Above average — CMS composite of the measures below.
The next survey window likely opens around May 2027
Estimate from public CMS data, current as of October 2026. Survey timing is at the state agency's discretion.
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Nhc Healthcare, West Plains during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
Failure to Issue SNF ABN Before End of Skilled Medicare Coverage: A resident remained in the facility after skilled Medicare services ended, but there was no documentation that the resident or responsible party received the SNF ABN at least 2 days before coverage ended. The SSD said the notice was not given because the resident was going to be Medicaid pending, while the Administrator stated the SNF ABN should have been issued for financial liability purposes.
Unsafe and Poorly Maintained Environmental Conditions: Surveyors observed multiple environmental deficiencies, including stained ceiling tiles, a dirty ceiling vent, cracked and taped windows, dust-covered decor, peeled wallpaper, and exposed sheetrock in common areas and CNA stations. In the laundry room, an electrical control box was dangling from the washer with exposed wiring, dust and lint were present, and a sink contained discolored bleach water with a bucket of dirty wet rags. Staff interviews showed inconsistent reporting of these issues and that the back of the washer area had not been cleaned in a long time.
Two residents with PTSD diagnoses had no documented trauma-informed assessment, trigger identification, or individualized care plan interventions. One resident’s care plan did not address PTSD, past trauma, or triggers such as helicopters and airplanes, and the other resident had no documented informed consent or PTSD-related trigger assessment; that resident identified loud noises and people getting too close as triggers. The DON and Administrator stated PTSD should be on the care plan with triggers and interventions.
Failure to Follow EBP During Wound Care: Staff did not follow infection control precautions for a resident with a chronic wound and EBP in place. An RN and CNA entered the room without gowns, and during wound and incontinent care the CNA did not perform hand hygiene or change gloves before handling a clean brief, while the RN handled soiled trash and touched room surfaces with bare hands after removing gloves. Interviews confirmed staff expected gowns, glove changes, and hand hygiene during and after care.
The facility failed to secure a soiled linen laundry room, leaving it unlocked and accessible, with bleach water and an open cleaner solution inside. This posed a hazard to residents, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's, as the room was unattended and accessible. Staff interviews confirmed the doors should be locked when not in use, but they were left open during certain tasks.
The facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices during care activities and laundry services. Staff did not consistently perform hand hygiene, change gloves, or wear gowns as required, leading to potential cross-contamination. Observations revealed deficiencies in incontinent care, catheter care, wound care, insulin administration, medication handling, and laundry services. These lapses were confirmed through staff interviews.
A facility failed to ensure proper catheter care for a resident with urine retention, as observations showed the catheter tubing dragging on the floor and the drainage bag placed on the floor during a transfer. Staff interviews confirmed that catheter bags and tubing should not touch the floor, highlighting a lapse in adherence to care protocols.
A facility failed to adequately document and monitor a resident's dialysis care. The resident, with end-stage renal disease, had specific orders for dialysis and site monitoring, but these were not consistently followed. Documentation was missing for several dialysis sessions, and staff did not check the dialysis site or bandage upon the resident's return. Interviews revealed a lack of consistent communication and follow-up, with staff unsure of the dialysis access site's location and failing to assess it as required.
The facility failed to lock medication carts and left medications unattended for a resident, who self-administered them without an order or assessment. Observations showed the medication cart was unlocked in various areas, and staff interviews confirmed the policy violations. The resident had multiple medications prescribed, but there was no care plan for self-administration.
Failure to Issue SNF ABN Before End of Skilled Medicare Coverage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to issue the Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN) form at least two calendar days before skilled Medicare services ended for one resident who remained in the facility after discharge from skilled Medicare services. Review of the resident's record showed the resident discharged from skilled Medicare services on 02/04/26 and stayed in the facility, but there was no documentation that the resident and/or responsible party received a SNF ABN form before the skilled Medicare services ended. The facility policy titled, Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN), revised February 2023, stated that the center is responsible for notifying the beneficiary and/or responsible party of Medicare coverage decisions using the notice of Medicare non-coverage, and that if the patient remains in the center on or after the last day, the SNF ABN form will also be issued to provide notice of financial liability. During interview, the Social Service Designee stated the resident had Medicare days remaining and remained in the facility after discharge from skilled services, but the SNF ABN was not given because the resident was going to be Medicaid pending. The Administrator stated that if a Medicare resident was discharged from skilled therapy services and remained in the facility with Medicare days left, a SNF ABN notification should have been given to the resident and/or responsible party for financial liability purposes.
