Deficiencies (last 5 years)
Deficiencies (over 5 years)
5.2 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
Same as New Jersey average
New Jersey average: 5.2 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
8
6
4
2
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
81 residents
Based on a August 2024 inspection.
This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.
Census over time
Notice
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 20, 2025
Visit Reason
This document serves to inform individuals about the privacy practices of NJDHSS, including how their medical information may be used and disclosed, and their rights related to this information.
Findings
The notice details the types of information covered, reasons for use and disclosure of health information, individuals' rights to access and control their information, and legal duties of NJDHSS to protect privacy.
Report Facts
Effective date: 2011
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Devon L. Graf | Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Compliance | Listed as NJDHSS Privacy Officer contact for questions about the notice |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Deficiencies: 1
Date: Nov 3, 2025
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with wound care treatment orders and overall care quality related to pressure ulcer management at the nursing home.
Findings
The facility failed to provide necessary wound care treatments as ordered by the physician for 3 of 3 residents reviewed, resulting in inadequate wound healing and non-compliance with physician orders and facility policy.
Deficiencies (1)
Failure to provide necessary treatment and services as ordered by the physician to promote wound healing for 3 residents.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for wound care: 3
BIMS score: 12
BIMS score: 9
Dates of wound care orders: Oct 29, 2025
Dates of wound care orders: Jul 5, 2025
Dates of wound care orders: Jul 7, 2025
Dates of wound care orders: Jul 10, 2025
Dates of wound care orders: Apr 22, 2025
Dates of wound care treatments completed: Nov 1, 2025
Dates of wound care treatments completed: Nov 2, 2025
Dates of wound care treatments completed: Nov 3, 2025
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding wound care and TAR signing |
| Unit Manager | Unit Manager | Interviewed and observed wound dressings during unit tour |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Aug 1, 2025
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted based on complaint #2575153 regarding medication administration errors and infection prevention and control practices at Preferred Care at Mercer.
Complaint Details
Complaint #2575153 involved observations, interviews, and record reviews that identified medication administration errors and inadequate infection prevention practices. The complaint was substantiated with findings of medication errors and infection control lapses affecting multiple residents.
Findings
The facility failed to maintain medication error rates below 5%, with observed medication errors including incorrect dosages and wrong medications administered. Additionally, infection prevention and control practices were inadequate during medication administration, including failure to follow hand hygiene and enhanced barrier precautions.
Deficiencies (3)
Medication error rate exceeded 5%, with errors including incorrect vitamin C dosage, improper administration of carbamazepine tablets, and incorrect lactulose dosage.
Resident received incorrect intravenous antibiotic medication (Ceftin instead of Daptomycin).
Failure to maintain appropriate infection prevention and control practices during medication administration, including improper glove use and hand hygiene.
Report Facts
Medication administration opportunities: 43
Medication errors observed: 3
Medication error rate: 6.97
BIMS score: 12
BIMS score: 15
BIMS score: 15
IV antibiotic order dose: 700
IV antibiotic order volume: 100
IV antibiotic order frequency: 1
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| RN #1 | Registered Nurse | Observed administering medications with errors and interviewed regarding medication administration practices. |
| RN #2 | Registered Nurse | Administered wrong IV antibiotic to Resident #2 and provided a witness statement. |
| Unit Manager #1 | Unit Manager | Interviewed regarding expectations for medication administration and infection prevention. |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding facility expectations for medication administration and infection prevention policies. |
Inspection Report
Routine
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Aug 6, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident assessments and respiratory care at Preferred Care at Mercer nursing home.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in ensuring accurate Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for one resident and failed to document oxygen use properly for another resident, both issues posing minimal harm or potential for actual harm.
Deficiencies (2)
Failed to ensure that Minimum Data Sets (MDS) assessments were accurate for Resident #66, with documented inaccuracies in psychiatric/mood disorder diagnoses.
Failed to document the use of oxygen in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for Resident #46 receiving respiratory care.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for MDS accuracy: 22
Residents reviewed for respiratory care: 2
Oxygen flow rate: 2
Dates of psychiatric consult notes: 11
Dates of Psychotropic Medication Use screening forms: 9
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Stated Resident #66 can be combative and yells | |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Interviewed regarding MDS discrepancies and oxygen documentation; acknowledged corrections and policy compliance | |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 | Interviewed about oxygen use documentation and PRN medication procedures |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 81
Deficiencies: 7
Date: Aug 6, 2024
Visit Reason
A complaint investigation and recertification survey were conducted to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, triggered by multiple complaints.
