FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT

6051 US HIGHWAY 49 SOUTH, HATTIESBURG, MS 39401 (601) 288-4233
Government - County 29 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#10 of 200 in MS
Last Inspection: May 2025

Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.

Overview

Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has received an excellent Trust Grade of A, indicating a highly recommended facility. Ranking #10 out of 200 nursing homes in the state places it in the top half, and it stands at #2 of 8 in Forrest County, meaning there is only one better local option. The facility's performance is stable, with a consistent number of issues reported over the last couple of years. Staffing is a strong point, boasting a perfect 5/5 rating and more registered nurse coverage than any other nursing home in Mississippi, although the turnover rate is 51%, slightly above the state average. While there have been no fines, there are some concerns, including a failure to store oxygen tubing properly, leading to potential hygiene risks, and instances of staff not performing hand hygiene after removing gloves during medication administration, raising infection control concerns.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In Mississippi
#10/200
Top 5%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Holding Steady
1 → 1 violations
Staff Stability
⚠ Watch
51% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Mississippi facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 246 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Mississippi nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 3 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★★★★
5.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2023: 1 issues
2025: 1 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • 5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 51%

Near Mississippi avg (46%)

Higher turnover may affect care consistency

The Ugly 3 deficiencies on record

May 2025 1 deficiency
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 observation, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to follow appropriate infection prevention practices by not ensuring oxygen tubing was stored in a clean and sanitary manner wh...

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Based on observation, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to follow appropriate infection prevention practices by not ensuring oxygen tubing was stored in a clean and sanitary manner when not in use for one (1) of two (2) residents reviewed for oxygen therapy, Resident #140. Findings Included: On 05/05/25 at 11:29 AM, during an observation and interview, Resident #140 was lying in bed. There was a nasal cannula (NC) and oxygen tubing wrapped around the side rail. Resident #140 stated that she usually wears oxygen at night, and sometimes during the day if she needs it. She confirmed that she had wrapped the NC and oxygen tubing around the side rail because she did not want it to fall to the floor. There was no bag available to place the tubing in while it was not in use. On 05/06/25 at 10:55 AM, during an observation and interview with Registered Nurse (RN) #1, Resident #140 was observed lying in bed with the NC and oxygen tubing resting on the floor. RN #1 stated that when oxygen is not in use, the NC and tubing should be stored in a clean plastic bag and kept within reach of the resident. She confirmed there was no plastic bag available in the resident's room for proper storage and acknowledged the tubing was not stored according to infection control standards. RN #1 immediately retrieved the tubing from the floor, discarded it, and stated she would replace it with a new NC and tubing. On 05/06/25 at 11:10 AM, during an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Administrator, the DON explained that the Respiratory Therapy department provides drawstring plastic bags for residents to store their oxygen tubing when not in use. She stated the tubing should be placed in the bags and stored in a wire basket mounted on the wall above the resident's bed. The DON confirmed that Resident #140 did not have a storage bag available at the bedside and stated she would ensure one was provided. She further acknowledged that the facility did not have a specific policy addressing the storage of nasal cannulas or oxygen tubing as it relates to infection control. A record review of the facility's Patient Information document revealed Resident #140 was admitted by the facility on 5/1/25 with current diagnoses including Right Total Knee Arthroplasty. A record review of the Assessment and Plan, dated 5/1/25, revealed a Physician's Order for Oxygen three (3) liters nightly and as needed.
Nov 2023 1 deficiency
MINOR (B)

Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact

MDS Data Transmission (Tag F0640)

Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents

Based on staff interview, record review, and the facility policy review, the facility failed to electronically submit a discharge Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for three (3) of 20 sampled resident...

