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<TITLE>NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION - FORM S-8</TITLE>
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<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-__________
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>






<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 24pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B><FONT style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
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    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Delaware
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">52-2057472</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(State or other jurisdiction
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(I.R.S. Employer</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">of incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Identification Number)</TD>
</TR>
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</DIV>


<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><U>100 Vine Street</U><BR>
<U>Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130</U><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

</DIV>

<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><U>2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician</U><BR>
<U>Stock Purchase &#038; Stock Appreciation Rights Plan</U><BR>
<U>and</U><BR>
<U>2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan</U><BR>
(Full Title of Plan)

</DIV>

<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.<BR>
Corporate Secretary<BR>
National Healthcare Corporation<BR>
<U>100 Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130</U><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

</DIV>

<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><U>(615)&nbsp;890-2020</U><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code for agent for service)

</DIV>

<DIV align="Center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>

</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
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    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="21" style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Proposed</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Proposed Maximum</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Amount of</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center">Title of Securities</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">Amount to be</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Maximum Offering</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Aggregate Offering</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Registration</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center">to be Registered</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">Registered<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(3)</SUP></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Price Per Share <SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(4)</SUP></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Price</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3">Fee</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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                    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Common Stock<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(1)</SUP>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">1,200,000 Shares
</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">35.58</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">42,696,000</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">5,025</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Common Stock<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(2)</SUP>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">500,000 Shares
</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">35.58</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">17,790,000</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">2,094</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="21" style="border-top: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

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</DIV>


<DIV align="left">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt;">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(1)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase &#038; Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan.</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 3pt"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(2)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The number of Shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 3pt"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(3)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416(a), this registration statement also covers any additional securities that may be
offered or issued in connection with any
stock
split, stock dividend or similar transaction.</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 3pt"><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">(4)</SUP></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457, the offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee on the basis of the average high and low
price of $35.58 per Share, as reported on the American Stock Exchange on November&nbsp;1, 2005.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">The Index to Exhibits appears on sequentially numbered page 7.
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>





<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">








<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">PART II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#009">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g98070exv5.txt">EX-5 OPINION OF HARWELL, HORWARD HYNE GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g98070exv23w1.txt">EX-23.1 CONSENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g98070exv23w2.txt">EX-23.2 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP.</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>






<!-- link1 "PART I" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART I</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I of Form S-8 (plan information and
registrant information) will be sent or given to participants in the plan as specified by Rule
428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;). Such documents need
not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;SEC&#148;) either as part of this
registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424 of the
Securities Act. These documents, which include the statement of availability required by Item&nbsp;2 of
Form S-8, and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration statement pursuant to
Item&nbsp;3 of Form S-8 (Part&nbsp;II hereof), taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the
requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "PART II" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART II</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</DIV>

<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents listed below filed by National HealthCare Corporation, (the &#147;Company&#148;) are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement.
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March&nbsp;31,
2005 and June&nbsp;30, 2005.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company&#146;s registration statement on Form&nbsp;10 (SEC File No.&nbsp;1-13487), filed
October&nbsp;14, 1997 and amended through Amendment No.&nbsp;1 on December&nbsp;5, 1997.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The description of the Company&#146;s Common Stock as contained in the Company&#146;s
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No.&nbsp;333-37185), filed October&nbsp;3, 1997,
amended through Amendment No.&nbsp;1 on December&nbsp;20, 1997, amended through Amendment No.&nbsp;2
on December&nbsp;4, 1997, amended through Amendment No.&nbsp;3 on December&nbsp;5, 1997 and amended
through Amendment No.&nbsp;4 on December&nbsp;5, 1997.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-2
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

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<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">