Complaint Details
The visit was complaint-related with multiple complaint numbers cited: NJ 160220, NJ 162387, NJ 163020, NJ 167083, NJ 171699, and NJ 172959. The facility was found not in substantial compliance based on this complaint visit.
Findings
The facility was found not in substantial compliance with federal requirements based on deficiencies in accuracy of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, respiratory care documentation, and life safety code violations including egress door locking, smoke detection, sprinkler system maintenance, corridor door functionality, and fire door inspections.
Deficiencies (7)
Failure to ensure accuracy of Minimum Data Sets (MDS) assessments, specifically coding errors related to diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder for resident #66.
Failure to document use of PRN oxygen in the Electronic Medical Record for resident #46, inconsistent with professional standards.
Egress doors had locking devices that could restrict emergency exit, including a hook-type deadbolt on glass sliding doors and keyed lock on exit door by administrator's office.
Smoke detection system missing in dining area open to corridor.
Automatic sprinkler system deficiencies including corrosion on sprinkler heads, ceiling penetrations, and gaps around sprinkler pipes.
Corridor doors not properly latching or resisting passage of smoke, including resident room doors and emergency electrical room door.
Failure to inspect, test, and document fire door assemblies annually by qualified personnel.
Report Facts
Census: 81
Sample Size: 22
Deficiency Count: 7
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Provided re-education to nurses regarding PRN oxygen documentation and MDS coding accuracy. | |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 | Interviewed regarding failure to document PRN oxygen administration. | |
| Regional MDS nurse | Corrected and resubmitted inaccurate MDS assessments; provided in-service education on MDS accuracy. | |
| Facility Administrator | Responsible for re-inservicing staff on exit door accessibility, smoke detector requirements, sprinkler system maintenance, corridor door compliance, and fire door inspections; oversees audits and corrective actions. | |
| Maintenance Director | Conducts inspections and maintenance related to fire safety systems including sprinkler heads and fire door assemblies. |
Document
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 17, 2022
Visit Reason
This document does not contain any visit or inspection reason.
Findings
No inspection findings or content are present in this document.
Inspection Report
Routine
Deficiencies: 7
Date: Nov 17, 2022
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident rights, accurate assessments, care planning, dialysis care, respiratory care, infection prevention and control, and environmental cleanliness.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in honoring residents' dignity and preferences, ensuring accurate Minimum Data Set assessments, implementing comprehensive care plans, maintaining dialysis access site care, following physician orders for oxygen use, enforcing infection prevention protocols including proper PPE use, and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.
Deficiencies (7)
Failed to preserve the dignity and personal preference for one resident related to Veteran's Day activities and flag display.
Failed to ensure accurate Minimum Data Set assessments for four residents incorrectly coded as non-smokers.
Failed to implement a comprehensive care plan for one resident regarding oxygen use refusal.
Failed to ensure care and documentation of a resident's dialysis access site met professional standards; blood pressures were taken on the access arm contrary to orders.
Failed to follow physician orders related to continuous oxygen use for one resident who intermittently removed oxygen without documentation.
Failed to ensure staff wore appropriate PPE including gowns upon entering COVID-19 PUI resident's room.
Failed to provide a clean and sanitary environment in one resident's room, including dirty floors and lack of toilet paper and paper towels.
Report Facts
Residents incorrectly coded as non-smokers: 4
Residents reviewed for care plan implementation: 20
Blood pressures documented in dialysis access arm: 63
Veterans at facility: 12
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing (DON) | Interviewed regarding oxygen use refusal and infection control PPE requirements |
| Licensed Nursing Home Administrator | Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) | Interviewed regarding Veteran's Day flag issue and dialysis care documentation |
| MDS Coordinator | MDS Coordinator | Interviewed regarding inaccurate MDS smoking status assessments |
| Admissions Director | Admissions Director (ADD) | Interviewed regarding donated flag and Veteran's Day activities |
| Activity Director | Activity Director (AD) | Interviewed regarding Veteran's Day activities and flag |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN #1) | Interviewed regarding dialysis access care and blood pressure documentation |
| Registered Nurse | Registered Nurse (RN #2) | Interviewed regarding oxygen use and documentation |
| Nursing Assistant | Nursing Assistant (NA) | Observed and interviewed regarding PPE use in COVID-19 PUI room |
| Housekeeping Director | Housekeeping Director (HD) | Interviewed regarding room cleaning and sanitation deficiencies |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA #1) | Interviewed regarding room cleaning practices |
| Registered Nurse/Unit Manager | Registered Nurse/Unit Manager (RN/UM #1) | Interviewed regarding PPE requirements and infection control |
Inspection Report
Life Safety
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Nov 4, 2022
Visit Reason
A Life Safety Code Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health on 11/04/2022 to assess compliance with Medicare/Medicaid participation requirements and the 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for Preferred Care at Mercer.
