MORRELL NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Morrell Nursing Center in Hartsville, South Carolina, has a Trust Grade of F, which indicates significant concerns regarding care quality. The facility ranks #120 out of 186 in the state, placing it in the bottom half, and is the lowest-ranked option in Darlington County, at #4 of 4. While the facility's trend is improving, having reduced issues from 4 in 2022 to 1 in 2024, the staffing rating is a strength, with a 4 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 24%, lower than the state average. However, there are serious concerns, including recent incidents of failure to prevent and report sexual abuse, as well as inadequate assessment for necessary medications, which highlight the need for families to carefully consider their options.
- Trust Score
- F
- In South Carolina
- #120/186
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 24% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 24 points below South Carolina's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $18,356 in fines. Lower than most South Carolina facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 26 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for South Carolina. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 11 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Low Staff Turnover (24%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (24%)
24 points below South Carolina average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Below South Carolina average (2.8)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 11 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record reviews, and interviews the facility failed to ensure that Resident (R)66 was appropriately assess...
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Dec 2022
4 deficiencies
2 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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews, interviews and review of the facility policy titled, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, the facility failed to ensure Resident (R)71 and R11 were free from abuse, specifically s...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews, interviews and review of the facility policy titled, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, the facility failed to report alleged sexual abuse to the state agency, as required, no ...
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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, facility policy review, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to anchor an indwelling urinary catheter for 1 of 1 Resident (R)19 reviewed for catheters. This failur...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the facility policy titled, Gastrostomy/PEG Tube Feeding, record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure Resident (R)47 received tube feeding timely as ord...
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May 2021
6 deficiencies
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 interview, record review and review of facility policy and procedure, the facility failed to ensure that 1 of 3 closed ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews the facility failed to ensure a Significant Change assessment was completed in a timely m...
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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 record reviews, interviews, and review of the Hospice Services Agreement, the facility failed to ensure coordination of...
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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 record reviews and interviews the facility failed to ensure interventions were put into place to ensure a decrease in w...
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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 review of manufacturer recommendations, the facility failed to ensure that blood glucose strips and blood glucose controls were properly labeled post opening and t...
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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 interview, record review, and review of the facility policy titled, Clinical Records the facility failed to update Immu...
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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
- • 24% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 24 points below South Carolina's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 2 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 11 deficiencies on record, including 2 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $18,356 in fines. Above average for South Carolina. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (39/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Morrell Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns MORRELL NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within South Carolina, 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 Morrell Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates MORRELL NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 24%, compared to the South Carolina average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Morrell Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 11 deficiencies at MORRELL NURSING CENTER during 2021 to 2024. These included: 2 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 9 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Morrell Nursing Center?
MORRELL NURSING CENTER 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 154 certified beds and approximately 135 residents (about 88% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in HARTSVILLE, South Carolina.
How Does Morrell Nursing Center Compare to Other South Carolina Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in South Carolina, MORRELL NURSING CENTER's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 2.8, staff turnover (24%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Morrell Nursing 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 Morrell Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, MORRELL NURSING CENTER has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 2 Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in South Carolina. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Morrell Nursing Center Stick Around?
Staff at MORRELL NURSING CENTER tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 24%, the facility is 21 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. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 28%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Morrell Nursing Center Ever Fined?
MORRELL NURSING CENTER has been fined $18,356 across 1 penalty action. This is below the South Carolina average of $33,262. 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 Morrell Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
MORRELL NURSING 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.