb and Laura Caluger, said, " O u r clients, Linda Bordenave, Wayne Caluger and Amy Cato, are glad to put this lawsuit behind them.

"They take comfort in knowing that this tragic fire has led to an increased awareness of fire safety in nursing homes and to greater protection of nursing home residents," Norris said.

More than 30 lawsuits resulted from the Sept. 25, 2003 fire that claimed more than a dozen patients. All of those lawsuits have now been settled, lawyers said.

Speaking for NHC, attorney Lee Barfield of Bass Berry & Sims said, "NHC is pleased to bring these cases to closure for the families, the employees and the community."

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