Nursing homeFAID #14461
Merkel Nursing Center
1704 N. 1st, MERKEL, TX, 79536
(325) 928-5673
65 licensed beds
★★★★★1/5CMS Five-Star overall1/5 health inspections3/5 staffing1/5 quality measuresSource: CMS Care Compare
Public record summary
What we can show you for free.
Bed capacity
65
CMS facility ID
676053
Care type
Nursing home
County
Taylor
Facility name
Merkel Nursing Center
Street address
1704 N. 1st
City / state / ZIP
Merkel, TX 79536
Phone
(325) 928-5673
About this facility — Merkel Nursing Center
Merkel Nursing Center is a Medicare/Medicaid-certified skilled nursing facility in Merkel, Texas. It is licensed for 65 beds — below the median for skilled nursing facilities in Texas (120 beds).
It is one of 1 senior care facility in Merkel and 1,178 skilled nursing facilities across Texas. Families comparing options should weigh inspection history, ownership record, and litigation — not just the tour — before deciding.
Federal inspectors have cited Merkel Nursing Center 73 times across 12 inspections in the last three years, including 4 food-safety citations, and CMS has imposed $318,060 in fines. Every citation is listed, dated, and graded in the inspection record below.
This listing draws on federal CMS Nursing Home Compare records, and was last updated on August 31, 2026. Background reports are compiled from primary sources — state inspection files, federal CMS data, corporate registrations, and court records — at the time of order.
Facility background
What the public record shows.
Ownership & operator
Ownership type
For profit - Limited Liability company
Registered owners & officers
Alexander, Joe
Additional disclosable party — since 2022
Alexander, Rainey
Direct owner · Operational control — since 2022
Martinez Irizarry, Axel
Additional disclosable party — since 2025
Stroh Properties Lp
Additional disclosable party — since 2022
Stroh, Clarence
Additional disclosable party — since 2022
Regulatory standing
Licensed / certified since
2005-06-01
CMS overall rating
1 of 5 stars
Health deficiencies
29 at the last standard inspection
Federal fines
$318,060 total
Last standard inspection
2025-12-04
Nurse staffing
3.3 hours per resident per day
Cost & payer profile (FY2023 cost report)
Average billed charges
$2,340 per day (≈ $71,140/month). Private-pay prices typically track billed charges; Medicare and Medicaid pay set rates.
Payer mix (resident days)
1% Medicaid · 98% Medicare · 1% private/other
Occupancy
5% (fiscal year 2023)
Vs. state median
745% above the TX median of $277/day — full state cost breakdown
Services & coverage
Licensed beds
65
Medicare
Accepted
Medicaid
Accepted
Compiled from CMS Nursing Home Compare; owners/officers from the CMS Ownership dataset; cost & occupancy from the facility's own CMS cost report · last verified 2026-08-31. Facilities can submit a correction.
Inspection record
Every citation, dated and graded.
Kitchen & food safety
Federal surveyors inspect the kitchen at every standard visit. This facility has 4 food-safety citations on its three-year record — flagged below among the inspections.
2026-02-16Health inspectionComplaint-triggered8 citations
F-0600
K · Immediate jeopardyFrom a complaint
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0689
K · Immediate jeopardyFrom a complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0725
K · Immediate jeopardyFrom a complaint
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0726
K · Immediate jeopardyFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0727
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0728
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0881
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Corrected 2026-03-04
F-0882
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Corrected 2026-03-04
2025-12-04Health inspection13 citations
F-0695
E · No harm found
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0842
D · No harm found
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0849
E · No harm found
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.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0867
F · No harm found
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0880
D · No harm found
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0909
E · No harm found
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.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0940
E · No harm found
Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0941
E · No harm found
Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0942
E · No harm found
Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0943
E · No harm found
Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0944
E · No harm found
Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0945
E · No harm found
Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.
Corrected 2026-01-07
F-0949
E · No harm found
Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Corrected 2026-01-07
9 earlier / fire-safety inspections (52 citations)
2025-08-22Health inspectionComplaint-triggered8 citations
F-0607
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Corrected 2025-09-17
F-0609
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Corrected 2025-09-17
F-0610
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected 2025-09-17
F-0689
K · Immediate jeopardyFrom a complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected 2025-09-01
F-0801
F · No harm foundFood safetyFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2025-09-25
F-0835
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Corrected 2025-09-15
F-0838
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2025-09-16
F-0844
C · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Follow rules about disclosure of ownership requirements and tell the state agency about changes in ownership and/or administrative personnel.