</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), prior to the
filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or
which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part thereof from the date of filing of such
documents.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the Company&#146;s Certificate of Incorporation, and in accordance with Section&nbsp;145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the &#147;Delaware Law&#148;), the Company will indemnify any person made
or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than a &#147;derivative&#148; action by or in the right of the Company
to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or
officer of the Company, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable
expenses, including attorney&#146;s fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action or
proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be
in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the Company, and, in criminal actions or proceedings,
had no reasonable cause to believe was unlawful. A similar standard of care is applicable in the
case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to amounts paid in settlement
and reasonable expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees) incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of such an action and then, where the action is settled or other-wise disposed of or the
person is adjudged to be liable to the Company, only if and to the extent the court in which such
action was brought or, if none, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to such indemnity and then only for such expenses as the court deems
proper.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company may indemnify a director or officer
for the expenses incurred in defending the proceedings specified above, at the conclusion of or in
advance of their final disposition or settlement, and on such terms, to such extent, and subject to
such conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine. The Certificate of Incorporation also
provides that the Company may, in its sole discretion, indemnify any person who is or was one of
its employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise to the same degree as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.
The Certificate of Incorporation also provides that such persons are presumed to be entitled to
indemnification, and that the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to indemnification
is on the Company. Finally, the Certificate of
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-3
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Incorporation provides that if a written claim by such person for indemnification is not paid
within 30&nbsp;days, the claimant may bring suit to recover the unpaid amount, and if successful, may
recover attorneys&#146; fees and expenses.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, the Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against and incurred by
such person in such capacity, or arising out of the person&#146;s status as such whether or not the
Company would have the power or obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under
the provisions of the Delaware Law. The Company maintains insurance for the benefit of the
Company&#146;s officers and directors insuring such persons against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the securities laws.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Index to Exhibits on Page E-1 of
this Registration Statement, which Index is incorporated herein by reference<B>.</B>
</DIV>
<!-- link1 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company hereby undertakes:
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement:
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (i)&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (ii)&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered
(if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and
any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in
the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20&nbsp;percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148; table in the effective
registration statement.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (iii)&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in
the Registration Statement;
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-4
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>provided, however</I>, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the registration
statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;The Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the Company&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to
partners, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a partner, director, officer
or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such partner, director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-5
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Company certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has
duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Murfreesboro, State of Tennessee, on November&nbsp;3, 2005.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">National HealthCare Corporation<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Robert G. Adams
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Robert G. Adams&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">President and Director
Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature to the Registration statement appears below hereby appoints Robert
G. Adams or Richard F. LaRoche, Jr., and each of them, any one of whom may act without the joinder
of the others, as his attorney-in-fact to execute in the name and behalf of any such person,
individually and in the capacity stated below, and to file all amendments and post-effective
amendments to this Registration Statement, which amendment or amendments may make such changes and
additions in this Registration Statement as such attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or
appropriate.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="39%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="16%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center">Signature</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">Title</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center">Date</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ W. Andrew Adams
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
W. Andrew Adams</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Chairman of the Board
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Corporate Secretary and Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Robert G. Adams
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Robert G. Adams</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Donald K. Daniel
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Donald K. Daniel</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Vice President and Controller
Principal Accounting Officer
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Ernest G. Burgess
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Ernest G. Burgess</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Lawrence C. Tucker
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Lawrence C. Tucker</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ J. Paul Abernathy
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
J. Paul Abernathy</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/  Emil E. Hassan
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Emil E. Hassan</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">November 3, 2005</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-6
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;Index</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="83%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Exhibit No.</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Description of Exhibit</B></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Certificate of Incorporation of Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Company&#146;s Registration
Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">By-Laws of Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2
to the Company&#146;s Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on Form
S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Indenture between National HealthCare L.P. and First American
National Bank, dated August&nbsp;29, 1995 relating to 6.0%
Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2000
aggregating $30,000,000 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Company&#146;s Registration Statement No.
333-37185 on Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.4
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of October
15, 1989 by and among National HealthCorp L.P. and Boatmen&#146;s
Trust Company, Corporate Trustee, and H.E. Bradford,
Individual Trustee, relating to $20,000,000 &#95;&#95;&#95;% First
Mortgage Bonds due 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1 to the Company&#146;s Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on
Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Indenture of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of December
1, 1990 by and among National Health Corporation Leveraged
Employee Stock Ownership Trust, National Health Corporation
and National HealthCorp L.P. to State Street Bank and Trust
Company of Connecticut, National
Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Barnett Banks Trust
Company, National Association, as Florida Co-Indenture Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Company&#146;s
Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.6
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">First Supplemental Indenture of Trust and Security Agreement
dated as of November&nbsp;1, 1991 by and among National Health
Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Trust, National
Health Corporation and National HealthCorp
L.P. to State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut,
National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Barnett Banks
Trust Company, National Association, as Florida Co-Indenture
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the
Company&#146;s Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.7
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">1997 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;10.5.3 to the Company&#146;s
Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-37185 on Form&nbsp;S-4)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-7
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="83%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.8
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock
Purchase &#038; Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix&nbsp;A to the Company&#146;s proxy statement filed
March&nbsp;28, 2005).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">4.9
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix&nbsp;B to the Company&#146;s proxy statement filed
March&nbsp;28, 2005).</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert &#038; Manner, P.C.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert &#038; Manner, P.C.
(contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (see signature page)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">II-8
</DIV>

