Above average — CMS composite of the measures below.
A standard survey is most likely before around December 2026
Estimate from public CMS data, current as of July 2026. Survey timing is at the state agency's discretion.
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Pruitthealth - Athens Heritage during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Unauthorized Medications Left at Bedside: Two residents had unsecured medications left on bedside tables despite no self-administration assessments or care plans. One resident with CHF, MDD with psychotic features, and DM2 had medicated rubs and a pill container at the bedside, while another resident with MDD, mild dementia, and physical debility had medicated eye drops at the bedside. CNAs and an LPN confirmed the medications were present and stated residents were not authorized to self-administer.
Debris was observed in the PTAC unit grills in two resident rooms on the 300 Hall, despite the facility’s housekeeping procedure calling for monthly deep cleaning to create a sanitary and comfortable environment. The Interim Maintenance Director confirmed the debris and said he was unsure how long it had been present, while the Administrator stated housekeeping was responsible for cleaning the PTAC grills and that the expectation was to maintain a clean, homelike environment.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and significant ADL dependence had an aerosol disinfectant spray container stored on her bedside table next to her lunch tray. The resident said it was hers but could not remember where it came from, and staff observed the spray remaining in the room while a CNA picked up the meal tray. An LPN confirmed the resident should not have the spray in the room, and an RN stated the resident’s family member routinely brought disinfectant sprays when cleaning the room.
Oxygen Flow Rates Not Set Per Physician Orders: Two residents receiving oxygen therapy were observed with flow rates that did not match physician orders. One resident with CHF, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and severe cognitive impairment was ordered 2 LPM NC but was found at 3 LPM and later 2.5 LPM. Another resident with pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure with hypoxia, and pulmonary fibrosis was ordered 2 LPM continuous NC but was found at 1 LPM and later 1 to 1.5 LPM. An LPN confirmed one incorrect setting and stated nurses were responsible for ensuring oxygen was administered as ordered.
The facility failed to ensure that food stored in the main kitchen and unit kitchenettes was properly labeled, dated, and not expired. Several items in the walk-in refrigerator and nourishment rooms were found without use-by dates or were expired. The Dietary Manager confirmed that all items should be dated with a use-by date and that no outdated items should remain in the refrigerators.
The facility failed to provide a Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN) or Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) for two residents who were discharged from Medicare Part A services but remained in the facility. Despite the facility's policy requiring written notification about liability for non-covered services, there was no documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) indicating that these notices were issued. The Administrator confirmed the absence of these notices in the residents' records.
The facility failed to document that pneumococcal and influenza vaccines had been offered, given, or previously received outside of the facility for five residents. Interviews with staff confirmed that immunizations were not up to date and there was no system in place to document them upon admission.
The facility failed to evaluate a resident for self-administration of medications. An LPN left medications unattended in the resident's room without an order for self-administration. Interviews confirmed the resident did not have an order to self-administer medications, violating facility policy.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and multiple medical conditions was repeatedly observed without the call light within reach, despite her care plan requiring it to be accessible. Staff interviews confirmed the resident's ability to use the call light, but it was often found on the bed or floor, out of reach.
The facility failed to perform nail care for a resident requiring substantial assistance, resulting in long fingernails with brown debris. Staff interviews revealed confusion about responsibility for nail care, and the facility lacked a specific policy on activities of daily living.
A resident with diabetes, hypertension, and frequent falls had long and unkept toenails, causing discomfort. Despite staff awareness and a process for scheduling podiatry services, the resident had not seen a podiatrist since admission.
A resident with multiple documented food allergies was served foods containing allergens, despite clear documentation in the EMR and care plan. Interviews revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the resident's allergies among staff, and no facility policy addressing resident allergies.
Unauthorized Medications Left at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure unauthorized and unsecured medications were not left at the bedside for two sampled residents, R17 and R86. The facility policy on self-administration of medications required nurses and aides to report any medications found at the bedside that were not authorized for bedside storage and to give them to the Charge Nurse for return to the family or responsible party. However, review of the EMR showed no assessment or care plan for self-administration of medications for either resident, and staff stated that residents were not authorized to self-administer medications. R17 had diagnoses including chronic systolic and diastolic heart failure, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and had a BIMS score of 15 with assistance needed for ADLs. Observations found a blue container of medicated vapor rub and a blue container of medicated chest rub on the bedside table, as well as a clear pill container with two white pills. R86 had diagnoses including major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild, unspecified dementia, and age-related physical debility, with a BIMS score of 14 and assistance needed for ADLs. Observations found a bottle of medicated eye drops on the bedside table. CNA GG and CNA HH confirmed the medications at the bedside and stated they would report them, while an LPN stated she checked rooms to ensure medications were not left unsecured and identified the bedside medications as not administered by staff.