Unsafe and Poorly Maintained Environmental Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment. Survey observations across the dining room, A Hall, B Hall, and D Hall showed multiple environmental concerns, including ceiling tiles with brown, black, and gray stains, a ceiling vent with a buildup of dark brown substance, a window with a fog-like substance and visible cracks covered with tape, dust on battery-operated candles, peeled wallpaper, and exposed sheetrock at the CNA stations and hallway walls. The report also noted windows with fog-like buildup that prevented visibility to the outside area in Room B7 and near the kitchen entrance door. In the laundry room, surveyors observed an electrical control box dangling from the rear of the commercial washing machine with internal wiring exposed, dust and lint on the wires and surrounding areas, an electrical cord plugged into an electrical box with a white zip tie around it, a sink full of discolored water with a bleach-like odor, and a five-gallon bucket containing dirty, wet kitchen rags. The Laundry Supervisor stated the sink water was bleach water used to soak items that did not come clean out of the dryer, that the bucket contained dirty kitchen rags, and that the back of the washer area had not been cleaned in a long time. Interviews with housekeeping and maintenance staff showed inconsistent reporting and handling of environmental concerns, and the Administrator stated that ceiling tiles, windows, peeled wallpaper, exposed sheetrock, and other environmental areas of concern should be addressed by maintenance on a regular basis.
Failure to Address PTSD Triggers and Supportive Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to identify, assess, and provide supportive interventions for two residents with diagnoses of PTSD. Review of the facility policy showed that during admission the interdisciplinary team was to complete trauma and PTSD screening, gather information about trauma history and triggers with consent, and develop an individualized care plan within seven days that documented specific triggers and interventions. For one resident, the record showed an admission diagnosis of PTSD and insomnia, but the PASARR did not list PTSD and the care plan did not address PTSD, past trauma, triggers, goals for psychosocial and mental health needs, or interventions for behaviors or support. During interview, the resident stated there had been triggers at home and identified helicopters and airplanes as triggers. For the second resident, the record showed an admission diagnosis of PTSD, but there was no documented informed consent related to PTSD and no evidence that PTSD-related triggers were addressed. The PASARR did not list PTSD, and the care plan did not address PTSD, goals for psychosocial and mental health needs, past trauma, triggers, or interventions. During interview, the resident stated staff had never asked about PTSD history or triggers and identified loud noises and people getting too close to personal space as triggers. The DON and Administrator stated they would expect PTSD to be on the care plan with triggers and interventions in place.
Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Wound and Incontinent Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow infection control precautions during wound care and incontinent care for one resident who had a chronic wound and was subject to Enhanced Barrier Precautions. During observation of the resident’s care, EBP signage and PPE were present outside the room, but RN D and CNA E entered the room without gowns. RN D performed hand hygiene and donned a gown and gloves, while CNA E did not perform hand hygiene and did not put on a gown before applying gloves. RN D unfastened the resident’s brief soiled with fecal material, removed the wound dressing, performed incontinent care, changed gloves, performed hand hygiene, and completed wound care. During the same care episode, CNA E removed the wadded-up brief soiled with fecal material from under the resident’s buttocks without performing hand hygiene or changing gloves, then placed a clean brief under the resident. After removing gloves, RN D handled the trash bag with bare hands, did not perform hand hygiene, did not remove the gown, and touched the resident’s inner door knob and the outer closet door knob with bare hands before disposing of the trash. CNA E removed gloves, did not perform hand hygiene, and exited the room. Staff interviews confirmed that CNA E was distracted and should have changed gloves and performed hand hygiene, and RN D stated the gown should normally be removed and hand hygiene performed before leaving the room. The DON and Administrator stated they expected staff to wear EBP PPE during wound care and remove it before leaving the room, with hand hygiene performed.
Failure to Secure Laundry Room Creates Hazard
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an environment free from accident hazards by not securing access to soiled laundry and chemicals in an unlocked soiled linen laundry room. Observations revealed that the room contained a sink basin filled with bleach water and an open container of multipurpose cleaner solution, both of which were accessible due to the door being unlocked and unlatched. This situation posed a potential hazard to all residents, particularly the 14 residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, who could freely move around the facility. The facility's policy on chemical storage mandates that chemicals be locked away from patients when not in use, which was not adhered to in this instance. Interviews with staff members, including Laundry/Housekeeping personnel and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the soiled linen room doors should be kept latched and locked when unattended. However, it was noted that the door was left unlocked during times when staff were rounding the halls to pick up soiled barrels, and it was only locked once the task was complete. This oversight in securing the laundry room doors was observed on multiple occasions, with residents and staff passing by the unlocked room, highlighting a lapse in maintaining a safe environment for residents.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Care and Laundry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices during various care activities, including incontinent care, catheter care, wound care, insulin administration, medication handling, and laundry services. Observations revealed that staff did not consistently perform hand hygiene, change gloves, or wear gowns as required by the facility's infection control policies. For instance, during incontinent care for a resident, a registered nurse and a certified nurse assistant failed to perform hand hygiene and change gloves between tasks, leading to potential cross-contamination. Similarly, during catheter care, a certified nurse assistant did not follow proper cleaning procedures, such as cleaning from the insertion point down with a new side of the cloth for each wipe. Wound care practices were also found to be deficient, as a licensed practical nurse did not perform hand hygiene or change gloves between different wound sites, and failed to sanitize equipment like scissors between uses. This lack of adherence to infection control protocols was observed during the care of residents with chronic wounds, where enhanced barrier precautions were not properly implemented. Additionally, during insulin administration, a registered nurse did not wear gloves, and medications were handled with bare hands, contrary to the facility's policies. The facility's laundry services were also found to be lacking in infection control measures. Laundry staff did not consistently perform hand hygiene, change gloves, or wear gowns when handling soiled linens, leading to potential cross-contamination. Observations showed that staff leaned into barrels of soiled linens, allowing their clothing to come into contact with contaminated surfaces. These deficiencies in infection control practices were confirmed through interviews with staff, who acknowledged the lapses in following established protocols.
