Merkel Nursing Center
1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536325928567365 certified beds · 19 residentsFor profit - Limited Liability companyMedicare and Medicaid
Surveys on file
8
since 2023
Deficiencies
64
● 7● 52● 5
Penalties · 3 yrs
$318,060
2 fines
Last survey
2026-02-16
Complaint
CMS overall
1 / 5
stars as published by CMS
CMS overall 1/5
Health 1
Staffing 3
Quality 1
Star ratings as published by CMS · CMS’s caveats
Survey history
Source: CMS · Texas Health and Human Services Commission · data as of 2026-08-01| Date | Kind | Deficiencies | Official record | Archived PDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-16 | Complaint | 044 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2025-12-04 | Standard | 0130 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2025-08-22 | Complaint | 161 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-12-12 | Complaint | 010 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-10-17 | Complaint | 060 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-07-31 | Standard | 6130 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2023-12-15 | Complaint | 010 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2023-06-08 | Standard | 080 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
Counts by class: paperwork · standard · harm.
Deficiencies
CMS · Texas Health and Human Services Commission publishes each citation’s tag, official description and scope/severity letter. The surveyor’s written findings are in the Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567) for each survey, linked above.
F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Scope/severity KHarm
Abuse & neglect
Pattern; immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F600
F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Scope/severity KHarm
Care planningFalls
Pattern; immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F689
F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Scope/severity KHarm
Staffing
Pattern; immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F725
F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Scope/severity KHarm
Staffing
Pattern; immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F726
F727Have 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.Scope/severity FStandard
Staffing
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F727
F728Ensure 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.Scope/severity FStandard
Staffing
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F728
F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Scope/severity FStandard
Infection control
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F881
F882Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.Scope/severity FStandard
Infection control
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-03-04Record 676053-20260216-F882
F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planning
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F695
F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F842
F849Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.Scope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F849
F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Scope/severity FStandard
Records
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F867
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity DStandard
Infection control
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F880
F909Regularly 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Environment
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F909
F940Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.Scope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F940
F941Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Scope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F941
F942Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.Scope/severity EStandard
Dignity & rights
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F942
F943Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Scope/severity EStandard
Abuse & neglect
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F943
F944Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Scope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F944
F945Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.Scope/severity EStandard
Infection control
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F945
F949Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Scope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-01-07Record 676053-20251204-F949
F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Scope/severity KHarm
Care planningFalls
Pattern; immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.Corrected 2025-09-01Record 676053-20250822-F689
F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Scope/severity EStandard
Abuse & neglect
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-17Record 676053-20250822-F607
F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Scope/severity EStandard
Abuse & neglect
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-17Record 676053-20250822-F609
F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Scope/severity EStandard
Abuse & neglect
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-17Record 676053-20250822-F610
F801Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.Scope/severity FStandard
Food & nutrition
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-25Record 676053-20250822-F801
F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Scope/severity FStandard
Records
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-15Record 676053-20250822-F835
F838Conduct 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.Scope/severity FStandard
Records
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-16Record 676053-20250822-F838
F844Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.Scope/severity CPaperwork
Records
Widespread; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2025-09-18Record 676053-20250822-F844
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity DStandard
Infection control
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-01-01Record 676053-20241212-F880
F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Scope/severity EStandard
Dignity & rights
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F580
F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedScope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F655
F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningRecords
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F656
F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F657
F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningRecords
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F842
F926Have policies on smoking.Scope/severity EStandard
Environment
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-08Record 676053-20241017-F926
F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Scope/severity EStandard
Dignity & rights
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-01Record 676053-20240731-F550
F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-01Record 676053-20240731-F558
F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-15Record 676053-20240731-F607
F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningRecords
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-01Record 676053-20240731-F656
F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-01Record 676053-20240731-F686
