Inspection Reports for Emerson Health Care Center

100 Kinderkamack Road, Emerson, NJ, 07630

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Inspection Report Summary

The most recent inspection on November 19, 2025, did not identify any deficiencies and focused on informing individuals about privacy practices related to medical information. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies primarily related to staffing levels and life safety code issues, including fire safety and emergency egress, as well as care planning and infection control practices. Complaint investigations were mostly unsubstantiated, except for one substantiated staffing deficiency in June 2022 that required a plan of correction. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. The facility’s record shows some improvement over time, with the most recent inspection free of deficiencies after prior mixed results.

Deficiencies (last 5 years)

Deficiencies (over 5 years) 4 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.

23% better than New Jersey average
New Jersey average: 5.2 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies per year

8 6 4 2 0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2025

Census

Latest occupancy rate 130 residents

Based on a May 2025 inspection.

This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.

Occupancy over time

80 120 160 200 240 280 Dec 2020 Jan 2021 Mar 2021 Jun 2022 Mar 2025 May 2025

Notice

Deficiencies: 0 Date: Nov 19, 2025

Visit Reason
This document serves to inform individuals about the privacy practices of NJDHSS regarding their medical information, including how it may be used, disclosed, and the rights individuals have concerning their health information.

Findings
The notice details the types of information covered, reasons for use and disclosure of health information, individual rights to access and amend information, and legal duties of NJDHSS to protect privacy.

Report Facts
Effective date: 2011

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Devon L. GrafDirector, Office of Legal and Regulatory ComplianceListed as NJDHSS Privacy Officer contact for questions about the notice

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 130 Deficiencies: 0 Date: May 2, 2025

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation based on Complaint #NJ00185634.

Complaint Details
Complaint #NJ00185634 was investigated and the facility was found to be in substantial compliance; no deficiencies were cited.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, and in compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code Chapter 8:39 standards for licensure of long term care facilities based on this complaint visit.

Report Facts
Sample Size: 3

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 130 Deficiencies: 8 Date: Mar 5, 2025

Visit Reason
Routine standard survey conducted on 03/05/2025 to assess compliance with federal and state regulations for long term care facilities.

Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for long term care facilities, but was not in compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code staffing requirements and had deficiencies related to life safety code including egress doors, hazardous areas, fire alarm system, maintenance and testing of fire doors, electrical systems, and emergency power systems.

Deficiencies (8)
Failed to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios as mandated by the state of New Jersey.
Access-controlled egress door keypad installed at 60 inches above floor, exceeding the 40-inch regulatory standard.
Hazardous areas not properly separated by smoke resisting partitions and doors as required by NFPA 101.
Cooking facilities lacked protective devices such as timer, keyed switch, or switch to deactivate cook-top or range independent of staff action.
Fire alarm pull stations not installed at required heights between 42 and 48 inches above floor.
Fire doors not inspected and tested annually as required by NFPA 80 standards.
Electrical panels in resident accessible areas were unlocked and not secured against unauthorized access.
Emergency backup generator battery was a lead acid battery and monthly recording of electrolyte specific gravity was not conducted.
Report Facts
Census: 130 Sample size: 29 Date of survey: Mar 5, 2025 Correction completion dates: Mar 7, 2025 Correction completion dates: Mar 31, 2025 Correction completion dates: May 15, 2025 Correction completion dates: Mar 12, 2025 Correction completion dates: Mar 14, 2025 Correction completion dates: Mar 11, 2025

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 128 Capacity: 131 Deficiencies: 5 Date: Feb 13, 2023

Visit Reason
A recertification survey was conducted to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.

Findings
Deficiencies were cited related to the development and implementation of comprehensive care plans and respiratory/tracheostomy care and suctioning. The facility was found not in compliance with staffing requirements and life safety code related to means of egress and fire safety.

Deficiencies (5)
Facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for a resident with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
Facility failed to ensure respiratory care, including tracheostomy care and suctioning, was provided consistent with professional standards and comprehensive care plans.
Facility failed to maintain required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios as mandated by the State of New Jersey.
Facility failed to ensure means of egress was continuously maintained free of all obstructions and impediments to full instant use in case of fire or emergency.
Facility failed to ensure all 14 locked exit doors released upon activation of fire alarm, smoke detection, and sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
Report Facts
Sample Size: 28 Resident Census: 128 Total Capacity: 131 Deficiencies cited: 5 Staffing Deficiencies: 12 Staffing Deficiencies: 14 Exit Locks: 14

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed Nursing Home AdministratorLNHAMet with survey team regarding care plan and staffing deficiencies
Assistant Licensed Nursing Home AdministratorAssistant LNHAMet with survey team regarding care plan and staffing deficiencies
Director of NursingDONMet with survey team and involved in care plan and respiratory care findings
Infection PreventionistIPMet with survey team regarding care plan and infection prevention
Registered Nurse/Unit ManagerRN/UMInterviewed regarding admission care plans and respiratory care
Licensed Practical Nurse/Unit ManagerLPN/UMInterviewed regarding respiratory care and care plan revisions
Maintenance DirectorInterviewed regarding fire safety and exit door deficiencies

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 125 Deficiencies: 1 Date: Jun 2, 2022

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted in response to complaint NJ150958 to investigate allegations regarding compliance with staffing requirements at Emerson Health Care Center.