Improper Catheter Care Observed in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper catheter care for a resident, resulting in a deficiency. The resident, who was admitted with a diagnosis of urine retention, had an indwelling catheter. Observations revealed that the catheter tubing was dragging on the floor as the resident propelled themselves in a wheelchair. Additionally, during a transfer by two staff members, a CNA placed the catheter drainage bag on the floor before securing it under the wheelchair. The facility's policy on catheter care did not address the issue of catheter tubing or drainage bags touching the floor. Interviews with staff, including LPNs and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that catheter bags and tubing should not touch the floor. Despite this understanding, the facility's failure to prevent the catheter from coming into contact with the floor was observed. The Administrator also acknowledged that catheters should not touch the floor, indicating a lapse in adherence to proper catheter care protocols for the resident involved.
Inadequate Dialysis Care and Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate documentation and monitoring for a resident requiring dialysis services. The resident, diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and dependent on renal dialysis, had specific physician orders for dialysis on certain days and instructions for monitoring the dialysis shunt site. However, there was no order to assess or document the dialysis shunt location and status before and after treatments. The resident's care plan included interventions to observe the shunt site for signs of infection and ensure the dressing was intact, but these were not consistently followed. The facility's Dialysis Communication Worksheets and Dialysis Communication Reports from the dialysis center showed numerous instances of missing documentation. Several opportunities to complete the worksheets and reports were missed, and there was a lack of documentation for pre and post-dialysis weights and site assessments. The resident reported that staff did not check the dialysis site or bandage upon return from dialysis, and the resident had to remove the dressing themselves. Observations confirmed that the resident's bandage was not checked or changed by staff over consecutive days. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of consistent communication and follow-up regarding the dialysis communication forms. The RN responsible for the resident's care was unsure of the dialysis access site's location and did not assess it upon the resident's return from dialysis. The DON expected the communication sheet to be completed and the access site to be checked daily, but these expectations were not met. The facility's failure to adhere to its policy and physician orders resulted in inadequate monitoring and documentation of the resident's dialysis care.
Unattended Medication and Unlocked Carts in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the medication cart was locked while unattended and did not maintain a safe medication system by leaving medications unattended and unsupervised for a resident during a medication pass. This was observed with Resident #16, who had multiple medications prescribed, including Benefiber, Celexa, cholecalciferol, cranberry supplement, Daily-Vite, lisinopril, Metformin, methenamine, metoprolol succinate, Vitamin C, and Wellbutrin XL. There was no order for the resident to keep medications at the bedside or to self-administer them, and no assessment was conducted to allow such practices. Observations revealed that on multiple occasions, medications were left on Resident #16's bedside table, and the resident self-administered them without supervision. The resident confirmed that staff left the medications on the bedside table every morning, trusting him to take them after breakfast. The facility's policies clearly stated that medications should not be left at the bedside unless specifically ordered by the prescriber, and there was no such order or care plan for Resident #16. Additionally, the medication cart was observed to be unlocked and unattended on several occasions in different areas of the facility, including the memory care unit and Hall A. Staff interviews confirmed that medication carts should be locked when not in use, and medications should not be left unattended in resident rooms. The Director of Nursing and the Administrator acknowledged that the facility's policies were not followed, leading to the potential risk of medication errors or misuse.
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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.
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Nursing homes near West Plains
How nearby facilities compare on the same public inspection record.
| Facility | Distance | Overall rating | Citations, 12 mo | Serious (J–L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Vue Nursing And Rehabilitation Center | 0 mi | ★★★★★ | 16 | 0 |
| Brooke Haven Healthcare | 0.9 mi | ★★★★★ | 9 | 0 |
| Willow Care Nursing Home | 18.7 mi | ★★★★★ | 8 | 0 |
| Mountain View Healthcare | 21.6 mi | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| Shady Oaks Healthcare Center | 23.3 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 | 0 |
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Trusted data, never guesswork. Every citation, penalty, rating and Plan of Correction on this page is sourced from public CMS records (latest release October 2026) and official state health department websites.