UNITED STATES



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): March 19, 2008 (March 19, 2008)


————————————


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 Number)

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


100 Vine Street

 

 

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

 

37130

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)



Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 890-2020


Not Applicable

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


————————————


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


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

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

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

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





Item 8.01.

Other Events.


National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”) issued a press release on March 19, 2008 announcing its quarterly common dividend.  The entire press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.



Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

99.1

Copy of press release issued on March 19, 2008 by National HealthCare Corporation






SIGNATURES

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

Date:

March 19, 2008

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Robert G. Adams

Name: Robert G. Adams

Title:   President












EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

Description of Exhibit

99.1

Copy of press release issued on March 19, 2008 by National HealthCare Corporation