</BODY>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP", "cik": "0001047335", "assigned-sic": "8051", "irs-number": "522057472", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-129462", "film-number": "051179692"}, "business-address": {"street1": "100 VINE ST", "street2": "STE 1400", "city": "MURFREESBORO", "state": "TN", "zip": "37130", "phone": "6158902020"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "100 VINE ST", "street2": "STE 1400", "city": "MURFREESBORO", "state": "TN", "zip": "37130"}}
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION - FORM S-8
Table of Contents
Registration No. 333-__________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
52-2057472
(State or other jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
100 Vine Street
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician
Stock Purchase & Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
and
2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
(Full Title of Plan)
Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
Corporate Secretary
National Healthcare Corporation
100 Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(615) 890-2020
(Telephone number, including area code for agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed
Proposed Maximum
Amount of
Title of Securities
Amount to be
Maximum Offering
Aggregate Offering
Registration
to be Registered
Registered
(3)
Price Per Share
(4)
Price
Fee
Common Stock
(1)
1,200,000 Shares
$
35.58
$
42,696,000
$
5,025
Common Stock
(2)
500,000 Shares
$
35.58
$
17,790,000
$
2,094
(1)
The number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock Purchase & Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan.
(2)
The number of Shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
(3)
Pursuant to Rule 416(a), this registration statement also covers any additional securities that may be
offered or issued in connection with any
stock
split, stock dividend or similar transaction.
(4)
Pursuant to Rule 457, the offering price is estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee on the basis of the average high and low
price of $35.58 per Share, as reported on the American Stock Exchange on November 1, 2005.
The Index to Exhibits appears on sequentially numbered page 7.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
EX-5 OPINION OF HARWELL, HORWARD HYNE GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.
EX-23.1 CONSENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP.
EX-23.2 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP.
Table of Contents
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 (plan information and
registrant information) will be sent or given to participants in the plan as specified by Rule
428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Such documents need
not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") either as part of this
registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 of the
Securities Act. These documents, which include the statement of availability required by Item 2 of
Form S-8, and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration statement pursuant to
Item 3 of Form S-8 (Part II hereof), taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the
requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The documents listed below filed by National HealthCare Corporation, (the "Company") are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration
Statement.
(a)
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(b)
The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
2005 and June 30, 2005.
(c)
The Company's registration statement on Form 10 (SEC File No. 1-13487), filed
October 14, 1997 and amended through Amendment No. 1 on December 5, 1997.
(d)
The description of the Company's Common Stock as contained in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-37185), filed October 3, 1997,
amended through Amendment No. 1 on December 20, 1997, amended through Amendment No. 2
on December 4, 1997, amended through Amendment No. 3 on December 5, 1997 and amended
through Amendment No. 4 on December 5, 1997.
II-2
Table of Contents
In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), prior to the
filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or
which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part thereof from the date of filing of such
documents.
Item 4. Description of Securities
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification.
Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, and in accordance with Section 145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law"), the Company will indemnify any person made
or threatened to be made a party to an action or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than a "derivative" action by or in the right of the Company
to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or
officer of the Company, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable
expenses, including attorney's fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such action or
proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be
in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the Company, and, in criminal actions or proceedings,
had no reasonable cause to believe was unlawful. A similar standard of care is applicable in the
case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to amounts paid in settlement
and reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of such an action and then, where the action is settled or other-wise disposed of or the
person is adjudged to be liable to the Company, only if and to the extent the court in which such
action was brought or, if none, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to such indemnity and then only for such expenses as the court deems
proper.
The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company may indemnify a director or officer
for the expenses incurred in defending the proceedings specified above, at the conclusion of or in
advance of their final disposition or settlement, and on such terms, to such extent, and subject to
such conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine. The Certificate of Incorporation also
provides that the Company may, in its sole discretion, indemnify any person who is or was one of
