Inspection Reports for Buchanan Healthcare Center
144 DEPOT STREET, BUCHANAN, GA, 30113
Back to Facility ProfileInspection Report Summary
The most recent inspection on April 30, 2025, found no deficiencies after a follow-up and revisit survey confirmed correction of prior issues cited in March 2025. The March 2025 standard and life safety surveys identified deficiencies related to sanitation of resident wheelchairs, incomplete assessments for hospice residents, inadequate hydration via gastrostomy tube, and multiple life safety code violations including emergency lighting and sprinkler system maintenance. Earlier inspections from 2024 showed a pattern of deficiencies involving staffing shortages, care plan development, food quality, environmental hazards, and extensive life safety code issues, but these were addressed through follow-up surveys with corrections verified. Complaint investigations during this period were mostly unsubstantiated, with no enforcement actions or fines listed in the available reports. The recent clean inspection suggests improvement following the correction of prior deficiencies.
Deficiencies (last 6 years)
Deficiencies (over 6 years)
7.7 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
57% worse than Georgia average
Georgia average: 4.9 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
20
15
10
5
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
46 residents
Based on a April 2025 inspection.
Census over time
Inspection Report
Plan of Correction
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Apr 30, 2025
Visit Reason
This document is a Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction for Buchanan Healthcare Center following a regulatory inspection.
Findings
The report contains initial comments but does not specify any detailed deficiencies or findings.
Inspection Report
Re-Inspection
Census: 46
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Apr 30, 2025
Visit Reason
A revisit survey was conducted to verify correction of deficiencies cited during the 3/30/2025 standard survey with complaints.
Complaint Details
The revisit survey followed a standard survey with complaints conducted on 3/30/2025.
Findings
All deficiencies cited in the previous survey were found to be corrected during the revisit survey.
Report Facts
Census: 46
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Apr 30, 2025
Visit Reason
A Follow-Up Survey was conducted to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies.
Findings
All previously cited survey tags have been corrected as noted during the follow-up survey.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 46
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Mar 30, 2025
Visit Reason
A standard survey was conducted at Buchanan Healthcare Center from 3/28/2025 through 3/30/2025, including investigation of two complaint intake numbers which were unsubstantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaint Intake Numbers GA00249982 and GA00249728 were investigated in conjunction with the standard survey and were unsubstantiated.
Findings
The facility was found not in substantial compliance with Medicare/Medicaid regulations, with deficiencies including failure to maintain one resident's wheelchair in a sanitary manner, failure to complete Significant Change Assessments for hospice residents, and failure to ensure adequate hydration via gastrostomy tube for one resident.
Deficiencies (3)
Failed to ensure one resident's wheelchair was maintained in a sanitary manner among 32 wheelchairs actively used by residents.
Failed to complete a Significant Change Assessment for two hospice residents receiving hospice services.
Failed to ensure one resident received adequate hydration via gastrostomy tube; administered 30 cc water instead of ordered 100 cc before and after bolus feeding.
Report Facts
Resident census: 46
Number of wheelchairs actively used: 32
Total wheelchairs in facility: 63
Number of residents receiving hospice services: 8
Sample size for Significant Change Assessment review: 21
Water volume ordered: 100
Water volume administered: 30
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| LPN AA | Licensed Practical Nurse | Administered incorrect volume of water via gastrostomy tube to resident R29 |
| BB | MDS Coordinator | Interviewed regarding failure to complete Significant Change Assessments for hospice residents |
| MD | Maintenance Director | Confirmed wheelchair cleanliness issues and maintenance responsibilities |
| DON | Director of Nursing | Confirmed staff responsibilities for wheelchair cleaning and verified medication administration error |
Inspection Report
Life Safety
Census: 46
Capacity: 60
Deficiencies: 5
Date: Mar 30, 2025
Visit Reason
The visit was a Life Safety Code Survey conducted to assess compliance with 42 CFR Subpart 483.90(a), Life Safety from Fire, and related NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2012 edition standards.
Findings
The facility was found not in substantial compliance with life safety requirements, including issues with egress doors not opening properly, failure to conduct required emergency lighting testing, improper supervision and maintenance of the sprinkler system, and electrical components not properly maintained.
Deficiencies (5)
Egress doors failed to open properly in a timely manner, including delayed egress door at East Wing and access-controlled doors at East Wing and Front Lobby.
Emergency lighting units were not properly tested annually as required.
