facebook tracking Merkel Nursing Center, Merkel TX: CMS Ratings & Inspections
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Merkel Nursing Center

All states › Texas › Merkel › Merkel Nursing Center

1704 N. 1st Merkel, TX 79536 · Taylor County

(325) 928-5673

Cited for abuseSFF candidate Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 65 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 676053 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

CMS abuse icon CMS marks this nursing home with its abuse icon. CMS shows the icon for homes with abuse citations in recent inspections: an abuse citation where residents were harmed (scope and severity G or higher) within the past year, or abuse citations at D or higher (potential for harm) in each of the last two years. Shown as of October 2026. Details on Care Compare.
Special Focus Facility candidate CMS lists this nursing home as a candidate for its Special Focus Facility program, which means it qualifies to be selected for the program based on its inspection record. Shown as of October 2026. About the program (CMS).

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Merkel Nursing Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Merkel Nursing Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Texas average of 2.8. Inspectors issued 64 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 2 penalties, including $320,538 in fines, in that time. CMS currently shows its abuse icon for this home (see above). CMS lists it as a Special Focus Facility candidate.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing care per resident per day — hours Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours — per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care — hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover — Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover — Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left — Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds65
Residents per day 4 About 6% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJune 2005
Legal business nameEMI HEALTHCARE LLC

Paying for care at Merkel Nursing Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Merkel Nursing Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Texas's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on December 4, 2025 and found 13 deficiencies, plus 8 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 64 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 64 citations at Merkel Nursing Center across 8 inspection dates, 43 of them from complaint investigations. 5 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on February 16, 2026 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were administration (14) and nursing and physician services (8). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level K, February 16, 2026). 6 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

February 16, 2026 · 8 citations · includes complaint inspection

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

Immediate jeopardy · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

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

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

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

Immediate jeopardy · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

KEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Immediate jeopardy · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

FHave 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

FEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0728 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

FImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2026)

December 4, 2025 · 13 citations

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

EArrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0849 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

ERegularly 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0909 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0940 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0941 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0942 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0943 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0944 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0945 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0949 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 7, 2026)

August 22, 2025 · 8 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

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

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2025)

FEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 25, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2025)

FConduct 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0838 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 17, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 17, 2025)

ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 17, 2025)

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

Potential for minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0844 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 18, 2025)

December 12, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 1, 2025)

October 17, 2024 · 6 citations · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

EHave policies on smoking.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0926 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

July 31, 2024 · 19 citations · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0868 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0728 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2024)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 2, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 2, 2024)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 2, 2024)

ERegularly 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0909 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 20, 2024)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 1, 2024)

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

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0576 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2024)

CEnsure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.

Potential for minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0680 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 19, 2024)

BPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

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

Potential for minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0941 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

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

Potential for minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0944 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

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

Potential for minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0949 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 5, 2024)

December 15, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 20, 2023)

June 8, 2023 · 8 citations

EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0567 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0711 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

EHave 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0868 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 7, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Merkel Nursing Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on February 16, 2026 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on February 16, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 1 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  4. The home averages about 6% of its beds filled. Are any units closed?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

2 penalties in the last three years, including $320,538 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Feb 16, 2026 Fine $139,586
Aug 22, 2025 Fine $180,952

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 1/5
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Location

Hospitals near Merkel Nursing Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Willowcreek Rehab and Nursing Abilene · 13.8 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 1/5 96 beds · Medicaid
Wisteria Place Abilene · 15.4 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 123 beds · Medicaid
Mesa Springs Healthcare Center Abilene · 15.8 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 1/5 89 beds · Medicaid
Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilitation Center Abilene · 16.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 1/5 96 beds · Medicaid
Avir at Coronado Abilene · 16.3 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 188 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Merkel Nursing Center ›   All nursing homes in Merkel ›

Compare Merkel Nursing Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/texas/merkel/merkel-nursing-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.