its employees or agents or any person who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise to the same degree as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.
The Certificate of Incorporation also provides that such persons are presumed to be entitled to
indemnification, and that the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to indemnification
is on the Company. Finally, the Certificate of
II-3
Table of Contents
Incorporation provides that if a written claim by such person for indemnification is not paid
within 30 days, the claimant may bring suit to recover the unpaid amount, and if successful, may
recover attorneys' fees and expenses.
In addition, the Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against and incurred by
such person in such capacity, or arising out of the person's status as such whether or not the
Company would have the power or obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under
the provisions of the Delaware Law. The Company maintains insurance for the benefit of the
Company's officers and directors insuring such persons against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the securities laws.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
The Exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Index to Exhibits on Page E-1 of
this Registration Statement, which Index is incorporated herein by reference
.
Item 9. Undertakings.
The Company hereby undertakes:
1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the
Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered
(if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and
any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in
the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in
the Registration Statement;
II-4
Table of Contents
provided, however
, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the registration
statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
4. The Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
5. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to
partners, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a partner, director, officer
or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such partner, director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-5
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Company certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has
duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Murfreesboro, State of Tennessee, on November 3, 2005.
National HealthCare Corporation
By:
/s/ Robert G. Adams
Robert G. Adams
President and Director
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature to the Registration statement appears below hereby appoints Robert
G. Adams or Richard F. LaRoche, Jr., and each of them, any one of whom may act without the joinder
of the others, as his attorney-in-fact to execute in the name and behalf of any such person,
individually and in the capacity stated below, and to file all amendments and post-effective
amendments to this Registration Statement, which amendment or amendments may make such changes and
additions in this Registration Statement as such attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or
appropriate.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ W. Andrew Adams
W. Andrew Adams
Chairman of the Board
November 3, 2005
/s/ Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
Richard F. LaRoche, Jr.
Corporate Secretary and Director
November 3, 2005
/s/ Robert G. Adams
Robert G. Adams
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Director
November 3, 2005
/s/ Donald K. Daniel
Donald K. Daniel
Vice President and Controller
Principal Accounting Officer
November 3, 2005
/s/ Ernest G. Burgess
Ernest G. Burgess
Director
November 3, 2005
/s/ Lawrence C. Tucker
Lawrence C. Tucker
Director
November 3, 2005
/s/ J. Paul Abernathy
J. Paul Abernathy
Director
November 3, 2005
/s/  Emil E. Hassan
Emil E. Hassan
Director
November 3, 2005
II-6
Table of Contents
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-37185 on Form S-4)
4.2
By-Laws of Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-37185 on Form
S-4)
4.3
Indenture between National HealthCare L.P. and First American
National Bank, dated August 29, 1995 relating to 6.0%
Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2000
aggregating $30,000,000 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-37185 on Form S-4)
4.4
Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of October
15, 1989 by and among National HealthCorp L.P. and Boatmen's
Trust Company, Corporate Trustee, and H.E. Bradford,
Individual Trustee, relating to $20,000,000 ___% First
Mortgage Bonds due 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-37185 on
Form S-4)
4.5
Indenture of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of December
1, 1990 by and among National Health Corporation Leveraged
Employee Stock Ownership Trust, National Health Corporation
and National HealthCorp L.P. to State Street Bank and Trust
Company of Connecticut, National
Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Barnett Banks Trust
Company, National Association, as Florida Co-Indenture Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 333-37185 on Form S-4)
4.6
First Supplemental Indenture of Trust and Security Agreement
dated as of November 1, 1991 by and among National Health
Corporation Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Trust, National
Health Corporation and National HealthCorp
L.P. to State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut,
National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Barnett Banks
Trust Company, National Association, as Florida Co-Indenture
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-37185 on Form S-4)
4.7
1997 Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.3 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 333-37185 on Form S-4)
II-7
Table of Contents
4.8
2005 Stock Option, Employee Stock Purchase, Physician Stock
Purchase & Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy statement filed
March 28, 2005).
4.9
2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix B to the Company's proxy statement filed
March 28, 2005).
5
Opinion of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.
23.1
Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.
23.3
Consent of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.
(contained in Exhibit 5)
24
Power of Attorney (see signature page)
II-8