Sprinkler system supervisory signals were not properly monitored; main sprinkler valve was chained open and not electrically supervised.
Sprinkler system maintenance deficiencies including sprinkler heads loaded with grease and lint, inadequate supply of spare sprinkler heads, and sprinkler piping used to support external loads.
Electrical components not properly maintained; two relocatable power taps in activity director's office not protected against physical damage.
Report Facts
Census: 46
Total Capacity: 60
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff M | Staff member who confirmed findings during the facility tour and record review |
Inspection Report
Routine
Deficiencies: 1
Date: Mar 30, 2025
Visit Reason
A State Licensure survey was conducted at Buchanan Healthcare Center from March 28, 2025, through March 30, 2025, to assess compliance with state health regulations.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure adequate hydration for one resident (R29) via gastrostomy tube, as the Licensed Practical Nurse administered only 30 cc of water before and after feeding instead of the ordered 100 cc. The Director of Nursing confirmed the deviation from physician orders.
Deficiencies (1)
Failure to ensure one resident received adequate hydration via gastrostomy tube as ordered by physician.
Report Facts
Water volume administered: 30
Water volume ordered: 100
Number of feedings per day: 5
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| LPN AA | Licensed Practical Nurse | Administered incorrect water volume during gastrostomy tube feeding |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Confirmed the incorrect administration of water and expected nursing staff to follow physician orders |
Inspection Report
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 13, 2024
Visit Reason
The document is a statement of deficiencies and plan of correction for Buchanan Healthcare Center following a regulatory survey.
Findings
The report contains an initial comment section but does not provide specific findings or deficiencies in the provided page.
Inspection Report
Re-Inspection
Census: 53
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 13, 2024
Visit Reason
A Revisit Survey was conducted to verify correction of deficiencies cited during the 4/4/2024 Recertification Survey.
Findings
All deficiencies cited as a result of the 4/4/2024 Recertification Survey were found to be corrected.
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Deficiencies: 0
Date: May 10, 2024
Visit Reason
A Follow-Up Survey was conducted to verify correction of previously cited survey deficiencies.
Findings
All previously cited survey tags have been corrected as noted during the follow-up survey.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 49
Deficiencies: 7
Date: Apr 4, 2024
Visit Reason
A State Licensure survey was conducted at Buchanan Healthcare Center from April 2, 2024, through April 4, 2024, to assess compliance with state health regulations.
Findings
The survey revealed multiple deficiencies including inadequate nursing staff leading to a one-star staffing rating, failure to serve palatable meals, incomplete care plans and failure to follow care plans for residents, unsafe and unmaintained physical environment including damaged doors and unsafe water temperatures, and improper maintenance of the dumpster area.
Deficiencies (7)
The facility failed to ensure adequate nursing staff affecting care for 49 residents.
Meals served were not palatable or attractive; chicken was undercooked and vegetables bland for one resident.
Failure to develop and follow care plans related to wound care and oxygen therapy for sampled residents.
Facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, homelike environment; resident room doors and door frames were chipped, scuffed, and damaged.
Dumpster area was not properly maintained and free from debris, attracting pests.
Water temperatures in 10 of 20 resident rooms were below 110 degrees Fahrenheit, posing accident hazards.
Unsafe physical hazards including rusted metal sticking out from door frames and damaged doors with holes and chipped wood.
Report Facts
Residents present: 49
Resident rooms with unsafe water temperatures: 10
Resident rooms with damaged doors: 20
Resident sample size for care plan review: 18
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse Nurse Supervisor EE | LPN Nurse Supervisor | Verified oxygen saturation checks were not being performed as ordered |
| Administrator | Interviewed regarding staffing issues, meal concerns, and maintenance policies | |
| Minimum Data Set Coordinator | Interviewed regarding staffing and care plan development | |
| Certified Dietary Manager | CDM | Interviewed regarding meal preparation and dumpster maintenance |
| Maintenance Director | MD | Interviewed regarding maintenance issues, water temperature checks, and repair work orders |
| Regional Staffing Consultant | Interviewed regarding staffing levels and turnover | |
| Registered Nurse MDS Coordinator | RN MDS Coordinator | Verified wound care plan updates and compliance |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | ADON | Mentioned as having left the facility contributing to staffing shortages |
| Director of Nursing | DON | Mentioned as having left the facility contributing to staffing shortages and care plan oversight |
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 49
Deficiencies: 12
Date: Apr 4, 2024
Visit Reason
A standard routine survey was conducted to assess compliance with Medicare/Medicaid regulations and facility standards.
