LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME

2019 COUNTY ROAD 394, KILLEN, AL 35645 (256) 757-2103
Non profit - Church related 58 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
80/100
#61 of 223 in AL
Last Inspection: September 2023

Over 2 years since last inspection. Current conditions may differ from available data.

Overview

Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home in Killen, Alabama has received a Trust Grade of B+, which means it is above average and is recommended for families seeking care. It ranks #61 out of 223 facilities in Alabama, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 5 in Lauderdale County, indicating that only one local option is better. The facility's trend is stable, with only one issue reported both in 2019 and 2023, suggesting consistent compliance over time. Staffing is a strength with a turnover rate of 0%, much lower than the state average of 48%, and RN coverage is average, which is adequate for monitoring resident care. However, there are some concerning findings. For example, a cook failed to wear a hair net properly while serving food, and expired yogurts were stored in the kitchen, which could pose health risks. Additionally, a nurse did not administer a prescribed morphine dose to a resident, raising questions about medication management. Overall, while the facility has strengths in staffing and stability, families should be aware of these specific incidents that could impact resident care.

Trust Score
B+
80/100
In Alabama
#61/223
Top 27%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Holding Steady
1 → 1 violations
Staff Stability
○ Average
Turnover data not reported for this facility.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Alabama facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 53 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Alabama. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 3 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★☆
4.0
Overall Rating
★★★☆☆
3.0
Staff Levels
★★★★☆
4.0
Care Quality
★★★★☆
4.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2019: 1 issues
2023: 1 issues

The Good

  • 4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.

The Bad

No Significant Concerns Identified

This facility shows no red flags. Among Alabama's 100 nursing homes, only 0% achieve this.

