Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average but not exceptional. It ranks #177 out of 417 facilities in North Carolina, placing it in the top half, and is the best option in Cherokee County. However, the facility's trend is concerning as it has worsened from 3 issues in 2023 to 9 in 2024. Staffing is a strength, with a rating of 4/5 stars and a turnover rate of 33%, which is well below the state average. While there have been no fines, there are several concerning incidents, including improper food handling practices that could lead to contamination, and the failure to remove expired medications from storage, which raises safety and health risks for residents. Overall, while there are strengths in staffing, the facility has room for improvement in maintaining safety and compliance.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In North Carolina
- #177/417
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 33% turnover. Near North Carolina's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most North Carolina facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 36 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for North Carolina. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 14 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (33%)
15 points below North Carolina average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near North Carolina average (2.8)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
13pts below North Carolina avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
The Ugly 14 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
9 deficiencies
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, and family and staff interviews, the facility failed to immediately notify a resident's Responsible Part...
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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** 2. Resident #23 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses which included diabetes mellitus and non-Alzheimer's demen...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to apply offer application of tubin...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and staff interviews the facility failed to obtain an order for a resident who required ox...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0790
(Tag F0790)
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 with the Dental Representative, family, resident and staff, the facility fai...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure accurate medical records when...
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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 interviews the facility failed to utilize an official form for code status (official portable D...
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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
Based on observation, staff interviews, and record reviews, the facility failed to discard expired eye drops from the medication carts as specified by the manufacturer's guidelines and failed to remov...
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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
Based on observations and staff interviews, the facility failed to prevent the potential for cross contamination by storing a plastic scoop inside the dry flour ingredient bin allowing the handle to t...
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Jul 2023
3 deficiencies
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, record review, and interviews with resident and staff, the facility failed to maintain a wheelchair in goo...
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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
Based on observations and staff interviews the facility failed to remove expired food in 1 of 2 kitchen refrigerators. The facility failed to clean and maintain 1 of 4 ice machines. This practice had ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and staff interviews the facility's Quality Assurance Activity (QAA) committee failed to maintain implemented procedures and monitor interventions that the committee had previousl...
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Jan 2022
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and staff interviews the facility failed to store one unused insulin pen and one bottle of ...
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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
Based on observations, record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to discard opened and undated food items stored in 2 of 2 nourishment room refrigerators (Nourishment room that serviced ...
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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 North Carolina facilities.
- • 33% turnover. Below North Carolina's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 14 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within North Carolina, this rating places the facility higher than 99% 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 Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Staffed?
CMS rates Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 33%, compared to the North Carolina average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing?
State health inspectors documented 14 deficiencies at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing during 2022 to 2024. These included: 14 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing?
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing 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 134 certified beds and approximately 112 residents (about 84% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in Murphy, North Carolina.
How Does Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Compare to Other North Carolina Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in North Carolina, Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.8, staff turnover (33%) 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 Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing?
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 Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing 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 #1 of 100 nursing homes in North Carolina. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Stick Around?
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing has a staff turnover rate of 33%, which is about average for North Carolina 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 Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Ever Fined?
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing 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 Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing on Any Federal Watch List?
Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing 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.