Debris Found in PTAC Unit Grills in Resident Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, homelike environment in two of 12 resident rooms on the 300 Hall. Review of the facility’s Housekeeping: Discharge and Monthly Deep Cleaning of the Resident Room document stated that the purpose of the deep/discharge clean was to create a sanitary and comfortable environment for the resident, and the procedure required confirmation with Maintenance Director and Housekeeping Supervisor that maintenance and floor care needs, including PTAC units and clean coils, had been addressed before beginning the deep clean. Observations in two resident rooms showed debris in the PTAC unit grills on multiple occasions. In a concurrent interview and observation, the Interim Maintenance Director confirmed debris on the PTAC units in the resident rooms and stated he was unsure how long the debris had been present. He also stated that housekeeping performed daily cleaning and monthly deep cleaning, that residents should feel like the facility was their home, and that housekeeping should be monitoring PTAC units. The Administrator stated that housekeeping was responsible for cleaning the PTAC grills, with maintenance involved if further attention was needed, and confirmed the expectation to maintain a clean, homelike environment with monthly deep cleaning.
Hazardous Chemical Stored in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure hazardous chemicals were not stored in one of 34 sampled residents’ rooms. In R9’s room, a pink organizational bin was observed on the bedside table next to the resident’s lunch tray, and an aerosol disinfectant spray container was sitting in the bin. R9 had diagnoses including muscle weakness, end-stage renal disease with dependence on renal dialysis, unspecified symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions, dysphagia following cerebral infarction, and aphasia following cerebral infarction. The quarterly MDS dated 6/17/2025 documented a BIMS score of 4, indicating severe cognitive impairment, and that R9 required substantial to maximal assistance with ADLs. During the observation, R9 stated the spray was hers but did not remember where it came from and said she needed to use it when she cleaned her table and area. She also stated it had been on her table for a while. CNA CC was observed picking up R9’s lunch tray while the aerosol disinfectant spray remained on the bedside table, and he later confirmed he noticed the spray but did not remove it. LPN AA confirmed the aerosol disinfectant spray container was in R9’s room and stated the resident should not have it there. RN BB stated R9’s family member always came in and cleaned her room and brought cans of disinfect sprays.
Oxygen Flow Rates Not Set Per Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure oxygen was administered according to physician orders for two residents receiving oxygen therapy. Facility policy titled Oxygen Administration stated oxygen was to be provided safely and accurately and that the liter flow should be regulated to the ordered flow rate. Surveyors observed that R34, who had diagnoses including systolic congestive heart failure, ischemic cardiomyopathy, old myocardial infarction, dysphagia, and severe cognitive impairment with a BIMS score of 3, was ordered oxygen at 2 LPM via nasal cannula every shift but was found receiving oxygen at 3 LPM on one observation and 2.5 LPM on later observations. R34’s care plan identified oxygen use at 2 liters per minute, and the resident stated the oxygen should be set at 2 LPM. R5, who had diagnoses including pulmonary embolism, acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, pulmonary fibrosis, and dyspnea, was ordered oxygen at 2 LPM via nasal cannula continuously but was observed receiving oxygen at 1 LPM and between 1 and 1.5 LPM on separate observations. During a concurrent observation, an LPN confirmed the oxygen flow rate was set at 1 LPM instead of the ordered 2 LPM and stated nurses were responsible for reviewing physician orders and ensuring oxygen was administered as ordered. The DHS and Administrator stated their expectations were for nursing staff to verify oxygen settings were accurate per physician orders and to adhere to the care plan.