Complaint Details
Complaint NJ150958 was investigated. The facility was found non-compliant with staffing requirements and required to submit a plan of correction with a completion date. The deficiency was substantiated.
Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with New Jersey Administrative Code staffing standards, failing to maintain the required minimum direct care staff to resident ratios, specifically deficient in certified nurse aide (CNA) staffing on 13 of 14 day shifts during the period from 12/19/2021 to 01/01/2022.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to maintain the required minimum direct care staff to resident ratios as mandated by the State of New Jersey, specifically deficient CNA staffing on 13 of 14 day shifts from 12/19/2021 to 01/01/2022.
Report Facts
Deficient CNA staffing days: 13 Resident census: 125 Required CNAs: 16 Actual CNAs: 13 Correction completion date: Corrective action completion date set for 2022-07-22

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 133 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Jun 2, 2022

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations.

Findings
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
Sample size: 5

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 132 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Dec 21, 2021

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations related to COVID-19.

Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented the CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.

Report Facts
Sample Size: 5

Inspection Report

Annual Inspection
Census: 120 Deficiencies: 3 Date: Mar 16, 2021

Visit Reason
A Recertification Survey was conducted to determine compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, including a COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey conducted in conjunction.

Findings
Deficiencies were cited related to failure to meet professional standards in wound care, incomplete and inaccessible resident medical records, and improper infection prevention and control practices including PPE removal.

Deficiencies (3)
Failure to set appropriate equipment settings to promote wound healing for residents according to professional standards.
Failure to maintain complete, accurate, and readily accessible medical records for residents.
Failure to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) was removed in accordance with nationally accepted infection prevention and control guidelines.
Report Facts
Census: 120 Sample size: 24

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed Practical Nurse/Unit Manager (LPN/UM)Interviewed and observed regarding wound care equipment settings and medical record documentation
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA)Met with surveyors to discuss observations and concerns
Director of Nursing (DON)Met with surveyors and acknowledged deficiencies; involved in re-education and monitoring
Infection Preventionist Nurse (IPN)Met with surveyors to discuss infection control concerns
Housekeeping AideObserved improperly removing PPE; re-educated on proper procedures
Housekeeping SupervisorResponsible for in-service training and monitoring housekeeping staff on infection control practices

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 118 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Feb 9, 2021

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations.

Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and had implemented the CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.

Report Facts
Sample size: 5

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 120 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Jan 20, 2021

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a complaint survey based on complaint number NJ140629.

Complaint Details
Complaint #: NJ140629. The facility was found compliant based on this complaint survey.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B, for Long Term Care Facilities based on this complaint survey.

Report Facts
Sample Size: 5

Inspection Report

Abbreviated Survey
Census: 123 Deficiencies: 3 Date: Jan 11, 2021

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations related to COVID-19.

Findings
The facility was found not in compliance with infection control regulations, specifically failing to properly sanitize testing tables, practice appropriate hand hygiene among staff, and follow environmental infection control in the laundry area, contrary to CDC guidelines.

Deficiencies (3)
Failure to sanitize and properly use disinfecting wipes on tables used for COVID-19 testing of visitors and staff.
Inappropriate hand hygiene practices observed in 2 of 8 staff members.
Failure to follow environmental infection control in the laundry area, including presence of food and books on clean laundry folding table and inadequate handwashing by laundry aide.
Report Facts
Sample size: 5 Positive COVID-19 staff cases: 2 Handwashing duration observed: 13 Handwashing monitoring: 5 Handwashing monitoring duration: 90 Table air drying time: 5

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Infection Preventionist NurseIPNResponsible for COVID-19 testing and found not sanitizing tables properly and not performing hand hygiene between glove changes
Director of NursingDONDirected corrective actions and monitoring related to infection control deficiencies
Laundry AideObserved folding clean clothes with food and books on table and inadequate handwashing
Licensed Nursing Home AdministratorLNHAInformed surveyors about positive COVID-19 staff and involved in corrective action discussions
Supervisor of LaundrySLObserved Laundry Aide's handwashing and cleanliness of laundry area

Inspection Report

Routine
Census: 115 Deficiencies: 0 Date: Dec 18, 2020

Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health to assess compliance with infection control regulations.

Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 42 CFR §483.80 infection control regulations and has implemented the CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19.

Report Facts
Sample size: 9

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