Quick answers
- Where is Merkel Nursing Center?
- 1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536, in Taylor County, Texas.
- What is the phone number of Merkel Nursing Center?
- (325) 928-5673, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of Merkel Nursing Center?
- Medicare overall rating: 1 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has Merkel Nursing Center been fined?
- Medicare lists 2 fines totaling $320,538.
- What did inspectors find at Merkel Nursing Center?
- In its last three inspection cycles (June 8, 2023 to February 16, 2026), Medicare lists 64 health citations; the most serious was level K. 5 were level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Medicare ratings, explained
Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.
Inspections, fines and staffing
In its last three inspection cycles (June 8, 2023 to February 16, 2026), Merkel Nursing Center had 64 health citations; the most serious was level K (immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety). 5 of them were level G or higher (actual harm or immediate jeopardy). It was fined $320,538 in total (2 fines, the latest on February 16, 2026).
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.
Inspection history: last three cycles
State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.
What the letters A to L mean
| Seriousness | Isolated (a few residents) | Pattern (some) | Widespread (many) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No actual harm, potential for minimal harm | A | B | C |
| No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm | D | E | F |
| Actual harm to residents | G | H | I |
| Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety | J | K | L |
Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.
Most recent cycle: December 4, 2025 — 21 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: December 4, 2025 (standard health inspection); February 16, 2026 (complaint investigation).
F0600 Level K
“Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.”
immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety; pattern (some residents) · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
F0689 Level K
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety; pattern (some residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
F0725 Level K
“Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.”
immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety; pattern (some residents) · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
F0726 Level K
“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.”
immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety; pattern (some residents) · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Show 17 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0727 Level F
“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.”
F0728 Level F
“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.”
F0881 Level F
“Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.”
F0882 Level F
“Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.”
F0867 Level F
“Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.”
F0695 Level E
“Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.”
F0849 Level E
“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.”
F0909 Level E
“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.”
F0940 Level E
“Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.”
F0941 Level E
“Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.”
F0942 Level E
“Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.”
F0943 Level E
“Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
F0944 Level E
“Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.”
F0945 Level E
“Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.”
F0949 Level E
“Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
Previous cycle: July 31, 2024 — 34 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: July 31, 2024 (standard health inspection); October 17, 2024 (complaint investigation); December 12, 2024 (complaint investigation); August 22, 2025 (complaint investigation).
F0689 Level K
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety; pattern (some residents) · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Show 33 less serious citations (levels A to F)
F0801 Level F
“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.”
F0835 Level F
“Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.”
F0838 Level F
“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.”
F0868 Level F
“Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly”
F0607 Level E
“Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.”
F0609 Level E
“Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.”
F0610 Level E
“Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.”
F0580 Level E
“Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.”
F0656 Level E
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0842 Level E
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0926 Level E
“Have policies on smoking.”
F0550 Level E
“Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.”
F0656 Level E
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0689 Level E
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0695 Level E
“Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.”
F0728 Level E
“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.”
F0803 Level 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.”
F0812 Level E
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0880 Level E
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0909 Level E
“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.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0655 Level D
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
F0657 Level D
“Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0607 Level D
“Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.”
F0686 Level D
“Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.”
F0844 Level C
“Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.”
F0576 Level C
“Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.”
F0680 Level C
“Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.”
F0732 Level B
“Post nurse staffing information every day.”
F0941 Level B
“Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.”
F0944 Level B
“Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.”
F0949 Level B
“Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.”
Earlier cycle: June 8, 2023 — 9 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: June 8, 2023 (standard health inspection); December 15, 2023 (complaint investigation); July 31, 2024 (complaint investigation).
Show 9 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0908 Level E
“Keep all essential equipment working safely.”
F0558 Level E
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0567 Level E
“Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.”
F0711 Level E
“Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.”
F0727 Level E
“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.”
F0761 Level 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.”
F0812 Level E
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0868 Level E
“Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly”
F0880 Level E
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.
Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →
Fire safety citations (9)
K0211 Level E
“Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.”
K0321 Level E
“Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.”
K0511 Level E
“Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.”
K0923 Level E
“Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.”
K0521 Level C
“Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
E0039 Level F
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
K0353 Level E
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0521 Level C
“Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
K0521 Level C
“Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Fines and payment denials
Total fines over about the last three years: $320,538 (2 fines). A payment denial means Medicare stopped paying for new admissions for a time.
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Fine | $139,586 |
| August 22, 2025 | Fine | $180,952 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Penalties file, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Legal business name: Emi Healthcare LLC.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (1)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander, Rainey | Direct owner | NOT APPLICABLE | January 1, 2022 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.
Compare with other nursing homes
Key facts
| Type | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Certified beds | 65 |
| Average residents per day | 3.8 |
| Takes part in | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Ownership | For profit – limited liability company |
| Legal business name | Emi Healthcare LLC |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 2005-06-01 |
| Resident and family councils | None |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 1704 N. 1st, Merkel, TX 79536 |
| County | Taylor County |
| State | Texas |
| Phone | (325) 928‑5673 |
| CMS Certification Number | 676053 |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
What to ask when you call or visit
A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.
- Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
- Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
- How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
- Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
- What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
- Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
- What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
- Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
- Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
- Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.
Other nursing homes nearby
By straight-line distance (not driving distance).
- Willowcreek Rehab and Nursing14 mi · Abilene, TX · 2 of 5 stars
- Wisteria Place15 mi · Abilene, TX · 3 of 5 stars
- Mesa Springs Healthcare Center16 mi · Abilene, TX · 2 of 5 stars
- Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilitation Center16 mi · Abilene, TX · 4 of 5 stars
- Avir at Coronado16 mi · Abilene, TX · 2 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Hendrick Medical Center17 mi · Abilene, TX · Acute Care Hospital
- Anson General Hospital22 mi · Anson, TX · Rural Emergency Hospital
- Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital22 mi · Sweetwater, TX · Acute Care Hospital
Sources
- Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
- Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13