Nursing home in Merkel, Texas
Merkel Nursing Center
Medicare and Medicaid
1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536
(325) 928-5673
- CMS shows its abuse icon for this nursing home: it was cited for abuse or neglect at the harm level or above on the most recent inspection cycle, or at the potential-harm level on both of the last two cycles.
- CMS lists this nursing home as a candidate for the Special Focus Facility program.
CMS star ratings
CMS gives this nursing home an overall star rating of 1 out of 5. Each rating is compared with the mean of rated nursing homes in Texas (1,165 for the overall rating) and in the U.S. (14,565). How to read an inspection report.
Overall rating
- This nursing home1
- Texas average2.7 (1,165 rated)
- U.S. average3.0 (14,565 rated)
Health inspections
- This nursing home1
- Texas average2.8 (1,165 rated)
- U.S. average2.8 (14,565 rated)
Staffing
- This nursing home3
- Texas average1.9 (1,163 rated)
- U.S. average2.9 (14,494 rated)
Quality measures
- This nursing home1
- Texas average3.7 (1,162 rated)
- U.S. average3.6 (14,495 rated)
Health inspections
Most recent standard health inspection (rating cycle 1): Dec 4, 2025. CMS counts 21 health deficiencies in rating cycle 1.
- This nursing home21
- Texas average9.4 (1,171 with data)
- U.S. average9.2 (14,652 with data)
Rating cycle 1 health deficiencies. Averages include every nursing home with a count in the CMS file; fewer is better.
Deficiencies since Sep 30, 2023
Inspectors cited 56 health deficiencies on 7 inspection dates since Sep 30, 2023. By level of harm: 5 immediate jeopardy, 44 potential for harm, 7 minimal harm potential.
- 5 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety
- 0 Actual harm
- 44 No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm
- 7 No actual harm, potential for minimal harm
| Date | Tag | Deficiency | Scope and severity | Inspection type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0600 | Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | K Immediate jeopardy, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0689 | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | K Immediate jeopardy, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0725 | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | K Immediate jeopardy, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0726 | Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | K Immediate jeopardy, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0727 | Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0728 | Ensure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0881 | Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Infection Control Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | F0882 | Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.Infection Control Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Mar 4, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0867 | Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Administration Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0695 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
Show the other 46 deficiencies
| Date | Tag | Deficiency | Scope and severity | Inspection type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0849 | Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.Administration Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0909 | Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.Environmental Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0940 | Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.Administration Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0941 | Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Administration Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0942 | Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.Resident Rights Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0943 | Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0944 | Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Administration Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0945 | Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.Infection Control Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0949 | Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Administration Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0842 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Dec 4, 2025 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection Control Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Standard | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 7, 2026 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0689 | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | K Immediate jeopardy, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 1, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0801 | Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 25, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0835 | Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Administration Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 15, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0838 | Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.Administration Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 16, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0607 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 17, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0609 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 17, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0610 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 17, 2025 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | F0844 | Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.Administration Deficiencies | C Minimal harm potential, widespread | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 18, 2025 |
| Dec 12, 2024 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection Control Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Jan 1, 2025 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0580 | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Resident Rights Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0656 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0842 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0926 | Have policies on smoking.Environmental Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0655 | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedResident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | F0657 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Nov 8, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0868 | Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyAdministration Deficiencies | F Potential for harm, widespread | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 15, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0550 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident Rights Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 1, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0656 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 1, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0689 | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0695 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0728 | Ensure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 15, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0803 | Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 2, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0812 | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 2, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection Control Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 2, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0909 | Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.Environmental Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Aug 20, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0558 | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Resident Rights Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 1, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0607 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 15, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0686 | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | D Potential for harm, isolated | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 1, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0576 | Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.Resident Rights Deficiencies | C Minimal harm potential, widespread | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Aug 31, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0680 | Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies | C Minimal harm potential, widespread | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Aug 19, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0732 | Post nurse staffing information every day.Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies | B Minimal harm potential, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0941 | Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Administration Deficiencies | B Minimal harm potential, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0944 | Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Administration Deficiencies | B Minimal harm potential, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Jul 31, 2024 | F0949 | Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Administration Deficiencies | B Minimal harm potential, pattern | Standard, Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Sep 5, 2024 |
| Dec 15, 2023 | F0908 | Keep all essential equipment working safely.Environmental Deficiencies | E Potential for harm, pattern | Complaint | Deficient, Provider has date of correction Dec 20, 2023 |
Staffing
Total nurse staffing
Reported hours per resident per day.
- This nursing home3.35 hours
- Texas average3.39 hours (1,148 with data)
- U.S. average3.86 hours (14,351 with data)
Registered nurse staffing
Reported hours per resident per day.
- This nursing home0.68 hours
- Texas average0.43 hours (1,148 with data)
- U.S. average0.69 hours (14,351 with data)
Nursing staff turnover
Share of nursing staff who left during the year, as reported to CMS.
- This nursing home71.1%
- Texas average55.3% (1,051 with data)
- U.S. average45.8% (13,538 with data)
Penalties
CMS lists 2 penalties for this nursing home: 2 fines totaling $318,060, and 0 payment denials. CMS counts penalties from the last 3 years.
Facility details
| Certified beds | 65 |
|---|---|
| Average residents per day | 18.7 |
| Ownership | For profit - Limited Liability company |
| Provider type | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Inside a hospital | No |
| Continuing care retirement community | No |
| Resident and family council | None |
| Automatic sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Chain | Not part of a chain in the CMS file |
| Legal business name | EMI HEALTHCARE LLC |
| First approved for Medicare and Medicaid | Jun 1, 2005 |
| County | Taylor |
| CMS certification number | 676053 |