Findings
The facility was found noncompliant with multiple regulatory requirements including maintenance of a safe and homelike environment, coordination of PASARR assessments, development and implementation of care plans, treatment of pressure ulcers, accident hazard prevention, respiratory care, bedrail assessments, staffing sufficiency, food quality and safety, garbage disposal, and pest control.
Deficiencies (12)
Facility failed to maintain safe, clean, comfortable, homelike environment with damaged doors and door frames in resident rooms.
Failed to ensure Level II PASARR assessments were completed for two residents.
Failed to develop and follow care plans related to wound care and oxygen therapy for sampled residents.
Failed to consistently apply heel boots to relieve pressure ulcers as ordered.
Failed to maintain safe water temperatures and repair damaged door frames with rusted metal posing accident hazards.
Failed to provide respiratory care consistent with physician orders including oxygen saturation monitoring and proper oxygen tubing storage.
Failed to ensure accurate assessment and appropriate use of bedrails for a resident with severe impairments.
Failed to maintain sufficient nursing staff resulting in a one-star staffing rating due to RN shortages and high turnover.
Failed to serve palatable, properly cooked, and seasoned meals; specifically, chicken was undercooked and vegetables bland.
Failed to store, prepare, and serve food in a sanitary manner including unlabeled/undated food, rotting vegetables, dishwasher water below required temperature, and lack of recipe adherence for pureed foods.
Failed to properly maintain dumpster area free of debris and prevent pest infestation.
Failed to maintain effective pest control as evidenced by black ants in kitchen pantry area.
Report Facts
Resident census: 49
Deficiency count: 12
Dishwasher temperature: 111
Dishwasher temperature: 118
Oxygen order start date: 2024
Care plan assessment date: 2024
PASARR assessment date: 2021
Wound assessment date: 2024
PBJ Staffing Data Report period: 2024
Staffing rating: 1
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse EE | LPN Nurse Supervisor | Named in oxygen saturation and wound care findings |
| Certified Nursing Assistant AA | CNA | Named in oxygen therapy and bedrail findings |
| Licensed Practical Nurse BB | LPN | Named in oxygen therapy and bedrail findings |
| Certified Occupation Therapy Assistant DD | COTA | Named in wound care findings |
| Director of Nursing | DON | Named in multiple findings including care plans, oxygen therapy, staffing, and bedrails |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | ADON | Named in wound care and bedrail findings |
| Certified Dietary Manager | CDM | Named in food quality, food safety, pest control, and dumpster findings |
| Cook KK | Cook | Named in food preparation and dishwasher temperature findings |
| Administrator | Facility Administrator | Named in multiple findings including environment, staffing, and food quality |
Inspection Report
Life Safety
Census: 48
Capacity: 60
Deficiencies: 17
Date: Apr 3, 2024
Visit Reason
A Life Safety Code Survey was conducted to assess compliance with fire safety and related regulations for participation in Medicare/Medicaid.
Findings
The facility was found not in substantial compliance with multiple Life Safety Code requirements including missing sheetrock in the basement, missing or improperly installed door hardware, storage in means of egress, non-functioning emergency lights, missing ceiling tiles, combustible storage in furnace room, improperly placed cooking equipment, fire alarm system issues, sprinkler system deficiencies, improperly maintained doors, electrical hazards, improper smoking containers, and improper storage of oxygen tanks.
Deficiencies (17)
Facility failed to install sheetrock on the lower wall in the basement.
Missing or improperly installed hardware on 3 doors in the basement.
Material storage on the outside of means of egress outside the kitchen.
Emergency lights not properly working on 1st floor front door, hall wall, and kitchen.
Missing ceiling tile in the Fire Alarm Mechanical room and the Riser Room.
Combustibles stored in the furnace room.
Fryolator not placed under the hood system and covered by the suppression system.
Fire alarm breaker not marked in red or locked out.
Trouble signal present in the fire alarm panel.
Sprinkler system control valve not secured or supervised.
Sprinkler system failed to have 5 year internal inspection completed.
Facility failed to properly maintain doors.
Several lights not working or hanging in the basements.
Bad or broken electrical outlet on the serving line.
Facility failed to properly clean the lint out of the dryer.