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Based on staff interview, record review, and the facility policy review, the facility failed to electronically submit a discharge Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for three (3) of 20 sampled residents. Resident #3, Resident #13, and Resident #15. Findings Include: Record review of the facility's Skilled Nursing Unit Policy, undated, revealed, .F640 Automated data processing requirement .Transmitting Data .2. Within 14 days after the SNU (Skilled Nursing Unit) completes a resident's assessment, the SNU electronically transmits encoded, accurate, and complete MDS data . Resident #3 Record review of the resident information document revealed the facility admitted Resident #3 on 07/05/23. Record review of the facility's After Visit Summary revealed Resident #3 was discharged from the facility on 7/19/23. Review of the medical record revealed there was no Discharge MDS completed or submitted for Resident #3. Resident #13 Record review of the resident information document revealed the facility admitted Resident #13 on 6/24/23. Record review of the After Visit Summary revealed Resident #13 was discharged from the facility on 7/13/23. Review of the medical record revealed there was no Discharge MDS completed or submitted for Resident #13. Resident #15 Record review of the resident information document revealed the facility admitted Resident #15 on 6/28/23. Record review of the After Visit Summary revealed Resident #15 was discharged on 7/19/23. Review of the medical record revealed there was no Discharge MDS completed or submitted for Resident #15. During an interview on 11/21/23 at 1:30 PM, with Registered Nurse (RN)#1, she confirmed the discharge assessments for Residents #3, #13 and #15 were not submitted in the last 120 days. RN #1 said she had just started as the MDS nurse and did not realize those residents' discharge assessments were due. RN #1 confirmed Resident #3's Discharge MDS Assessment was due 8/2/23, Resident #13's was due 7/27/23, and Resident #15's was due 8/2/23. She stated the Discharge assessments are due within 14 days after the resident's discharge date from the facility. During an interview on 11/21/23 at 1:45 PM, with the Director of Nursing (DON), she confirmed that Residents #3, #13 and #15 Discharge MDS assessments were not submitted in a timely manner. The DON said she expected the assessments to be completed and submitted 14 days after the residents are discharged . The DON explained that she was not working at the facility at that time and was unaware the Discharge MDS Assessments were not completed and submitted. An interview on 11/21/23 at 2:00 PM, with the Administrator, confirmed the Discharge MDS assessments were not submitted in a timely manner. The Administrator said those assessments occurred during a transition when the care plan nurse and the MDS nurse changed responsibilities and the nurses should have communicated to prevent the assessments from being missed.
Jun 2022 1 deficiency
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, record review, and facility policy review, the facility staff failed to perform hand hygiene after glove removal during medication administration for one (1) of seve...

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Based on observations, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility staff failed to perform hand hygiene after glove removal during medication administration for one (1) of seven (7) medication administration observations. Resident #125. Findings Include: Review of the facility's policy, undated, Section: QM-Infection Prevention and Control, Hand Hygiene, Fingernails and Gloves, revealed, .Healthcare Workers will use waterless alcohol hand rub to clean their hands .Before donning gloves and after removing gloves .Healthcare Workers will follow these glove guidelines: .Perform hand hygiene immediately after glove removal . On 6/1/22 at 9:35 AM, the State Agency (SA) observed Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #1 during medication administration for Resident #125. LPN #1 removed a topical patch from Resident #125's left knee while wearing gloves. She removed and discarded the gloves and donned a clean pair of gloves without washing or sanitizing her hands. On 6/1/22 at 9:42 AM, in an interview with LPN #1, she confirmed she should have sanitized her hands after removing her gloves and her actions was an infection control issue because she could spread infection by not washing her hands. On 06/02/22 02:06 PM, in an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON), she confirmed the nurse should have used hand sanitizer after she removed her gloves and before applying clean gloves and the nurse's actions could spread infection. On 6/2/22 at 2:15 PM, in an interview with the Administrator, she stated LPN #1 should have sanitized her hands before applying new gloves and there was potential of spreading infection. A record review of Resident #125's Face Sheet revealed an Encounter Date (admission Date) of 5/28/22 with a medical diagnosis of Total Knee Arthroplasty Left.
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 A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Mississippi.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Mississippi 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 Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Mississippi, 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 Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Staffed?

CMS rates FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 51%, compared to the Mississippi average of 46%.

What Have Inspectors Found at Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit?

State health inspectors documented 3 deficiencies at FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT during 2022 to 2025. These included: 2 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.

Who Owns and Operates Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit?

FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 29 certified beds and approximately 28 residents (about 97% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in HATTIESBURG, Mississippi.

How Does Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Compare to Other Mississippi Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Mississippi, FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (51%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit?

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 Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Mississippi. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Stick Around?

FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT has a staff turnover rate of 51%, which is about average for Mississippi 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 Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit Ever Fined?

FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT 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 Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit on Any Federal Watch List?

FORREST GENERAL HOSPITAL SKILLED NURSING UNIT 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.