AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Birch Manor has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average, but not among the best options available. It ranks #88 out of 219 facilities in Maryland, placing it in the top half, and #4 out of 10 in Carroll County, meaning only three local facilities are better. Unfortunately, the facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 2 in 2024 to 22 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, with a turnover rate of 34%, which is better than the state average, but RN coverage is concerning, as it is lower than 83% of Maryland facilities. While there are no fines recorded, which is positive, recent inspections revealed significant issues, including a failure to hold required care plan meetings for residents, leading to potential gaps in personalized care. Overall, while there are some strengths, families should be aware of these weaknesses and the facility's declining trend.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Maryland
- #88/219
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 34% turnover. Near Maryland's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maryland facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 29 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Maryland. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 84 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (34%)
14 points below Maryland average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Maryland average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
12pts below Maryland avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 84 deficiencies on record
Jun 2025
22 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0568
(Tag F0568)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure quarterly statements for personal funds were provided to the residents. This was evident in 1 (Resident #54...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2.) On 6/4/25 at 1:37 PM the surveyor observed the spa room on the third floor and noted cracked tile and discoloration in the two shower stalls.
On 6/09/25 at 12:35 PM an observation of the spa room ...
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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
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on document review and interview it was determined that the facility failed to implement their grievance policy. This was evident for two (# 16, #517) of two residents reviewed for personal prop...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to report allegations of abuse. This was evid...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to investigate allegations of abuse. This was...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0628
(Tag F0628)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interview it was determined that the facility failed to provide written notice of the bed hold policy and transfer to the resident's responsible party; and failed to...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that Minimum Data Set...
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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
Based on medical record review and interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure staff provided medication as ordered. This was found to be evident for one (Resident #59) out of five ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined that the facility failed to have an order to monitor a resident's air mattress. This was found to be evident for one (Resident #76) ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to provide necessary respiratory care consistent with professional standards of practice for tracheostom...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Dental Services
(Tag F0791)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to provide routine dental services to a Medicaid funded residents. This was evident in 1 (Resident #71) of 1 resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
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 were served meals according to a predetermined menu that incorporated the resi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards. This was evident in 1 out of 3 units observed during the recer...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
1) Review of Resident #59's medical record revealed the resident had resided at the facility for more than a year. The resident was seen regularly by a primary care physician and a nurse practitioner ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the development and ongoing implementation of a facility-wide, data-driven Quality Assurance and Performance ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0868
(Tag F0868)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the Infection Preventionist (IP) attended the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0906
(Tag F0906)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, observation, and interviews it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that critical medical equipment was plugged into generator power supplied outlets. This was evi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0565
(Tag F0565)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of resident council meeting notes and interviews it was determined that the facility failed to have an effective system in place to ensure grievance/concerns expressed during Resident ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. On 6/5/25 at 9:36 AM Resident #76 was observed in bed, the resident replied to surveyor greeting with a thumbs up but did not...
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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
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3) On 6/5/25 at 9:36 AM Resident #76 was observed in bed, the resident replied to surveyor greeting with a thumbs up but did not...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and document review it was determined that the facility failed to maintain safe and sanitary conditions to prevent the spread of infection. This has the potential to af...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
2) Review of Resident #59's medical record on 6/6/25, revealed the resident has resided at the facility for several years and had a MDS assessment with an assessment reference date (ARD) of 3/25/25. F...
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Nov 2024
2 deficiencies
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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** F609: Reporting
S/S= D
Based on observation, record review and interviews during a complaint survey, the facility failed to en...
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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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
F584 - §483.10(i) Safe Environment S/S: E
Regulation: §483.10(i) mandates a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, which includes exercising reasonable care for the protection o...
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Jun 2021
22 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a random observation of interactions between activity staff and a resident, it was determined that facility staff failed to interact with a resident in a respectful manner by speakling loudly...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 medical record review and interview, it was determined the facility staff failed to notify the physician of a sudden weight gain for Resident #60. This was evident for 1 of 6 residents review...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interview with the facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to document timely notification to a resident or representative (RP) regarding notifica...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on the review of a facility reported incident involving a fall, observations, and medical record review, it was determined that the facility failed to provide privacy for a resident during activ...
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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 surveyor observation throughout the annual recertification survey, it was determined that the facility staff failed to ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to document the transfer of a resident in the medical record including the reason for the transfer and in...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to notify the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in writing of a transfer/discharge of a ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0624
(Tag F0624)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.2. During a review of the medical record for Resident #80 on 6/7/2021, documentation was revealed that, on 3/14/2021 at 12:53 PM, Resident #80 was sent to the emergency room for a change in respirato...
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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 observation, medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans. This was evident for 1 (#...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility staff failed to provide thorough grooming and personal hygiene services for (Resident #59). This is evident for 1 of 2 residents sele...
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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
Based on medical record, interview and observation, it was determined the facility staff failed to provide care to Residents (#42 and #60) in order to promote the highest practicable well-being. This ...
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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 medical record and observation, it was determined the facility staff failed to apply hand splint and knee brace as ordered for Resident #27. This was evident for 1 of 1 residents selected for...
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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 medical record review and observation, it was determined the facility staff failed to provide Resident #2 with ice cream consistently and failed to provide Resident #2 with chicken/tuna sandw...
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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 medical record review, it was determined the facility staff failed to ensure residents (#27, #31 and #35) were free from unnecessary medications. This was evident for 1 of 5 residents selecte...