Facility failed to have proper smoking containers.
Several oxygen tanks stored improperly in the hallway of the basements.
Report Facts
Census: 48
Total Capacity: 60
Number of doors with missing or improperly installed hardware: 3
Number of emergency light locations not working: 3
Number of O2 tanks improperly stored: Several tanks observed in basement hallway
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff M | Confirmed multiple findings during facility tour |
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Census: 47
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Dec 22, 2023
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey in conjunction with an Abbreviated/Partial Extended Survey investigating complaints GA00238288, GA00239292, and GA00240380 was conducted from December 14 to December 22, 2023.
Complaint Details
The survey investigated complaints GA00238288, GA00239292, and GA00240380 and found no deficiencies related to these complaints.
Findings
No deficiencies were cited related to the complaints. The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Report Facts
Facility census: 47
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Census: 49
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 21, 2023
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted in conjunction with an Abbreviated/Partial Extended Survey investigating complaints GA00235813 and GA00236187.
Complaint Details
Complaints GA00235813 and GA00236187 were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Findings
The complaints were unsubstantiated, no regulatory violations were cited, and the facility was found to be in compliance with infection control regulations and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.
Report Facts
Resident Census: 49
Inspection Report
Plan of Correction
Deficiencies: 1
Date: Mar 20, 2023
Visit Reason
The facility was reviewed due to failure to report complete COVID-19 information to the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network during a required seven-day reporting period.
Findings
The facility did not report complete COVID-19 data to the NHSN between 03/13/2023 and 03/19/2023 as required by CMS and CDC regulations, which could potentially cause more than minimal harm to residents.
Deficiencies (1)
Failure to report complete information about COVID-19 to the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network during a seven-day required reporting period.
Report Facts
Reporting period: 7
Inspection Report
Life Safety
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Dec 27, 2022
Visit Reason
The visit was conducted to review the Emergency Preparedness Program and to perform a Life Safety Code Survey for Buchanan Healthcare Center.
Findings
The Emergency Preparedness Program was found to be in substantial compliance with 42 CFR 483.73. The facility was also found in substantial compliance with Medicare/Medicaid participation requirements related to Life Safety from Fire and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2012 edition.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 46
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Dec 15, 2022
Visit Reason
A standard survey was conducted at Buchanan Healthcare Center from December 12, 2022 through December 15, 2022 by Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC on behalf of the Georgia Department of Community Health. Complaint Intake Numbers GA00223035 and GA00220099 were investigated in conjunction with this standard survey.
Complaint Details
Complaint Intake Numbers GA00223035 and GA00220099 were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Findings
The complaint intake numbers GA00223035 and GA00220099 were found to be unsubstantiated. The standard survey revealed that the facility was in substantial compliance with Medicare/Medicaid regulations at 42 C.F.R. Part 483, Subpart B - Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 24, 2021
Visit Reason
An Abbreviated/Partial Extended Survey was conducted to investigate complaint #GA00218998.
Complaint Details
Complaint #GA00218998 was investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Findings
The complaint was unsubstantiated and no regulatory violations were cited during the survey.
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 1, 2021
Visit Reason
An abbreviated/partial extended survey was conducted to investigate complaint #GA00214634.
Complaint Details
Complaint #GA00214634 was investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Findings
The complaint was unsubstantiated and no regulatory violations were cited during the survey.
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Census: 46
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Feb 8, 2021
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted in conjunction with an Abbreviated/Partial Extended Survey investigating multiple complaints at the facility.
Complaint Details
Complaints GA00203692, GA00206228, and GA00210432 were unsubstantiated. Complaint GA00211293 was substantiated without regulatory violations.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with infection control regulations and CMS/CDC recommended practices for COVID-19. Complaints were investigated with three unsubstantiated and one substantiated without regulatory violations.
Report Facts
Complaint numbers investigated: 4
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 48
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Dec 28, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Emergency Preparedness and Infection Control Survey was conducted to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices related to COVID-19 preparedness and infection control.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.73 for emergency preparedness and 42 CFR §483.80 for infection control regulations, implementing recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 51
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Dec 1, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Emergency Preparedness and Infection Control Survey was conducted to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices related to COVID-19 preparedness and infection control.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.73 and §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented the recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 54
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 26, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted to assess the facility's compliance with infection control regulations and preparedness for COVID-19.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR 483.80 infection control regulations and had implemented CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
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