For profit - Limited Liability company · 65 certified beds · CMS number 676053
Merkel Nursing Center, Merkel, TX
CMS records 64 health deficiencies at Merkel Nursing Center in Merkel, Texas in its last 3 inspection cycles; the Texas median is 25. Its most recent standard inspection was on Dec 4, 2025. The highest severity cited is K (immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety). 5 citations were at the immediate jeopardy level. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $318,060 in the last three years.
- Special Focus Facility candidate (CMS)
- CMS abuse icon
- 5 immediate jeopardy (J/K/L) citations
- A tag cited in 4 inspections
- 64deficiencies, 3 cycles (TX median 25)
- 21in the latest cycle (TX median 8)
- Khighest severity · Immediate jeopardy
- $318,060fines, last 3 years
- 1CMS overall rating (of 5)
Inspections and deficiencies
CMS findings for Merkel Nursing Center as of Sep 1, 2026, grouped by inspection cycle (3 cycles); each is a requirement inspectors found not met, and Merkel Nursing Center may since have corrected or disputed it. Severity letters · Inspection cycles · Care Compare
Most recent cycle (21 deficiencies)
Standard inspection Dec 4, 2025. CMS counts 21 health deficiencies and 5 fire safety deficiencies in this cycle.
Feb 16, 2026 · Complaint inspection
8 deficiencies, highest K
F882 · Qualified infection preventionist
Requirement cited (CMS): Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F881 · Antibiotic stewardship
Requirement cited (CMS): Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F728 · Nurse aide training and competency
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F727 · RN coverage and director of nursing
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F726 · Competent nurses and nurse aides
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- K Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F725 · Enough nursing staff every shift
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
- Severity
- K Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F689 · Accident prevention and supervision
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
- Severity
- K Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
F600 · Freedom from abuse and neglect
Requirement cited (CMS): Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
- Severity
- K Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Mar 4, 2026
Dec 4, 2025 · Standard inspection
13 deficiencies, highest F
F949 · Behavioral health training
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F945 · Infection control training
Requirement cited (CMS): Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F944 · Quality program training
Requirement cited (CMS): Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F943 · Abuse prevention and dementia training
Requirement cited (CMS): Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F942 · Resident rights training for staff
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F941 · Communication training for caregivers
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F940 · Staff training program
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F909 · Bed and bed rail inspections
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F880 · Infection prevention and control program
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F867 · Quality monitoring and improvement projects
Requirement cited (CMS): Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F849 · Hospice services
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F842 · Complete, confidential medical records
Requirement cited (CMS): Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
F695 · Respiratory and oxygen care
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jan 7, 2026
Previous cycle: 34 deficiencies (standard inspection Jul 31, 2024)
Standard inspection Jul 31, 2024. CMS counts 34 health deficiencies and 3 fire safety deficiencies in this cycle.
Aug 22, 2025 · Complaint inspection
8 deficiencies, highest K
F844 · Disclosing ownership and leadership changes
Requirement cited (CMS): Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.
- Severity
- C No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Sep 18, 2025
F838 · Facility-wide assessment of needs
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Sep 16, 2025
F835 · Effective administration
Requirement cited (CMS): Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Sep 15, 2025
F801 · Qualified dietitian and food staff
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Sep 25, 2025
F689 · Accident prevention and supervision
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
- Severity
- K Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 1, 2025
F610 · Investigating and responding to allegations
Requirement cited (CMS): Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 17, 2025
F609 · Reporting suspected abuse and crimes
Requirement cited (CMS): Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 17, 2025
F607 · Abuse prevention policies
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 17, 2025
Dec 12, 2024 · Complaint inspection
1 deficiency, highest D
F880 · Infection prevention and control program
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Jan 1, 2025
Oct 17, 2024 · Complaint inspection
6 deficiencies, highest E
F926 · Smoking policies
Requirement cited (CMS): Have policies on smoking.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
F842 · Complete, confidential medical records
Requirement cited (CMS): Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
F657 · Care plan timing and team review
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
F656 · Comprehensive person-centered care plan
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
F655 · Baseline care plan within 48 hours
Requirement cited (CMS): Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
F580 · Telling residents and families about changes
Requirement cited (CMS): Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Nov 8, 2024
Jul 31, 2024 · Standard + complaint inspection
19 deficiencies, highest F
F949 · Behavioral health training
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
- Severity
- B No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F944 · Quality program training
Requirement cited (CMS): Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
- Severity
- B No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F941 · Communication training for caregivers
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
- Severity
- B No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F909 · Bed and bed rail inspections
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Aug 20, 2024
F880 · Infection prevention and control program
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 2, 2024
F868 · Quality committee membership and meetings
Requirement cited (CMS): Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
- Severity
- F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Sep 15, 2024
F812 · Food safety and sanitation
Requirement cited (CMS): Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 2, 2024
F803 · Menus that meet nutritional needs
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 2, 2024
F732 · Daily posting of nurse staffing
Requirement cited (CMS): Post nurse staffing information every day.