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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, it was determined the facility staff failed to date medications upon opening them and removed expired medications. This was found to be evident for 2 out of 3 medication carts r...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and observation, it was determined the facility failed to ensure that a resident noted with a lactose intolerance did not receive milk on the food tray (Resident #2). Th...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0838
(Tag F0838)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of pertinent facility documents and interview with facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to have an updated facility assessment to include information relevant to ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0923
(Tag F0923)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to have adequate ventilation in resident bathrooms. This was evident for 1 resident bathroom observed on the 1st fl...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0943
(Tag F0943)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a review of a self reported incident submitted by the facility, it was determined that staff #23 had not received training, although permitted to work in the facility. This was true for 1 out...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
5) On 6/09/2021 at 12:20 PM., during an interview, social worker (SW) #5 stated that, when a resident is admitted to the facility, she initially meets with the resident and/or resident representative ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on medical record review and observation, it was determined the facility staff failed to review and revise care plans for Resident #27 to reflect accurate and appropriate interventions for (elev...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review, observation, and interview with facility staff, it was determined that the facility failed to 1....
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Aug 2018
38 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0553
(Tag F0553)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on resident and staff interview and medical record review, it was determined the facility failed to include the resident and the resident's representative in the development and implementation o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, staff interview and medical record review, it was determined that the facility staff failed to ensure access to the nurse call bell for a resident who was totally dependent on nu...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0559
(Tag F0559)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on resident observation, review of the medical record and interview with staff, it was determined that the facility staff ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0568
(Tag F0568)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, interview the resident, and the facility staff, it was revealed the facility failed to provide quarterly statements (Resident #66). This is evident for 1 of 1 residents selecte...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
The facility staff failed to ensure timely initial and final reporting of an injury of unknown origin to the state licensing agency.
On 7/26/18 at 11:34 AM, the surveyor reviewed the facility's inves...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to thoroughly investigate an injury of unknown origin and report it to the to the State Survey Agency within 5...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 document the emergent discharg...
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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** 6) Resident #111's record was reviewed on 7/27/18 at 1:53 PM. The resident was transferred to the hospital on 6/12/18 for probab...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0624
(Tag F0624)
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 orient, prepare and document a...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility staff failed to ensure that a discharge Minim...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0642
(Tag F0642)
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 the facility staff failed to ensure that a discharge Minim...
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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 medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide an activities program to meet the needs and preferences of the residents, and failed to ...
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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 observation, medical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that residents with a limited range of motion received the appropriate treatment ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to keep a resident's environment free from accident hazards. This was evident for 1 (#81, #92) of 5 residents ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
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 conduct an in-depth asse...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
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 the facility failed to 1) timely assess a resident with we...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, medical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the physician reviewed a resident's plan of care which included treatments, and signed off that the treatment w...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0744
(Tag F0744)
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 provide a resident center...
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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) The facility's consulting pharmacist failed to identify an excessive Tylenol order for Resident #107.
Resident #107 was ordered 650 mg of as-needed Tylenol with an order to not exceed 3000 mg of T...
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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 medical record and interview with facility staff, it was determined that the facility ordered and administered an excessive amount of Tylenol to Resident #107. This was true for 2 o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on surveyor observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to maintain the resident cal...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to notify the physician of a significant weight loss. This was evident for 2 (#73, #81) of 4 residents reviewe...
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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** An observation was made, on 7/26/18 at 8:42 AM, of room [ROOM NUMBER]. A board ran horizontally on the wall behind the head of b...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility staff failed to ensure Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments were accurately coded. This was evident for 5 (#29, #9...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on surveyor observation, review of the medical record, hospital records and interviews with staff, it was determined that the facility staff failed to provide quality of care and services in acc...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that each resident's drug regimen was free from psychotropic drugs. This was evident for 1 (#70...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, and facility documentation review, it was determined that the facility failed to 1) ensur...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Review of the Dishwasher Checklist for the month of May revealed that the facility failed the monitor the water temperatures and chlorine sanitation levels for the last 11 days for the month of May.
A...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0868
(Tag F0868)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on medical record reviews and interviews with staff, it was determined that the facility staff failed to implement the facility developed POC (plan of correction) from the annual survey (2017).
...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of facility documentation and interview with staff, it was determined that the facility failed to have a system to monitor antibiotic use. This has the potential to affect all resident...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4) Resident #97's record was reviewed on 8/2/18 at 10:27 AM. No baseline care plan was found in the record. Upon request for the...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
A care plan is a guide that addresses the unique needs of each resident. It is used to plan, assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the resident's care.
4) Resident #111's record was reviewed on 7/3...
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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
5) Resident #111's record was reviewed on 7/30/18 at 8:32 AM. A plan of care was developed on 6/13/18 for R (right)femoral fracture, supplemental medications for wound healing. The resident's goal was...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to keep complete and accurate medical ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to monitor a reach-in freezer to assure safe sto...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 6) Resident #111's record was reviewed on 7/27/18 at 1:53 PM. The resident was transferred to the hospital on 6/12/18 for probab...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to post the total number and the actual hou...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations and staff and resident interviews, it was determined that the alternate food choices are not communicated to the residents in advance. This is evident on 3 of 3 nursing units.
Th...
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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.
- • 34% turnover. Below Maryland's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 84 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor Staffed?
CMS rates AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 34%, compared to the Maryland average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor?
State health inspectors documented 84 deficiencies at AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR during 2018 to 2025. These included: 81 with potential for harm and 3 minor or isolated issues. While no single deficiency reached the most serious levels, the total volume warrants attention from prospective families.
Who Owns and Operates Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 118 certified beds and approximately 108 residents (about 92% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in SYKESVILLE, Maryland.
How Does Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor Compare to Other Maryland Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maryland, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (34%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor?
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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor Stick Around?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR has a staff turnover rate of 34%, which is about average for Maryland nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor Ever Fined?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Birch Manor on Any Federal Watch List?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT BIRCH MANOR 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.