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  <xsd:element id="nhc_ManagementAndAccountingServicesFeesRevenue" name="ManagementAndAccountingServicesFeesRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_MarketableSecuritiesAvailableforsaleAmortizedCost" name="MarketableSecuritiesAvailableforsaleAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_MedicaidMember" name="MedicaidMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_MedicareAndMedicaidMember" name="MedicareAndMedicaidMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_MedicareMember" name="MedicareMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_MiscellaneousRevenue" name="MiscellaneousRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NHICommonStockMember" name="NHICommonStockMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NHILeaseAgreementMember" name="NHILeaseAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NationalMember" name="NationalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NonrefundableResidentEntryFeePercentage" name="NonrefundableResidentEntryFeePercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" name="NoteToFinancialStatementDetailsTextual" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NotesToFinancialStatements" name="NotesToFinancialStatements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" name="NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfAssistedLivingCentersLeasedFromNHI" name="NumberOfAssistedLivingCentersLeasedFromNHI" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfAssistedLivingFacilities" name="NumberOfAssistedLivingFacilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfBeds" name="NumberOfBeds" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfBehavioralHealthHospitals" name="NumberOfBehavioralHealthHospitals" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfHomecarePrograms" name="NumberOfHomecarePrograms" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfHospiceAgencies" name="NumberOfHospiceAgencies" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfIndependentLivingCentersLeasedFromNHI" name="NumberOfIndependentLivingCentersLeasedFromNHI" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfIndependentLivingFacilities" name="NumberOfIndependentLivingFacilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfSkilledNursingCenters" name="NumberOfSkilledNursingCenters" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfSkilledNursingCentersLeasedFromNHI" name="NumberOfSkilledNursingCentersLeasedFromNHI" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_NumberOfSkilledNursingFacilitiesSubleased" name="NumberOfSkilledNursingFacilitiesSubleased" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_OriginalEntryFeeMember" name="OriginalEntryFeeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesPolicyTextBlock" name="OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_OtherOperatingExpensesPolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="OtherOperatingExpensesPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_OtherRevenues" name="OtherRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_OtherRevenuesTextBlock" name="OtherRevenuesTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_PaymensReceivedGovernmentAssistanceMedicareAcceleratedAndAdvancePaymentProgram" name="PaymensReceivedGovernmentAssistanceMedicareAcceleratedAndAdvancePaymentProgram" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_PaymentsForProceedsFromNotesReceivableTotal" name="PaymentsForProceedsFromNotesReceivableTotal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_PaymentsForProceedsFromUnconsolidatedInvestments" name="PaymentsForProceedsFromUnconsolidatedInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_PrivatePayAndOtherMember" name="PrivatePayAndOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_ProceedsFromSaleOfUnconsolidatedCompany" name="ProceedsFromSaleOfUnconsolidatedCompany" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_RefundableAdvanceFeesMember" name="RefundableAdvanceFeesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_RefundableResidentEntryFeePercentage" name="RefundableResidentEntryFeePercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_RestrictedMarketableDebtSecuritiesCurrent" name="RestrictedMarketableDebtSecuritiesCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_RestrictedMarketableDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" name="RestrictedMarketableDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTaxPercentage" name="RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTaxPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_SalariesWagesAndBenefitsMember" name="SalariesWagesAndBenefitsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element id="nhc_ScheduleOfOtherRevenuesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfOtherRevenuesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_TwoLeasesWithNHIMember" name="TwoLeasesWithNHIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_WorkersCompensationRevenueMember" name="WorkersCompensationRevenueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-10-fair-value-measurements-summary-of-fair-value-measurements-by-level-details" name="statement-statement-note-10-fair-value-measurements-summary-of-fair-value-measurements-by-level-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-10-fair-value-measurements-tables" name="statement-statement-note-10-fair-value-measurements-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-intangible-assets-activity-related-to-goodwill-by-segment-details" name="statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-intangible-assets-activity-related-to-goodwill-by-segment-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-intangible-assets-tables" name="statement-statement-note-11-goodwill-and-other-intangible-assets-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-options-outstanding-by-exercise-price-range-details" name="statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-options-outstanding-by-exercise-price-range-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-summary-of-assumptions-used-to-value-options-granted-details" name="statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-summary-of-assumptions-used-to-value-options-granted-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-summary-of-options-outstanding-details" name="statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-summary-of-options-outstanding-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-tables" name="statement-statement-note-13-stockbased-compensation-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-contract-liabilities-details" name="statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-contract-liabilities-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-revenue-disaggregation-details" name="statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-revenue-disaggregation-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-tables" name="statement-statement-note-3-net-patient-revenues-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-4-other-revenues-summary-of-other-revenues-details" name="statement-statement-note-4-other-revenues-summary-of-other-revenues-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-4-other-revenues-tables" name="statement-statement-note-4-other-revenues-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-5-nonoperating-income-summary-of-nonoperating-income-details" name="statement-statement-note-5-nonoperating-income-summary-of-nonoperating-income-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-5-nonoperating-income-tables" name="statement-statement-note-5-nonoperating-income-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-6-business-segments-summary-of-financial-information-by-reporting-segment-details" name="statement-statement-note-6-business-segments-summary-of-financial-information-by-reporting-segment-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-6-business-segments-tables" name="statement-statement-note-6-business-segments-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-7-longterm-leases-maturity-of-lease-liabilities-details" name="statement-statement-note-7-longterm-leases-maturity-of-lease-liabilities-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-7-longterm-leases-tables" name="statement-statement-note-7-longterm-leases-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-8-earnings-per-share-summary-of-earnings-and-weighted-average-number-of-common-shares-used-in-calculation-of-basic-and-diluted-earnings-per-share-details" name="statement-statement-note-8-earnings-per-share-summary-of-earnings-and-weighted-average-number-of-common-shares-used-in-calculation-of-basic-and-diluted-earnings-per-share-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-8-earnings-per-share-tables" name="statement-statement-note-8-earnings-per-share-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-amortized-cost-and-estimated-fair-value-of-debt-securities-as-available-for-sale-details" name="statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-amortized-cost-and-estimated-fair-value-of-debt-securities-as-available-for-sale-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-available-for-sale-marketable-equity-securities-details" name="statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-available-for-sale-marketable-equity-securities-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-marketable-securities-and-restricted-marketable-securities-details" name="statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-marketable-securities-and-restricted-marketable-securities-details" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-tables" name="statement-statement-note-9-investments-in-marketable-securities-tables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="nhc_statement-statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" name="statement-statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
</xsd:schema>