Failure to Properly Label and Date Food Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food stored in the main kitchen and unit kitchenettes was properly labeled, dated, and not expired. During an initial kitchen tour, several items in the walk-in refrigerator were found without use-by dates, including a bag of shredded cheese, a block of cheese, and three bags of sliced ham. Additionally, nineteen cartons of chocolate milk, four half-gallons of buttermilk, and various containers of food items were either expired or lacked proper labeling. The Dietary Manager (DM) confirmed that all items should be dated with a use-by date and that no outdated items should remain in the walk-in refrigerator. The DM also stated that leftovers should be saved for only 72 hours and have a discard date on them, and that staff should follow the storage diagram for items in the walk-in refrigerator. Further observations revealed expired and unlabeled items in the nourishment rooms on units one and two. These included a carton of chocolate milk, a quart of prune juice, an opened tube feeding bottle of Nepro 1.8, and two cartons of yogurt with no visible date. The DM stated that the nourishment rooms should be checked daily for cleanliness by the dietary staff and confirmed that outdated items should not have remained in the refrigerators. The DM was not aware of the outdated items in the nourishment rooms and confirmed that they should have been discarded.
Failure to Provide Required Medicare Non-Coverage Notices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN) or Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) for two residents who were discharged from Medicare Part A services but remained in the facility. The facility's policy requires that residents be informed in writing about their liability for payment of services not covered by Medicare. However, for two residents, there was no documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) indicating that these notices were issued. One resident was discontinued from skilled therapy services on January 24, 2024, and the other on February 22, 2024, both having exhausted their Medicare benefit days. Despite the facility's policy, there were no records of the required notifications being provided to these residents or their representatives. During an interview, the Administrator confirmed the absence of these notices in the residents' records and mentioned that the responsibility for completing the notifications had shifted from the Social Worker to the Business Office Manager. The Social Worker claimed to have provided the notifications but did not have any copies, and there were no notes in the residents' records to indicate if or when the notices were provided.
Failure to Document Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccinations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide documentation that pneumococcal and influenza vaccines had been offered, given, or previously received outside of the facility for five residents. The review of the electronic medical records (EMR) for these residents revealed no documentation under the Immunizations tab for either vaccine. The facility's policies stated that all residents should receive these vaccines unless contraindicated or refused, but there was no evidence that this process was followed for the five residents reviewed. Interviews with the Infection Preventionist (IP) and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the immunizations were not up to date and that there was no system in place to document immunizations upon admission. The IP mentioned that no one in the facility had access to the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS), and the DON acknowledged that the former IP had not completed the work on immunizations before leaving. The Administrator also confirmed that immunizations need to be offered and documented if refused, but this was not being done.
Failure to Evaluate Resident for Self-Administration of Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to evaluate and determine if it was appropriate for a resident to self-administer medications. This was observed during a medication administration when an LPN left the resident's eye drops, cough medicine, and inhaler on the over-the-bed table while stepping out to get another medication. The LPN acknowledged that there was no order for the resident to self-administer medications and admitted that the medications should not have been left in the room unattended. Interviews with the Director of Health Services and the MDS nurse confirmed that the resident did not have an order to self-administer medications. The facility's policy requires that a licensed nurse and physician determine if self-administration is safe for the resident and others, but this evaluation was not conducted for the resident in question. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15 out of 15, had multiple medications prescribed, including dextromethorphan-guaifenesin liquid, dorzolamide solution, and Wixela inhaler.
Failure to Ensure Call Light Accessibility for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the call button to activate the emergency call light was accessible for one resident. This resident, who had severe cognitive impairment and required total assistance with various activities, was observed multiple times without the call light within reach. On one occasion, the call light was found on the bed, out of the resident's reach, and on two other occasions, it was found on the floor behind the bed. Interviews with staff confirmed that the resident was capable of using the call light and had done so on occasions, but it was not consistently placed within her reach as required by her care plan. The resident's medical history included heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, contracture of the right knee, dysphagia, ataxia, aphasia, vascular dementia, mood disturbance, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The care plan specifically noted the need to place the call light within reach to mitigate the risk of falls due to her decreased mobility and high fall risk. Despite this, the call light was repeatedly found out of reach, indicating a failure to follow the care plan and ensure the resident's safety and ability to call for assistance.