- Severity
- B No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F728 · Nurse aide training and competency
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 15, 2024
F695 · Respiratory and oxygen care
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F689 · Accident prevention and supervision
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 5, 2024
F686 · Pressure ulcer prevention and care
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Sep 1, 2024
F680 · Qualified activities director
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
- Severity
- C No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Aug 19, 2024
F656 · Comprehensive person-centered care plan
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 1, 2024
F607 · Abuse prevention policies
Requirement cited (CMS): Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Sep 15, 2024
F576 · Phone, mail, and internet access
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
- Severity
- C No actual harm, potential for minimal harm, widespread
- Status
- Correction date Aug 31, 2024
F558 · Accommodating individual needs and preferences
Requirement cited (CMS): Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
- Severity
- D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated
- Status
- Correction date Sep 1, 2024
F550 · Dignity and the right to exercise rights
Requirement cited (CMS): Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Sep 1, 2024
Earlier cycle: 9 deficiencies (standard inspection Jun 8, 2023)
Standard inspection Jun 8, 2023. CMS counts 9 health deficiencies and 1 fire safety deficiency in this cycle.
Dec 15, 2023 · Complaint inspection
1 deficiency, highest E
F908 · Equipment kept in safe working order
Requirement cited (CMS): Keep all essential equipment working safely.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Dec 20, 2023
Jun 8, 2023 · Standard inspection
8 deficiencies, highest E
F880 · Infection prevention and control program
Requirement cited (CMS): Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F868 · Quality committee membership and meetings
Requirement cited (CMS): Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F812 · Food safety and sanitation
Requirement cited (CMS): Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F761 · Drug labeling and secure storage
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F727 · RN coverage and director of nursing
Requirement cited (CMS): 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.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F711 · Physician review at each visit
Requirement cited (CMS): Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F567 · Managing personal money
Requirement cited (CMS): Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
F558 · Accommodating individual needs and preferences
Requirement cited (CMS): Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
- Severity
- E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern
- Status
- Correction date Jul 7, 2023
Tags cited in more than one inspection
15 tags cited on more than one inspection date at Merkel Nursing Center; each date counts once and does not mean the same incident. PNC = past non-compliance.
| Tag | Inspections | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| F880 Infection prevention and control program | 4 | Dec 4, 2025; Dec 12, 2024; Jul 31, 2024; Jun 8, 2023 |
| F689 Accident prevention and supervision | 3 | Feb 16, 2026; Aug 22, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F558 Accommodating individual needs and preferences | 2 | Jul 31, 2024; Jun 8, 2023 |
| F607 Abuse prevention policies | 2 | Aug 22, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F656 Comprehensive person-centered care plan | 2 | Oct 17, 2024; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F695 Respiratory and oxygen care | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F727 RN coverage and director of nursing | 2 | Feb 16, 2026; Jun 8, 2023 |
| F728 Nurse aide training and competency | 2 | Feb 16, 2026; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F812 Food safety and sanitation | 2 | Jul 31, 2024; Jun 8, 2023 |
| F842 Complete, confidential medical records | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Oct 17, 2024 |
| F868 Quality committee membership and meetings | 2 | Jul 31, 2024; Jun 8, 2023 |
| F909 Bed and bed rail inspections | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F941 Communication training for caregivers | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F944 Quality program training | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
| F949 Behavioral health training | 2 | Dec 4, 2025; Jul 31, 2024 |
Fines and payment denials
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 16, 2026 | Fine | $137,108 |
| Aug 22, 2025 | Fine | $180,952 |
Staffing and CMS ratings
- Total nurse staff hours per resident per day
- 3.35 h (about the same as the Texas median of 3.27 h)
- RN hours per resident per day
- 0.68 h (above the Texas median of 0.38 h)
- Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day
- 2.52 h
- Nursing staff turnover
- 71.1% (Texas median 52.1%)
- Administrators who left
- 0
- CMS overall rating
- 1 of 5
- Health inspection rating
- 1 of 5
- Staffing rating
- 3 of 5
- Quality measure rating
- 1 of 5
CMS figures for Merkel Nursing Center, copied as published; Texas medians are ours.
Facility details
- Address
- 1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536
- Phone
- (325) 928-5673
- County
- Taylor
- Accepts
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Ownership
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Chain (CMS)
- Not part of a chain in CMS data
- Certified beds
- 65
- Average residents per day
- 18.7
- In Medicare/Medicaid since
- Jun 1, 2005
- Inside a hospital
- No
- Continuing care retirement community
- No
- Resident and family council
- None
- Sprinklers in all required areas
- Yes
Questions to ask on a visit
Based on the tags cited most often here.
- How do staff track and report infections among residents? (F880, cited 4 times)
- How does the home assess each resident's fall risk and plan to prevent falls? (F689, cited 3 times)
- How does the home adapt rooms and routines for residents with limited mobility, vision, or hearing? (F558, cited 2 times)
- Can families get a summary of the home's abuse prevention and reporting policy? (F607, cited 2 times)
Source
CMS Provider Data Catalog: Provider Information, Health Deficiencies, Penalties, Survey Summary. Processed by CMS Sep 1, 2026; next update Oct 28, 2026.