The Ugly 3 deficiencies on record

Sept 2023 1 deficiency
CONCERN (D) 📢 Someone Reported This

A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0658 (Tag F0658)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interviews, the Alabama Department of Public Health Online Incident Reporting System, review of a facili...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interviews, the Alabama Department of Public Health Online Incident Reporting System, review of a facility investigative file, and review of a facility policy titled Medication Administration, the facility failed to ensure Employee Identifier (EI) #3 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), administered morphine pain medication to Resident Identifier (RI) #1 as ordered by physician. This was cited as a result of the investigation of complaint/report number AL00043318 and had the potential to affect RI #1, one of three sampled residents who received the pain medication, morphine at the facility. Findings include: On 2/8/2023 the State agency received a report from the facility on the Online Incident Reporting System. The report documented the incident type as Abuse-Neglect. The narrative summary of the incident documented: . (EI #3) LPN, is accused of not giving a resident . 12am (12:00 AM) morphine. The date and time of the occurrence was reported to be 2/2/2023 at 12:00 AM. A facility policy titled Medication Administration with a revised date of 1/10/2023 documented: Policy: Medications are administered by licensed nurses, . as ordered by the physician and in accordance with professional standards of practice, . Policy Explanation and Compliance Guidelines . 17. Sign MAR (Medication Administration Record) after administered. RI #1 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and had diagnoses of Cerebral Palsy and Chronic Pain. RI #1's PHYSICIAN ORDERS documented an order dated 9/15/2021 for 2.5 milliliters (ml) per 5 milligrams (mg) of Morphine Sulfate to be given to RI #1 by mouth every six hours at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM (noon), 6:00 PM, and 12:00 AM (midnight) for pain. Review of the facility investigative file for RI #1 revealed a typed document titled Accusation of Failure to Administer Resident Medications that was signed by EI #1 DON and dated 2/14/2023 and signed by EI #3 LPN. Review of this document revealed the following: 2/7/23 Social Services was interviewing residents and staff regarding alleged verbal abuse . A resident . stated she (EI #3) does not always bring . the midnight dose of . medications. A fellow charge nurse was able to substantiate the allegation. . (EI #3) was called in . and questioned about the medication violation. She agreed that she did not always give the midnight dose of morphine due to resident sleeping. I questioned her how often this happens and she said, a couple of nights a week. She has been documenting on the EMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Record) that she was administering said dose. 2/8/23 . I pulled the resident's . (RI #1) EMAR back to 12/16/22 along with the controlled substance inventory record. Nurse (EI #3) signed both documents indicating medication administration. I spoke with resident, and (he/she) stated (he/she) only got (his/her) midnight dose when the weekend nurse was working. (He/She) said, I don't see (EI #3) until 0545 (5:45 AM) in the morning. Administrator . DON (EI #1), were present with (EI #3) and Pharmacist (EI #5) was on conference call. Questions were asked related to the whereabouts of the medication that was documented but not dispensed. (EI #3) stated several times that she does not know. She admitted again to signing it out on the EMAR and the inventory record. I had printed proof and showed her each time that is was shown to be administered by her. She stated, a habit of clicking through the EMAR and logging on substance inventory record. She stated on rounds at approx. 1130pm (approximately 11:30 PM) resident would be asleep. She admitted she never went back at midnight to administer the morphine, which was scheduled for midnight. She would then document on said records but never drew up the medication. The count was always correct, and she could not explain how that was. Employee was brought back in . liabilities explained. She was informed that grounds for termination were based on . allegations made by a resident, falsifying documents on the EMAR . Narcotic Inventory Record, . not following MD (medical doctor) orders and no follow up as to why. On 9/18/2023 at 2:31 PM RI #1 was asked about receiving morphine. RI #1 said, it was every six hours. RI #1 said, sometimes he/she did not receive the midnight dose if EI #3 was working. The surveyor was unable to reach EI #3, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for interview after multiple attempts. On 9/19/2023 at 5:30 AM, EI #4 LPN was interviewed. She said she worked with EI #3 a few nights a week. EI #4 said, when interviewed by the social worker, she had reported to her that when they worked together she did not see EI #3 open the medication cart or narcotic drawer to get the morphine for RI #1 at midnight. When asked how many residents received medication at midnight, EI #4 said, she was not sure, but RI #1 was to get morphine every six hours at 12:00 AM, 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. EI #4 stated she never destroyed or counted narcotics with EI #3. On 9/19/2023 at 9:55 AM EI #2 Social Service and Abuse Coordinator, said she was told by EI #4 about EI #3 not giving medications at night. EI #2 said, when she interviewed RI #1, the resident said sometimes he/she got the medication at midnight and sometimes did not. EI #2 said, she looked in RI #1's medical record and realized morphine was a routine order. EI #2 said, RI #1 reported to her that EI #3 gave it at 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM. EI #2 said, EI #3 was signing it out as given at the 12:00 AM dose but was not giving it. On 9/19/2023 at 3:38 PM EI #5 Pharmacist, was interviewed. EI #5 said, she was on the phone call when EI #3 was asked about the morphine she did not give and several times EI #3 said, she did not know. EI #5 said, while on that call EI #3 said that on rounds about 11:30 PM, RI #1 would be asleep and she would document the morphine as given. On 9/19/2023 at 3:40 PM EI #1 Director of Nursing (DON) was asked about the investigation into RI #1's morphine. EI #1 said, the order was morphine 2.5 ml/5 mg, it was due routinely every six hours at 6:00 AM, 12 Noon, 6:00 PM, and 12:00 midnight. EI #1 said, EI #3 told them in an interview that she had not given the morphine a couple nights a week. EI #1 said, the medication was signed off on the MAR. EI #1 said, EI #3 was asked what she did with the morphine, and EI #3 repeatedly said she did not know but agreed she, EI #3, did not always give the morphine if RI #1 was sleeping. EI #1 said, they had EI #3 back at the facility on 2/14/2023 and she admitted she was signing it off on the Medication Administration Record and out in the narcotic record, but would not tell what she was doing with it. EI #1 said, they asked EI #3 if she was using it herself and she kept saying she did not know. EI #1 said, the facility discovered EI #3 was not giving RI #1 the morphine on 2/4/2023 during interviews. EI #1 said, the morphine was signed out as given every time. When EI #1 was asked about the policy for nurses giving medications, EI #1 said, they were to follow doctor orders, give to the resident, the right medication, route and time. EI #1 was asked how EI #3 followed the doctor's orders when the morphine midnight dose was not given. EI #1 said, she did not and also did not notify the Medical Doctor. EI #1 said, the concern for the resident if the nurse did not give scheduled medication ordered by the physician was the resident could have more pain. The facility took immediate actions to correct the non-compliance by: ____________________________________________ Plan of correction * Terminated Employee EI #3, LPN on 2/8/23 * Interviewed residents with BIMS of 15 as to getting scheduled medications * Educated all nurses regarding medication administration policy, falsifying resident records and the medication hold process to be completed by 2/15/23. * Monitored nurses for medication administration competency, comparing the correct medication and dose with the MAR. * A narcotic count by the ADON or designee. Monitored all nurses for one week to be completed by 2/15/23. * Pharmacist will do audit of all narcotics to be completed by 2/15/23 * Results will be reviewed by DON and reported to QAPI on Emergency meeting 2/15/23 To be completed at the quarterly meeting 4/19/23.
Jul 2019 1 deficiency
CONCERN (F)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Food Safety (Tag F0812)

Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents

Based on observations, interviews, and a facility policy titled, Dietary Employee Personal Hygiene, the facility failed to ensure a dietary cook wore a hair net to completely cover all hair on her hea...