Corrected 2025-09-18
2024-12-12Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation
F-0880
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2025-01-01
2024-10-17Health inspectionComplaint-triggered6 citations
F-0580
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected 2024-11-08
F-0655
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Corrected 2024-11-08
F-0656
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2024-11-08
F-0657
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Corrected 2024-11-08
F-0842
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Corrected 2024-11-08
F-0926
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Have policies on smoking.
Corrected 2024-11-08
2024-07-31Health inspectionComplaint-triggered19 citations
F-0550
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Corrected 2024-09-01
F-0558
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Corrected 2024-09-01
F-0576
C · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
Corrected 2024-08-31
F-0607
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Corrected 2024-09-15
F-0656
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2024-09-01
F-0680
C · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Corrected 2024-08-19
F-0686
D · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected 2024-09-01
F-0689
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected 2024-09-05
F-0695
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected 2024-09-05
F-0728
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2024-09-15
F-0732
B · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Corrected 2024-09-05
F-0803
E · No harm foundFood safetyFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2024-09-02
F-0812
E · No harm foundFood safetyFrom a complaint
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected 2024-09-02
F-0868
F · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Corrected 2024-09-15
F-0880
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2024-09-02
F-0909
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
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.
Corrected 2024-08-20
F-0941
B · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
Corrected 2024-09-05
F-0944
B · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
Corrected 2024-09-05
F-0949
B · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Corrected 2024-09-05
2023-12-15Health inspectionComplaint-triggered1 citation
F-0908
E · No harm foundFrom a complaint
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Corrected 2023-12-20
2023-06-08Health inspection8 citations
F-0558
E · No harm found
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0567
E · No harm found
Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0711
E · No harm found
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0727
E · No harm found
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.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0761
E · No harm found
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.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0812
E · No harm foundFood safety
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0868
E · No harm found
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Corrected 2023-07-07
F-0880
E · No harm found
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2023-07-07
2025-12-04Fire-safety inspection5 citations
K-0211
E · No harm found
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Corrected 2026-01-31
K-0321
E · No harm found
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Corrected 2026-01-31
K-0511
E · No harm found
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Corrected 2026-01-31
K-0521
C · No harm found
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Corrected 2026-01-12
K-0923
E · No harm found
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Corrected 2026-01-31
2024-07-31Fire-safety inspection3 citations
E-0039
F · No harm found
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Corrected 2024-09-30
K-0353
E · No harm found
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Corrected 2024-10-01
K-0521
C · No harm found
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Corrected 2024-10-01
2023-06-08Fire-safety inspection1 citation
K-0521
C · No harm found
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Corrected 2023-07-09
Federal penalties
2026-02-16Fine$137,108
2025-08-22Fine$180,952
Total fines$318,060
Citations and penalties from the CMS Provider Data Catalog (three-year survey window, refreshed monthly). Severity codes follow the federal scope/severity grid; “Immediate jeopardy” is the most serious grade CMS issues. CCN 676053.
Inside your report
What unlocks when you order.
Ownership & corporate history
Primary tierPrior operators & transfers
Corporate network & affiliates
,
Owners' other facilities
· · 2 more
Inspection citations — last 5 years
LockedThe 73 citations above are shown free. The report takes each one and explains it in plain English — what the tag requires, how serious the scope/severity grade really is, whether it recurred across surveys — plus the five-year pattern a single inspection can't show.
Civil & criminal lawsuits
Advanced tier onlyActive civil suits
#
Federal dockets
CDC infection data
Unlock the full file
Citations, owner history, lawsuits — decoded into one PDF.
Original records
Sources we pull for this facility.
Source
CMS Nursing Home Compare
data.cms.gov Provider Data Catalog
Last verified 2026-08-31
Source
Secretary of State filings
Entity & officer search
Pulled when a report is ordered
Source
PACER federal dockets
pacer.uscourts.gov
Pulled when a report is ordered