Failure to Perform Nail Care for Resident Requiring Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to perform nail care for a resident (R38) who required substantial or maximal assistance from staff for personal hygiene needs. R38, who had diagnoses including diabetes, hypertension, and frequent falls, was observed on two separate occasions with long fingernails and brown debris under them. The resident's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) indicated moderate cognitive impairment and a need for substantial assistance with personal hygiene. However, there was no documentation regarding nail care in R38's care plans. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding nail care. An LPN stated that it was the CNA's responsibility to ensure the resident's fingernails were cut or trimmed, while a CNA expressed uncertainty about whether they could cut the resident's nails. The Director of Health Services confirmed the resident's fingernails were long and had brown debris under them and stated that CNAs were responsible for cleaning and filing the resident's fingernails as needed. The facility did not have a specific policy on activities of daily living but had a procedure for nail care.
Failure to Provide Podiatry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide podiatry services to a resident (R38) who had been readmitted with diagnoses including diabetes, hypertension, and frequent falls. The resident's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) indicated moderate cognitive impairment and a need for substantial or maximal assistance with personal hygiene. Observations on two separate days revealed that R38's toenails were long and unkept. Interviews with staff, including a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), confirmed that R38's toenails were too long and causing her discomfort. The CNA reported the issue to the nurse, who stated that R38 would be put on the list to see the podiatrist during the next visit. However, the Director of Health Services (DHS) later confirmed that R38 had not seen the podiatrist since her admission and would be scheduled for a visit in June. The deficiency was further highlighted during an interview with the DHS, who could not recall the last time R38 had seen the podiatrist. The DHS explained the process for adding residents to the podiatrist list, which involves CNAs reporting issues to nurses, who then add the residents to the list or inform the social worker to do so. Despite this process, R38 had not received the necessary podiatry care, leading to prolonged discomfort and potential health risks related to her foot condition.
Failure to Accommodate Resident's Documented Food Allergies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to accommodate a resident's documented food allergies, resulting in the resident being served foods that could potentially cause an allergic reaction. The resident, who had intact cognition, was admitted with multiple diagnoses including COPD, type II diabetes, depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and renal dialysis. The resident's allergies to black pepper, cayenne pepper, onions, and strawberries were clearly documented in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and care plan. Despite this, the resident reported receiving strawberry shortcake and chicken chili, both containing ingredients he was allergic to. The meal tray ticket and Consistency Census Report also failed to accurately reflect all of the resident's allergies, leading to inappropriate food being served on multiple occasions. Interviews with the resident, the Director of Health Services (DHS), and the Dietary Manager (DM) revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to the resident's documented allergies. The DM acknowledged that staff should be aware of residents' allergies and ensure that meal trays do not contain any allergens. However, the DM was unaware that strawberries and onions had been served to the resident. Additionally, there was no facility policy addressing resident allergies, although the DHS expected all allergies to be documented in the resident charts. This lack of proper documentation and communication among staff led to the resident being served foods that could cause allergic reactions, highlighting a significant deficiency in the facility's food service practices.
What surveyors are citing around you — mapped
All 10 risk areas, ranked with evidence
Repeat citations, what's rising near you, and quality measures — ranked so department heads know exactly where to look first.
Illustrative
What surveyors actually found near you
We read the 39 citations issued within 25 miles in the last 12 months — and tell you exactly what happened, in plain English, matched to your record.
Resident with a documented fall history left unattended on the patio; found on the ground with a hip fracture.
Walk-in cooler logs missing for 12 days; expired supplements in the medication room fridge.
Illustrative
A prioritized, do-first checklist
Every risk area becomes concrete audit steps drawn from real citations at facilities like yours — run them this week, before your window opens.
Illustrative
Risk indicators are statistical estimates from public CMS data — not predictions, findings, or compliance advice.
Nursing homes near Athens
How nearby facilities compare on the same public inspection record.
| Facility | Distance | Overall rating | Citations, 12 mo | Serious (J–L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pruitthealth - Grandview | 1.2 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 | 0 |
| Oaks - Athens Skilled Nursing, The | 1.4 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 | 0 |
| Presbyterian Village - Athens | 1.4 mi | ★★★★★ | 1 | 0 |
| University Nursing & Rehab Ctr | 2 mi | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| High Shoals Health And Rehabilitation | 9.7 mi | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
Every risk area ranked, a do-first checklist, and your local survey patterns
Built specifically for Pruitthealth - Athens Heritage.
100% money-back within 48 hours.
Trusted data, never guesswork. Every citation, penalty, rating and Plan of Correction on this page is sourced from public CMS records (latest release July 2026) and official state health department websites.