SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
South Mountain Rehab Center has received a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average but still has room for improvement. In Maryland, the facility ranks #127 out of 219, placing it in the bottom half, while it is #3 out of 10 in Washington County, meaning only two other local facilities are ranked higher. The facility's trend is concerning as it has worsened significantly, going from 4 issues in 2019 to 30 in 2024. Staffing appears to be a strength, with a 0% turnover rate and 5/5 star RN coverage, meaning staff are stable and well-equipped to address residents' needs. However, there are some weaknesses, including a history of inspector findings detailing unaddressed care plan evaluations for residents, cleanliness issues in bathrooms, and delayed reporting of serious incidents, which raises concerns about overall care quality.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Maryland
- #127/219
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- Turnover data not reported for this facility.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 47 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Maryland. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 47 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-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
Near Maryland average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
The Ugly 47 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
30 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview it was determined that the facility failed to inform and provide written information to all residents concerning their right to formulate an advance directive. Thi...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on complaint, closed record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to notify Resident #217's representative in a timely manner after a significant change occurred...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the required transfer in...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to complete Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) a...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to complete and submit Minimum data set (MDS) Discharge assessments as required for residents discharged from the facil...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2) Resident #111 resided at the facility for a little over a month in 2024. The MDS indicator identified the resident as discharged and was selected as being hospitalized .
On 12/13/24 at 9:26 AM, Res...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) form completed at the time of admission app...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide the resident and their represe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and pertinent document review it was determined that the facility failed to provide activities according to the resident's preferences. This was evident for 1 (Resident...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, complaint MD00211139 and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that residents received the appropriate treatment as ordered, in accordance with profe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record review, and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that residents with limited range of motion received treatment and services to prevent furthe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** A wander guard is a system that helps prevent residents of long-term care facilities from getting lost or leaving the facility u...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that weekly weights were obtained as ordered by the physician. This was evident for 1(Resident #24) of...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to document the reasons for administering as-needed (PRN) pain medications and failed to document pain assessm...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0699
(Tag F0699)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a resident with a history of trauma received the appropriate trauma-informed care. This was evident for...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0729
(Tag F0729)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to have an effective system in place to...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to keep resident's drug regimens free from unnecessary medications by failing to ensure residents received thei...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident's medication regimen was free from unnecessary psychotropic medication use by failin...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, medical record reviews, and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain a medication error rate of less than 5%. This was evident based on two errors iden...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that expired medications were disposed of promptly per the manufacturer's specifications. This was evid...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0810
(Tag F0810)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interviews, and record reviews, it was determined that the facility failed to have an effective process in place to ensure that adaptive devices that were recommended by therapy ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to complete the resident matrix accurately. This was evident in 2 of 3 resident matrix reviewed during the survey.
T...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews, and records review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure staff use appropriate infection control practices. This was evident for 1 (Resident #38) of ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to have documented evidence that all nurses' aides received 12 hours of training that included abuse prevention ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview it was determined the facility failed to ensure bathroom and floor tiles were maintained in g...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3) On 12/12/2024 at 11:52 AM, a review of investigation MD009196714 and review of the facilities self-report form, revealed that the alleged incident with Resident #468 for sexual abuse, occurred betw...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on records review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation of an all...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3) In an interview on 12/10/24 at 3:03 PM, Resident #66 reported, I was supposed to get a shower today, but I didn't get it.
Rec...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on records review and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to: a) ensure the attending physician address irregularities identified on the pharmacy recommendation, b) implement ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0836
(Tag F0836)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to comply with the State and Local Laws and Professional Standards as evidenced by: 1) a failure to ensure a reg...
Read full inspector narrative →
Nov 2019
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to void an older MOLST form...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable and h...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on reviews of administrative records and staff interview, it was determined that the nursing administrative staff failed to conduct a yearly performance review on 3 of 5 geriatric nursing assist...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, it was determined the facility staff failed to properly store medications. This was observed once during an annual recertification survey. The findings include:
An observation w...
Read full inspector narrative →
May 2018
13 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0559
(Tag F0559)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interview with staff, it was determined that the facility failed to notify a resident/resident representative in writing of a room change. This was evident for 1 (#4...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and staff interview during facility environmental observations, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to mai...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2) Review of the medical record for Resident #132 revealed that this resident was transferred and admitted to an acute care faci...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
3) On 5/10/18, a review of Resident #89's medical record revealed that,on 3/7/18, in a Medication Management Assessment note, the nurse practitioner (NP) documented a medication order for Risperdal 0....
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans. This was evident for 1 (#133) of 1 residents reviewed for ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on reviews of a medical record and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to 1) follow a reside...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2) On 5/10/18, a review of Resident #89's medical record revealed on 4/16/18, in a Consultant Pharmacist Review form, under the column titled Recommend (check one), the consultant pharmacist circled s...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the medical record and interview with facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the residents drug regimen was free from unnecessary drugs by failing...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2) Review of Resident #88's May 2018 MAR (medication administration record) revealed a 4/5/18 physician order for Lorazepam (Ativan) (antianxiety medication) 0.5 mg (milligram) by mouth every 6 hours ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to keep complete and accurate medical records. This was evident for 3 (#22, #47, #89) of 5 resident's reviewed...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to 1) determine a resident's wishes...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2) Review of the medical record for Resident #35 revealed tht the resident was transferred to an acute care facility on 1/13/18,...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on review of the medical records and interview with facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to evaluate the effectiveness of the residents' care plan interventions. This was e...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
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
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- • 47 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is South Mountain Rehab Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Maryland, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is South Mountain Rehab Center Staffed?
CMS rates SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes.
What Have Inspectors Found at South Mountain Rehab Center?
State health inspectors documented 47 deficiencies at SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER during 2018 to 2024. These included: 47 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates South Mountain Rehab Center?
SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 157 certified beds and approximately 112 residents (about 71% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in BOONSBORO, Maryland.
How Does South Mountain Rehab Center Compare to Other Maryland Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maryland, SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.0 and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting South Mountain Rehab Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is South Mountain Rehab Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Maryland. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at South Mountain Rehab Center Stick Around?
SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER 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 South Mountain Rehab Center Ever Fined?
SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER 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 South Mountain Rehab Center on Any Federal Watch List?
SOUTH MOUNTAIN REHAB CENTER 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.