Merkel Nursing Center
Open-data reference.
Merkel Nursing Center is a for profit - limited liability company facility in Merkel, TX with 65 certified beds and a 1-star overall CMS rating. The facility has 45 deficiency records on file. Total penalties: $292K.
1704 N 1ST, Merkel, TX 79536
Phone: 3259285673
Overall Rating
Health Inspection
Staffing
Quality Measures
Long-Stay Quality
Facility Information
- Provider Number
- 676053
- Ownership
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Provider Type
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Beds
- 65
- Residents
- 27
- In Hospital
- No
- County
- Taylor
- Last Inspection
- Dec 4, 2025
Staffing Data
- RN Hours
- 0.44 (nat'l avg: 0.68)
- LPN Hours
- 1.31
- CNA Hours
- 2.04
- Total Nursing Hours
- 3.78 (nat'l avg: 3.89)
- PT Hours
- 0.00
- Nursing Turnover
- 60.5%
- RN Turnover
- 40.0%
What the CMS Record Reveals About Merkel Nursing Center
Merkel Nursing Center operates 65 certified beds in Merkel, TX with approximately 27 residents currently in care, and carries a CMS overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars. The overall score is a composite of three weighted sub-ratings published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: health inspection results (1★), staffing levels (4★), and quality measures (1★). Because CMS caps the overall score at the health-inspection tier and then adjusts up or down based on staffing and quality, the sub-scores often tell a sharper story than the headline star count alone — a 3-star facility with weak inspection history reads differently from one held back by thin staffing.
The inspection file contains 45 deficiency records from recent surveys, of which 1 reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy threshold on the CMS scope-and-severity grid. On the enforcement side, CMS has assessed 4 penalties totaling $292K against this provider, a tangible indicator that regulators moved beyond citation into financial consequence. Staffing is reported at 3.78 total nursing hours per resident day (national average 3.89), with RN coverage at 0.44 per resident day — the single staffing metric most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.
Classified as "For profit - Limited Liability company" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, Merkel Nursing Center falls into a category where comparative context matters. National research consistently shows that ownership structure, staffing hours, and turnover are the three operational levers that correlate most strongly with resident outcomes — ratings and fines are lagging indicators of those upstream choices. Reported nursing turnover at this facility is 60.5%, above the level where continuity of care typically begins to suffer. For families evaluating this facility, the CMS record should be read alongside a site visit, direct conversation with current residents and their families, and review of the state health department's most recent inspection report — the star rating is a starting point, not a verdict. All data on this page is sourced from CMS Provider Data and the Nursing Home Compare program; always verify details directly with the facility or your state survey agency before making placement decisions.
Deficiency History (45 most recent)
Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 18, 2025
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.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 16, 2025
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 15, 2025
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.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 25, 2025
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 1, 2025
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 17, 2025
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 17, 2025
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 17, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Jan 1, 2025
Have policies on smoking.
Category: Environmental Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 8, 2024
Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
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.
Category: Environmental Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 20, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 2, 2024
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 15, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 2, 2024
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.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 2, 2024
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
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.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 15, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 5, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 1, 2024
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 19, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 1, 2024
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 15, 2024
Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Aug 31, 2024
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 1, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Sep 1, 2024
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Category: Environmental Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 20, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Category: Administration Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
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.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 7, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: May 13, 2022
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: May 13, 2022
Quality Measures
| Measure | Type | Score | Used in Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | Long Stay | 13.7% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | Long Stay | 10.1% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | Long Stay | 0.6% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | Long Stay | 8.5% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | Long Stay | 3.6% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | Long Stay | 0.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | Long Stay | 7.4% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Long Stay | 99.2% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Short Stay | N/A | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Short Stay | N/A | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | Long Stay | 9.2% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | Long Stay | 25.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Long Stay | 100.0% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Short Stay | N/A | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | Long Stay | 11.5% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | Long Stay | 7.1% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | Long Stay | 21.3% | Yes |
Penalty History 4 penalties totaling $292K
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 22, 2025 | Fine | $274K |
| Jun 26, 2023 | Fine | $4K |
| Jun 20, 2023 | Fine | $4K |
| May 30, 2023 | Fine | $9K |
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Understanding Nursing Home Data
Related Data from Other Sources
Doctors Nearby
Find physicians and specialists in Merkel, TX on PlainDoctor
Hospitals Nearby
Hospital quality ratings and safety data for Merkel, TX on PlainHospital
Medicare Plans
Compare Medicare plans and coverage options near Merkel, TX on PlainMedicare
County Health Data
Health outcomes, access, and quality metrics for Taylor on PlainHealth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall CMS rating for Merkel Nursing Center?
What are the staffing levels at Merkel Nursing Center?
How many beds does Merkel Nursing Center have?
Does Merkel Nursing Center have any deficiencies on record?
Has Merkel Nursing Center received any fines or penalties?
Who owns Merkel Nursing Center?
When was Merkel Nursing Center last inspected?
What quality measures are tracked for Merkel Nursing Center?
Data Sources
Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare. Ratings, staffing, deficiency, quality measure, and penalty data are from CMS Provider Data. For informational purposes only. Always verify information directly with the facility or your state health department.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.