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Based on observations, interviews, and a facility policy titled, Dietary Employee Personal Hygiene, the facility failed to ensure a dietary cook wore a hair net to completely cover all hair on her head while serving residents' food for the supper meal on the tray line in the kitchen area. This had a potential to affect all fifty-eight residents in the facility receiving meals from the kitchen. Findings Include: A review of a facility policy titled, : Dietary Employee Personal Hygiene, with a revised date of March 22, 2017, revealed . Policy Explanation and Compliance Guidelines: . 4. Hair Restraints . c. All hairs . must be completely covered by restraint. On 7/22/2019 at 4:42 p.m., the surveyor observed EI#1, a dietary cook, while serving residents' food on the trayline in the kitchen area for the supper meal. EI #1 wore a hair net with her hair not covered on the front of her head and not covered on the back of her head. EI #1 had her hair net on the center of her head, which the hair was covered by the hair net, but the front of her hair and the back of her hair, lying on her neck, was not covered by the hair net. EI #1 continued serving residents' plates on the tray line in the kitchen area for the super meal with her hair net on her head, but her hair was not completely covered. EI #2, Dietary Manager, was also present during this observaton. EI #2 was asked if all of EI #1's hair was contained in her hair net while serving food on the tray line. EI #2 said no, it was not completely covered. EI #2 was then asked what was the potential harm with EI #1's hair not being contained and completely covered in the hair net while serving food on the tray line. EI #2 replied that the hair could fall in the food and contaminate the food. On 7/24/2019 at 5:55 p.m., the surveyor conducted an interview with EI #1. EI #1 was asked, on July 22, 2019 at 4:42 p.m. while she was serving/ plating the supper meal on the tray line, was all of her hair restrained in her hair net. EI #1 replied that she thought it was, but it was not. EI #1 was then asked why was all of her hair not restrained in the hair net. EI #1 replied that she was hot and sweating, so she stepped away from the tray line, reached up and wiped her head so the sweat would not fall in the food. EI #1 then said she must have moved the hair net at that time. EI #1 was then asked why should all of her hair be restrained in the hair net while serving/ plating food on the tray line. EI #1 stated that it would be cross contamination if the hair fell in the food. EI #1 further stated that the facility policy stated that all hair must be completely covered by restraints.
Jun 2018 1 deficiency
CONCERN (F)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Food Safety (Tag F0812)

Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents

Based on observation, interview, and review of a facility policy titled LABELING, DATING AND STORAGE OF FOODS, the facility failed to ensure 17 four ounce yogurts were not stored past the manufacturer...

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Based on observation, interview, and review of a facility policy titled LABELING, DATING AND STORAGE OF FOODS, the facility failed to ensure 17 four ounce yogurts were not stored past the manufacturer's use by date of 06/09/2018. This had the potential to affect forty-eight of forty-eight residents receiving meals in the facility. Findings Include: A review of the facility policy titled LABELING, DATING AND STORAGE OF FOODS with a revised date of 03/22/2017 documented: Purpose: To ensure food is stored in a manner to prevent food-borne illness . 2. Food with expiration dates are used prior to the date on the package . On 06/18/18 at 04:35 p.m. during the initial kitchen tour, the surveyor observed the following items in the walk in cooler in an opened cardboard box stamped with a manufacture's use by date of 06/09/2018: 1. 9 Strawberry four ounce yogurts with a manufacture's use by date of 06/09/2018 on each container, and 2. 8 Strawberry Banana four ounce yogurts with a manufacture's use by date of 06/09/2018 on each container. On 06/20/2018 at 08:11 a.m., an interview was conducted with Employee Identifier (EI) #1, a Dietary Manager. EI #1 was asked what manufacture's use by date did the 9 Strawberry four ounce yogurt cups and the 8 Strawberry Banana four ounce yogurt cups have on each container and on the box in the walk in cooler. EI #1 replied that the yogurts were dated 06/09/2018. EI #1 was asked what does the 06/09/2018 manufacture's use by date mean. EI #1 stated that the yogurts were out of date and needed to be discarded. EI #1 was asked what was the facility policy for having expired items in the walk in cooler. EI #1 stated that expired items should be discarded by the use by date. EI #1 was asked if the facility policy was followed. EI #1 replied no. EI #1 was asked what was the potential harm to have expired items in the walk in cooler. EI #1 replied that residents could get a food borne illness.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

  • "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
  • "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"

Our Honest Assessment

Strengths
  • • Grade B+ (80/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Alabama.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Alabama facilities.
  • • Only 3 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is Lauderdale Christian's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within Alabama, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.

How is Lauderdale Christian Staffed?

CMS rates LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes.

What Have Inspectors Found at Lauderdale Christian?

State health inspectors documented 3 deficiencies at LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME during 2018 to 2023. These included: 3 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Lauderdale Christian?

LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 58 certified beds and approximately 55 residents (about 95% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in KILLEN, Alabama.

How Does Lauderdale Christian Compare to Other Alabama Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Alabama, LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.0 and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Lauderdale Christian?

Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"

Is Lauderdale Christian Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Alabama. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Lauderdale Christian Stick Around?

LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME has not reported staff turnover data to CMS. Staff turnover matters because consistent caregivers learn residents' individual needs, medications, and preferences. When staff frequently change, this institutional knowledge is lost. Families should ask the facility directly about their staff retention rates and average employee tenure.

Was Lauderdale Christian Ever Fined?

LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.

Is Lauderdale Christian on Any Federal Watch List?

LAUDERDALE CHRISTIAN NURSING HOME is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.