Safety Report: Merriam Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
How to read this report. Every nursing home receives some citations. One citation does not mean a facility is unsafe. Look at how serious the findings were, whether the same problems keep coming back, and whether things are getting better or worse. Learn how inspections work.
Official ratings
Medicare's star ratings compare nursing homes within the same state for health inspections. A 5-star facility performed better than most in its state; a 1-star facility performed worse than most.
Stars are calculated by CMS, not by us. We do not create our own safety score.
Serious documented violations
0Immediate jeopardy citations (severity J–L)
0Actual harm citations (severity G–I)
9Requirements cited on more than one inspection
No citations at the “actual harm” or “immediate jeopardy” level in the last three inspection cycles.
Citations by topic
0Abuse, neglect & exploitation
3Infection control
5Medications & pharmacy
3Accidents & supervision
Topics use CMS's own deficiency categories; “accidents & supervision” counts tag F689 (free of accident hazards / adequate supervision). Counts cover the last three inspection cycles, including complaint investigations.
Is it getting better or worse?
Fewer citations in the most recent cycle (18) than in the cycle before (22).
An inspection cycle is roughly one year and includes the standard inspection plus complaint investigations. Counts depend partly on how many complaint investigations occurred, so treat small changes with caution. Red bars include at least one serious citation.
Staffing and rating trends will appear as we collect monthly CMS releases. We have one month so far, so a staffing trend cannot yet be determined.
Repeat findings
These requirements were cited on more than one inspection date in the last three cycles.
| Requirement | Times cited | Inspection dates |
|---|---|---|
| Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (F812) | 3 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024; February 16, 2023 |
| Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (F689) | 3 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024; February 16, 2023 |
| Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. (F730) | 2 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024 |
| Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (F880) | 2 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024 |
| Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. (F684) | 2 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024 |
| Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason. (F676) | 2 | August 12, 2026; October 2, 2024 |
| Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. (F582) | 2 | August 12, 2026; October 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. (F803) | 2 | October 2, 2024; February 16, 2023 |
| Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility. (F565) | 2 | October 2, 2024; February 16, 2023 |
Fines and enforcement
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2024 | Fine | $14,043 |
| February 12, 2024 | Fine | $4,893 |
| January 22, 2024 | Fine | $14,679 |
| November 20, 2023 | Fine | $4,587 |
| November 13, 2023 | Fine | $4,545 |
| November 6, 2023 | Fine | $4,545 |
| October 30, 2023 | Fine | $4,545 |
| October 23, 2023 | Fine | $4,545 |
| October 17, 2023 | Fine | $4,545 |
Federal civil money penalties and Medicare/Medicaid payment denials. State-level penalties may not be included.
Complete inspection history
August 12, 2026 — 18 citations
F
Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F947 · corrected September 22, 2026
F
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected September 22, 2026
F
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F730 · corrected September 22, 2026
E
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · complaint · corrected September 22, 2026
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F761 · corrected September 22, 2026
E
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F759 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Environmental Deficiencies · F919 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F698 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F684 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F679 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F677 · complaint · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F676 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F638 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F628 · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F583 · complaint · corrected September 22, 2026
D
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F582 · corrected September 22, 2026
C
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
No actual harm, potential for minimal harm · Widespread · Administration Deficiencies · F851 · corrected September 22, 2026
October 2, 2024 — 22 citations
F
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected November 4, 2024
F
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Widespread · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · F730 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Environmental Deficiencies · F908 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Infection Control Deficiencies · F880 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F804 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F803 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F755 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F584 · corrected November 4, 2024
E
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F565 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Infection Control Deficiencies · F883 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Administration Deficiencies · F849 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F757 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · F756 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F688 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F684 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F676 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F636 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F625 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F623 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F582 · corrected November 4, 2024
D
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F558 · corrected November 4, 2024
February 16, 2023 — 8 citations
E
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F812 · corrected March 24, 2023
E
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.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · F803 · corrected March 24, 2023
E
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Pattern · Resident Rights Deficiencies · F565 · corrected March 24, 2023
D
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F695 · corrected March 24, 2023
D
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F692 · corrected March 24, 2023
D
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F690 · corrected March 24, 2023
D
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · F689 · corrected March 24, 2023
D
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
No actual harm, but potential for more than minimal harm · Isolated · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · F657 · corrected March 24, 2023
Source: CMS Health Deficiencies dataset (data as of October 1, 2026); full inspection narratives on Medicare Care Compare