F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningFalls
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F689
F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planning
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F695
F728Ensure 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Staffing
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-15Record 676053-20240731-F728
F803Ensure 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Food & nutrition
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-02Record 676053-20240731-F803
F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Scope/severity EStandard
Food & nutrition
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-02Record 676053-20240731-F812
F868Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyScope/severity FStandard
Records
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-15Record 676053-20240731-F868
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity EStandard
Infection control
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-02Record 676053-20240731-F880
F909Regularly 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Environment
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-08-20Record 676053-20240731-F909
F576Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.Scope/severity CPaperwork
Dignity & rights
Widespread; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-08-31Record 676053-20240731-F576
F680Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.Scope/severity CPaperwork
Care planning
Widespread; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-08-19Record 676053-20240731-F680
F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Scope/severity BPaperwork
Staffing
Pattern; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F732
F941Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.Scope/severity BPaperwork
Records
Pattern; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F941
F944Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Scope/severity BPaperwork
Records
Pattern; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F944
F949Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.Scope/severity BPaperwork
Records
Pattern; potential for minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 676053-20240731-F949
F908Keep all essential equipment working safely.Scope/severity EStandard
Environment
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-12-20Record 676053-20231215-F908
F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Scope/severity EStandard
Dignity & rights
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F558
F567Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.Scope/severity EStandard
Dignity & rights
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F567
F711Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.Scope/severity EStandard
Staffing
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F711
F727Have 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Staffing
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F727
F761Ensure 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Medication
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F761
F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Scope/severity EStandard
Food & nutrition
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F812
F868Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyScope/severity EStandard
Records
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F868
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity EStandard
Infection control
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-07-07Record 676053-20230608-F880
Penalties & enforcement
| Date | Action | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-16 | Civil money penalty | $137,108 | CMS · Penalties |
| 2025-08-22 | Civil money penalty | $180,952 | CMS · Penalties |
Staffing
CMS Payroll-Based Journal · PBJ, as published Aug 2026 · explainerRN hours per resident day0.68
Facility
Texas
National
Texas 0.43 · National 0.69
Total nurse hours per resident day3.35
Facility
Texas
National
Texas 3.39 · National 3.86
Weekend total nurse hours2.52
Facility
Texas
National
Texas 2.98 · National 3.42
Total nursing staff turnover71%
Facility
Texas
National
Texas 55% · National 46%
Quality measures
CMS MDS quality measures · 2025Q2-2026Q1 · definitions| Measure | Facility | Texas | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers lower is better | 14.8% | 3.8% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury lower is better | 4.6% | 3.3% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication lower is better | 17.8% | 9.6% | 15.4% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection lower is better | 10.3% | 0.8% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained lower is better | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased lower is better | 15.3% | 15.8% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight lower is better | 3.6% | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication lower is better | 14.1% | 18.0% | 19.5% |
Figures verbatim from CMS, with the state and national figures from the same release. The direction that counts as better is CMS’s own and is stated on every row.
Ownership
As reported to CMS (Provider Enrollment)| Entity | Role | Interest | Since | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander, Rainey Individual | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
| Alexander, Joe Individual | ADP OF THE SNF | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
| Alexander, Rainey Individual | DIRECT OWNERSHIP INTEREST | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
| Martinez Irizarry, Axel Individual | ADP OF THE SNF | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
| Stroh Properties LP Organization | ADP OF THE SNF | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
| Stroh, Clarence Individual | ADP OF THE SNF | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
Ownership as reported to CMS/state. CMS ownership data has known gaps; merges between entities are published only after human review.
Cost context
County figures from public surveys. Not this facility’s price. Nursing-home rates are not published by CMS or Texas.
No county cost figures on file for Taylor.
Nearby nursing homes
| Facility | Distance | Last survey | Deficiencies · 3 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willowcreek Rehab and Nursing Abilene | 13.8 mi | 2026-05-06 | 0231 |
| Wisteria Place Abilene | 15.4 mi | 2026-05-20 | 2101 |
| Mesa Springs Healthcare Center Abilene | 15.8 mi | 2026-04-15 | 3291 |
| Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilitation Center Abilene | 16.0 mi | 2026-07-02 | 1150 |
| Avir at Coronado Abilene | 16.3 mi | 2026-06-18 | 5382 |
Watch this facility
One email when a new survey, harm-class deficiency, penalty, Special Focus change or ownership change is recorded. Nothing else, ever.
Sources & provenance
| Section | Agency · dataset | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|
| Facility, ratings | CMS Provider Data · Nursing Home Provider Information | 2026-08-01 |
| Surveys | CMS · Survey Summary | 2026-08-01 |
| Deficiencies | CMS · Health Deficiencies (CMS-2567 findings via Care Compare) | 2026-08-01 |
| Penalties | CMS · Penalties | 2026-08-01 |
| Staffing | CMS · Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ, as published Aug 2026) | 2026-08-01 |
| Quality measures | CMS · MDS Quality Measures | 2026-08-01 |
| Ownership | CMS · Ownership | 2026-08-01 |