Facility Watch Inspection records for every certified US nursing home

Merkel Nursing Center

1704 N 1st
Merkel, TX 79536
(325) 928-5673

Special Focus Facility — SFF CandidateAbuse icon
CCN
676053
Certified beds
65
Ownership
For profit - Limited Liability company

Nurse staffing

3.69
Total nurse staffing hours per resident per day, case-mix adjusted

Registered nurses: 0.55 hours per resident per day

Nursing staff turnover: 65% a year

Derived by CMS from the Payroll-Based Journal and refreshed quarterly.

Inspection history

Inspected February 16, 2026

8 citations · from a complaint investigation · Health
F
F0727 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
F
F0728 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
F
F0881 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
F
F0882 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
K
F0600 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
K
F0689 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
K
F0725 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern

Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026
K
F0726 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected March 4, 2026

Inspected December 4, 2025

13 citations · Health
D
F0842 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
D
F0880 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0695 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0849 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0909 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0940 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0941 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0942 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0943 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0944 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0945 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
E
F0949 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026
F
F0867 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 7, 2026

Inspected August 22, 2025

8 citations · from a complaint investigation · Health
C
F0844 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Widespread

Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 18, 2025
E
F0607 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 17, 2025
E
F0609 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 17, 2025
E
F0610 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 17, 2025
F
F0801 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 25, 2025
F
F0835 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 15, 2025
F
F0838 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 16, 2025
K
F0689 Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Pattern

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 1, 2025

Inspected December 12, 2024

1 citation · from a complaint investigation · Health
D
F0880 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected January 1, 2025

Inspected October 17, 2024

6 citations · from a complaint investigation · Health
D
F0655 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024
D
F0657 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024
E
F0580 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024
E
F0656 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024
E
F0842 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024
E
F0926 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Have policies on smoking.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected November 8, 2024

Inspected July 31, 2024

19 citations · from a complaint investigation · Health
B
F0732 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Pattern

Post nurse staffing information every day.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
B
F0941 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Pattern

Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
B
F0944 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Pattern

Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
B
F0949 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Pattern

Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
C
F0576 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Widespread

Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected August 31, 2024
C
F0680 No actual harm with potential for minimal harm · Widespread

Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected August 19, 2024
D
F0558 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 1, 2024
D
F0607 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 15, 2024
D
F0686 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 1, 2024
E
F0550 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 1, 2024
E
F0656 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 1, 2024
E
F0689 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
E
F0695 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 5, 2024
E
F0728 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 15, 2024
E
F0803 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 2, 2024
E
F0812 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 2, 2024
E
F0880 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 2, 2024
E
F0909 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected August 20, 2024
F
F0868 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread

Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected September 15, 2024

Inspected December 15, 2023

1 citation · from a complaint investigation · Health
E
F0908 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Keep all essential equipment working safely.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected December 20, 2023

Inspected June 8, 2023

8 citations · from a complaint investigation · Health
E
F0558 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0567 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0711 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0727 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0761 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

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.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0812 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0868 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023
E
F0880 No actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Deficient, Provider has date of correction · corrected July 7, 2023

Penalties

DateTypeAmount
February 16, 2026Fine$210,935
August 22, 2025Fine$178,172
June 26, 2023Fine$4,196
June 20, 2023Fine$3,846

Ownership transfers

EffectiveSellerBuyer
01/01/2022Distinguished Health Care Inc.EMI Healthcare LLC

From the CMS Skilled Nursing Facility Change of Ownership dataset. A sale does not by itself say anything about care quality.