Findings
The facility was found noncompliant with fire safety requirements including failure to ensure fire-rated doors to hazardous areas were self-closing and properly separated by smoke-resisting partitions, one electrical outlet near a water source lacking proper GFCI protection, and the emergency generator lacking a remote manual stop station.
Deficiencies (3)
Fire-rated doors to hazardous areas were not self-closing and not properly separated by smoke-resisting partitions as required by NFPA 101.
One of eleven electrical outlets near a water source lacked proper working Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
The emergency generator did not have a remote manual stop station installed as required by NFPA 110.
Report Facts
Number of electrical outlets inspected: 11
Number of boxes stored in combustible storage room: 60
Resident sleeping rooms on upper level: 50
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Maintenance | Present during inspection and confirmed findings | |
| Facility Administrator | Informed of deficiencies at exit conference and responsible for corrective actions | |
| Facility Maintenance Director | Performed repairs and testing related to deficiencies |
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 84
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jan 18, 2022
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented the CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.
Report Facts
Sample size: 8
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 98
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Oct 29, 2021
Visit Reason
The inspection visit was conducted in response to complaint #NJ 147110 to assess compliance with regulatory requirements.
Complaint Details
Complaint # NJ 147110 was investigated and the facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for long term care facilities based on this complaint visit.
Report Facts
Sample Size: 3
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 79
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 3, 2021
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint survey based on complaints NJ144804, NJ141628, and NJ139440.
Complaint Details
Complaint numbers NJ144804, NJ141628, and NJ139440 were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated as the facility was in compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for Long Term Care Facilities based on this complaint survey.
Report Facts
Sample size: 6
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 75
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Mar 3, 2021
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation based on complaint # NJ 141316.
Complaint Details
Complaint # NJ 141316; the facility was found in substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for long term care facilities based on this complaint visit.
Report Facts
Sample size: 3
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 81
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jan 27, 2021
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented the CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.
Report Facts
Sample size: 5
Inspection Report
Routine
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Mar 5, 2020
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with food safety, infection control, and proper handling and storage of food and linens in the nursing home facility.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in proper food storage and labeling, kitchen sanitation, use of beard restraints by kitchen staff, infection prevention practices including hand hygiene during meal service, and appropriate transport of soiled linens. Several food items lacked use-by dates, food was improperly thawed, and staff failed to offer hand hygiene to residents before meals.
Deficiencies (3)
Failure to store and handle potentially hazardous foods properly, including uncovered food under a fan, lack of use-by dates on multiple food items, and thawing raw chicken in its own juices without proper use-by date.
Two kitchen staff with facial hair did not wear beard restraints during food preparation.
Failure to provide and implement an infection prevention and control program, including failure to offer hand hygiene to residents before meals and improper transport of soiled linens.
Report Facts
Food items without use-by dates: 14
Weight of food items: 10
Weight of food items: 7
Dates of food items: Mar 3, 2020
Dates of food items: Mar 17, 2020
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Food Service Director | Food Service Director (FSD) | Present during kitchen observations, responsible for food labeling and sanitation, did not wear beard restraint during food preparation. |
| District Manager | District Manager (DM) | Present during observations, recommended beard restraint use for kitchen staff. |
| Dietary Aide | Dietary Aide (DA) | Assisted with plating food, had mustache and did not wear beard restraint. |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | CNA #1 | Observed delivering uncovered food trays and not offering hand hygiene to residents. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | LPN #1 | Observed delivering lunch trays without offering hand hygiene to residents. |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | LPN #2 | Delivered lunch tray without offering hand hygiene, acknowledged protocol to offer hand wipes. |
| Human Resources Staff | HR Staff | Delivered food trays without offering hand hygiene, unaware that hand wipes were missing from trays. |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | CNA #1 | Observed transporting soiled linen improperly by leaning bag against uniform. |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing (DON) and Infection Control Practitioner | Stated all residents should receive hand hygiene prior to meals. |
| Head Cook | Head Cook (HC) | Present during kitchen observations, acknowledged improper thawing of pit ham. |
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