PruittHealth- Barnwell

31 Wren Street, Barnwell, SC 29812 (803) 259-5547
For profit - Corporation 44 Beds PRUITTHEALTH Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
95/100
#22 of 186 in SC
Last Inspection: June 2025

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

Overview

PruittHealth-Barnwell has received a Trust Grade of A+, which means it is considered an elite facility, excelling above others in its category. It ranks #22 out of 186 nursing homes in South Carolina, placing it in the top half of facilities statewide, and is the top option among the three nursing homes in Barnwell County. The facility’s trend is stable, with only two issues reported in both 2022 and 2025, indicating no significant decline in quality. Staffing is a strength here, with a 4/5 rating and a low turnover rate of 18%, which is well below the state average of 46%, suggesting experienced staff who are familiar with the residents. While there have been no fines, which is a positive sign, there were incidents where proper personal protective equipment was not used during wound care, and a resident did not receive the necessary assistance with splints as outlined in their care plan, highlighting areas for improvement alongside the facility's strengths.

Trust Score
A+
95/100
In South Carolina
#22/186
Top 11%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Holding Steady
1 → 1 violations
Staff Stability
✓ Good
18% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 30 points below South Carolina's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most South Carolina facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 42 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for South Carolina. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 2 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★☆
4.0
Staff Levels
★★★★☆
4.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2022: 1 issues
2025: 1 issues

The Good

  • 4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
  • 4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Low Staff Turnover (18%) · Staff stability means consistent care
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover is low (18%)

