Preakness Healthcare Center
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Preakness Healthcare Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about care quality and safety. They rank #333 out of 344 facilities in New Jersey, placing them in the bottom half, and #18 out of 18 in Passaic County, meaning there are no better local options. The facility's trend is worsening, with issues increasing from 2 in 2024 to 17 in 2025. Staffing is relatively strong with a 4 out of 5 star rating and a 37% turnover rate, which is below the state average, but there are serious issues such as failing to follow emergency response procedures for a resident in respiratory distress and not maintaining proper kitchen sanitation, which raises concerns about overall safety and hygiene. Additionally, while the fines of $15,646 are average, the facility has critical issues that need immediate attention to ensure resident safety.
- Trust Score
- F
- In New Jersey
- #333/344
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 37% turnover. Near New Jersey's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $15,646 in fines. Higher than 66% of New Jersey facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 64 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of New Jersey nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 34 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (37%)
11 points below New Jersey average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below New Jersey average (3.2)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Near New Jersey avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 34 deficiencies on record
May 2025
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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews, review of medical records, and review of pertinent documentation provided by the facility on 05/02/2025, it was determined that the facility failed to thoroughly investigate an al...
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Jan 2025
15 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 observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined the facility failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity in a manner that promotes...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow standards of clinical practice to ensure, a.) a physician's order (PO) for a heel booties 2 of ...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the resident receive care and treatment in accordance with professional standards of pract...
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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
Based on observations, interviews, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the foley urinary catheter drainage bag was stor...
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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 observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices during tracheostom...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to; a) complete the Hemodialysis Communication Record (HCR) to include a signature by the facility nurse t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that due to a shortage of staff, the facility failed to a.) honor the resident's shower sc...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to provide pharmaceutical services in accordance with professional standards to ensure accur...
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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 observation, interview, record review, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the resident did not receive an unnecessary medication f...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to properly a.) label, dispose and secure medications in 3 of 9 medication carts inspected and b.) store ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and review of pertinent documentation provided by the facility, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure reference checks were completed for 10 out of 10 newly hired sta...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to complete and transmit a Minimum Data Set (MDS) in accordance with the federal guidelines. This deficient practice wa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
2. On 1/17/25 at 8:25 AM, during the med administration observation, the surveyor observed the Registered Nurse (RN) preparing to administer meds to Resident #122. The surveyor observed the resident's...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policies, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain proper ...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0577
(Tag F0577)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain the prior year's Federal and State of New Jersey (State) inspection results and post the loca...
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Jan 2025
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
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint # NJ00 181747
Based on interview, medical records (MR) review, and review of pertinent facility documents on 01/14/202...
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Nov 2024
1 deficiency
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Complaint#: NJ00179720
Based on interviews and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to follow the Medical Emergency Response policy for a resident (Reside...
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Mar 2024
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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint #: NJ171754
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of other facility documentation on 3/1/2024, it was determined that the facility failed to notify and obtain a physicia...
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Sept 2023
12 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure that one (Resident (R) 218) of 34 ...
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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 observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that tube feeding poles were maintained in a...
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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 review, interview, review of Facility Reported Incidents (FRI), and policy review, the facility failed to ensure...
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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** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide to the resident and/or their representative, a written noti...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide to the resident and/or their representative, a bed hold pol...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure that three of three re...
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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 facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure medications were administered in a manner that prevented cross-contamination for one (Resident (R) 410) of ...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ157711, NJ159758, NJ162870, NJ162871
Based on interview, record review, and policy review, the facility failed to...
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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
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, document review, interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure a medication error...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0909
(Tag F0909)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and review of manufacturer's instructions, the facility failed to ensure bed frames and rails, ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0949
(Tag F0949)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure six of six Certified Nurse Aides (CNA), two of two Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and two of two Registered Nurse's (RN) reviewed ...
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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 interviews, the facility failed to ensure the daily nursing staffing hours were included in the promine...
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Jul 2021
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to assure that the physician resp...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0712
(Tag F0712)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure in person physician vis...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to: ...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 37% turnover. Below New Jersey's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 34 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $15,646 in fines. Above average for New Jersey. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (26/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Preakness Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Preakness Healthcare Center an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within New Jersey, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Preakness Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates Preakness Healthcare Center's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 37%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Preakness Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 34 deficiencies at Preakness Healthcare Center during 2021 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 31 with potential for harm, and 2 minor or isolated issues. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Preakness Healthcare Center?
Preakness Healthcare Center 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 406 certified beds and approximately 281 residents (about 69% occupancy), it is a large facility located in WAYNE, New Jersey.
How Does Preakness Healthcare Center Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, Preakness Healthcare Center's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (37%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Preakness Healthcare Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "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 facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations.
Is Preakness Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Preakness Healthcare Center has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in New Jersey. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Preakness Healthcare Center Stick Around?
Preakness Healthcare Center has a staff turnover rate of 37%, which is about average for New Jersey 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 Preakness Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
Preakness Healthcare Center has been fined $15,646 across 1 penalty action. This is below the New Jersey average of $33,235. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Preakness Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
Preakness Healthcare 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.