    30 points below South Carolina average of 48%

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

The Bad

Chain: PRUITTHEALTH

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 2 deficiencies on record

Jun 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

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed ensure the proper personal prote...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed ensure the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) was used during wound care to maintain Enhanced Barrier Precaution (EBP) for one resident (Resident (R) 37) of one resident observed during wound care. This had the potential for the resident's wound to become infected. Findings include: Review of the facility policy titled, Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP), with a revised date of 05/27/25 indicated, It is the policy of this facility to implement enhanced barrier precautions for the prevention of transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms. Under Definition states, Enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) refer to an infection control intervention designed to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms that employs targeted gown and glove use during high contact resident care activities .PPE for enhanced barrier precautions is only necessary when performing high-contact care activities. High-contact resident care activities include: h. Wound care: any skin opening requiring a dressing. Review of R37's undated Face Sheet located under the Profile tab in the electronic medical record (EMR) revealed R37 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease with atherosclerosis (plaque in the artery walls) of the right and left leg with ulceration of both feet and partial amputation. Review of R37's Physician Order located under the Orders tab in the EMR revealed an order dated 05/24/24 for Enhanced Barrier Precautions every shift. Review of R37's Care Plan with a problem start date of 05/09/24 indicated, Resident is at risk for contacting MDRO [Multi Drug Resistant Organism] r/t [related to] presence of open chronic PAD [Peripheral Artery Disease] wounds. An approach with a start date of 05/09/24 stated use gown and gloves during high contact resident care activities, including but not limited to dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens, changing briefs or assisting with toileting, wound care and any skin opening requiring a dressing. During an observation on 06/10/25 at 12:55 PM revealed the Unit Manager (UM) preparing to complete wound care for R37. R37 had Stage IV Pressure Ulcers to the right and left heel/ankle area. A barrier was not placed under the residents' feet. A sponge was used to raise the lower half of the legs, but R37's heel hit the bed covers while the UM was washing her hands. The wounds were cleaned individually and clean dressings applied. The UM did not wear a gown while completing care to R37's wounds. During an interview with the UM on 06/10/25 at 1:29 PM, the UM stated, I did not put on my EBP. I knew halfway through that I forgot my gown. We have drapes to put down on the surface of the bed, and I did not use one. I am very aware of what I did. During an interview with the Director of Nursing (DON) on 06/12/25 at 11:27 AM revealed It is my expectation that nursing follows policy and procedures for EBP and that they know the orders before entering the room and put on the necessary PPE required.
Aug 2022 1 deficiency
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0688 (Tag F0688)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility procedure, record review, observations, and interview, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 resident...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility procedure, record review, observations, and interview, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 resident (R)2, reviewed for Positioning and Mobility, was provided assistance to apply splints per his plan of care. Findings include: The facility's splinting policy was requested on 08/25/22 at approximately 10:00 AM and was not received prior to survey exit on 08/25/22. The facility's Applying and Removing the Dynamic Splint Procedure, dated 2019, read, in pertinent part, Splints are used to: Prevent deformities and contractures of the joint . relieve pain . Maintain and improve mobility and range of motion. R2 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], per the undated Resident Face Sheet found in the electronic medical record (EMR) under the Admissions tab, with diagnoses including; history of traumatic brain injury and metabolic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction). Review of the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 05/23/22, indicated R2 was severely cognitively impaired with a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 99, indicating the assessment could not be completed due to R2's poor cognition. This MDS indicated R2 had Range of Motion (ROM) impairment to his upper and lower extremities (arms and legs) on one side of his body, and that a splint or brace was not in use for the resident during any of the seven day look back period. Review of R2's Contracture Risk Assessment, dated 08/23/22 and found in the EMR under the Observations tab, indicated a risk score of 13 (moderate risk for developing contractures). Contractures are fixed stiffening of a joint due to muscle or tendon shortening. Review of R2's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Care Plan, dated 04/20/22 and found in the EMR under the Care Plan tab, indicated R2 received extensive assistance from staff to complete his ADLs due to his metabolic encephalopathy, dementia, and history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Approaches included: Resident to wear bilateral elbow braces/orthotics as indicated/tolerated to assist with prevention of contractures and Assist resident with putting on and taking off bilateral elbow braces/orthotics as indicated. Review of R2's Orders Report, dated 08/01/22 through 08/25/22 and found in the EMR under the Orders tab, indicated an order to Wear left and right elbow braces for 8 hours per day to reduce elbow contracture. The orders indicated the elbow braces were to be worn during the day shift. R2 was observed lying in his bed and awake on 08/23/22 at 3:41 PM, and on 08/24/22 at 11:58 AM, 1:53 PM, 2:32 PM, and 3:41 PM. R2 was not wearing his elbow splints during any of these observations. During an interview on 08/25/22 at 9:47 AM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Unit Manager (UM)1 stated R2 was to be wearing his elbow splints as ordered. During an interview on 08/25/22 at 11:22 AM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)1 verified that she had been taking care of R2 on 08/24/22, but had not been told R2 was supposed to have splints applied to his elbows during the day, and so did not apply them. During an interview with the Clinical Care Coordinator (CCC)/Infection Preventionist (IP), who was representing the Director of Nursing (DON) during the survey, on 08/25/22 at 11:54 AM, she stated, He [R2] should have the elbow protectors on per the physician's order.
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+ (95/100). Above average facility, better than most options in South Carolina.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most South Carolina facilities.
  • • Only 2 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 Pruitthealth- Barnwell's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns PruittHealth- Barnwell an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within South Carolina, 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 Pruitthealth- Barnwell Staffed?

CMS rates PruittHealth- Barnwell's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 18%, compared to the South Carolina average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at Pruitthealth- Barnwell?

State health inspectors documented 2 deficiencies at PruittHealth- Barnwell during 2022 to 2025. These included: 2 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Pruitthealth- Barnwell?

PruittHealth- Barnwell 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 PRUITTHEALTH, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 44 certified beds and approximately 43 residents (about 98% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Barnwell, South Carolina.

How Does Pruitthealth- Barnwell Compare to Other South Carolina Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in South Carolina, PruittHealth- Barnwell's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (18%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Pruitthealth- Barnwell?

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 Pruitthealth- Barnwell Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, PruittHealth- Barnwell 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 South 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 Pruitthealth- Barnwell Stick Around?

Staff at PruittHealth- Barnwell tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 18%, the facility is 28 percentage points below the South Carolina average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly.

Was Pruitthealth- Barnwell Ever Fined?

PruittHealth- Barnwell 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 Pruitthealth- Barnwell on Any Federal Watch List?

PruittHealth- Barnwell 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.