If you have concerns about a loved one’s care at Oak Harbor Healthcare in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, you’re right to pay attention. Federal inspection records show this facility has received 13 deficiency citations and $7,901 in fines, including a G-level citation for actual harm related to accident hazards and insufficient supervision. These are findings from federal inspectors, documented in publicly available records.
Understanding what these citations mean, and knowing what options are available to your family, can help you make informed decisions about your loved one’s safety. Jordan Law Center represents families throughout South Carolina, including Mt Pleasant and Charleston County, in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our attorneys take a hands-on, methodical approach to reviewing facility records, identifying patterns of substandard care, and building cases grounded in documented evidence.
If you have questions about your loved one’s care, call 864-808-1810 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for your family.
About Oak Harbor Healthcare In Mt Pleasant
Oak Harbor Healthcare, formerly known as Mount Pleasant Manor, is a nursing home located in the Mt Pleasant area of Charleston County, South Carolina. The facility is affiliated with The Ensign Group through Hopewell Healthcare Inc. and provides skilled nursing care to residents in the greater Charleston area.
Facility information:
– Address: 921 Bowman Road, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
– Phone: (843) 884-8903
– CMS Provider Number: #425110
– Capacity: 132 certified beds
– Ownership: Affiliated with The Ensign Group via Hopewell Healthcare Inc.
Federal inspection data also shows a reported nursing staff turnover rate of 51.4% at the facility, compared to the state average of 47%. Staff turnover is a metric CMS tracks because consistent staffing can affect the quality and continuity of resident care.
What Federal Inspectors Found At Oak Harbor Healthcare
When a nursing home fails to meet a specific requirement, the facility receives a deficiency citation. The HHS Secretary is authorized to impose remedies for deficiencies found during surveys, including civil monetary penalties. Oak Harbor Healthcare has received 13 deficiency citations and $7,901 in total fines based on publicly available inspection data. Below is a breakdown of the most notable findings.
G-level violation: actual harm from accident hazards (Tag F0689)
On November 9, 2023, federal inspectors cited Oak Harbor Healthcare with a G-level deficiency under Tag F0689 for accident hazards and insufficient supervision. This citation carried a $7,901 fine.
A G-level deficiency means inspectors determined the facility’s noncompliance resulted in actual harm to one or more residents. This is a significant finding. On the CMS severity scale, G-level citations are above the threshold of “potential for harm” and indicate harm actually occurred.
Tag F0689 corresponds to the federal requirement under 42 CFR § 483.25(d), which requires the resident environment remain as free of accident hazards as possible and each resident receive adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents. When a facility receives a citation under this tag, it means federal inspectors found the facility did not meet this standard.
F-level food safety violations
Oak Harbor Healthcare also received F-level citations related to food safety. An F-level deficiency indicates inspectors found noncompliance with the potential for more than minimal harm, affecting a widespread number of residents. While these citations did not involve documented actual harm, the “widespread” designation means the issue was not limited to an isolated incident or a small group of residents.
Food safety violations in nursing homes can involve improper food storage, inadequate temperature control, sanitation problems in kitchen areas, or failure to accommodate residents’ dietary needs and restrictions.
E-level pharmacy and infection control violations
Inspectors also cited Oak Harbor Healthcare for E-level deficiencies in pharmacy services and infection control. An E-level citation reflects a pattern of noncompliance with the potential for more than minimal harm. The “pattern” designation means the issue occurred in more than an isolated instance but was not yet considered widespread across the facility.
Pharmacy-related citations can involve issues such as medication errors, improper storage of medications, or failures in medication review processes. Infection control citations can relate to hand hygiene practices, proper use of personal protective equipment, or protocols for preventing the spread of infections among residents.
D-level violations for assessments, range of motion, dialysis care, and resident rights
Oak Harbor Healthcare received several D-level citations covering assessments, range of motion care, dialysis care, and resident rights. D-level deficiencies indicate isolated instances of noncompliance with the potential for more than minimal harm.
These types of citations relate to core aspects of daily resident care. Assessment deficiencies may involve failures to properly evaluate a resident’s condition or needs. Range of motion violations can mean residents didn’t receive the physical support or therapy outlined in their care plans. Dialysis care citations may involve lapses in monitoring or coordination for residents who require dialysis treatment. Resident rights violations can cover a range of issues, from notification failures to restrictions on a resident’s autonomy.
Staffing data
Oak Harbor Healthcare’s reported nursing staff turnover rate is 51.4%, which is above the South Carolina state average of 47%. Federal regulations under 42 CFR § 483.35 require nursing facilities have sufficient nursing staff with appropriate competencies and skill sets to provide nursing and related services to assure resident safety. High turnover can affect how consistently residents receive care, how well staff members know individual residents’ needs, and how effectively care plans are followed.
If you have questions about any of these findings and what they may mean for your family, call 864-808-1810 to speak with an attorney at Jordan Law Center. The consultation is free.
How Facilities May Hide Abuse And Neglect
Not all signs of substandard care are immediately visible. Families should understand the general warning signs associated with different types of nursing home mistreatment so they can identify concerns early.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a resident is subjected to intentional physical force that results in injury, pain, or impairment. Warning signs may include:
– Unexplained bruises, cuts, welts, or burns.
– Injuries in various stages of healing.
– Broken bones or sprains without a clear explanation.
– A resident who flinches or appears fearful around certain staff members.
– Frequent “incident reports” involving the same resident.
Facilities may attribute injuries to falls or to the resident’s own behavior. If a loved one has repeated unexplained injuries, it’s worth asking questions and documenting what you observe.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide the care and services necessary to maintain a resident’s health and safety. Warning signs include:
– Bedsores (pressure ulcers), particularly in advanced stages.
– Sudden or unexplained weight loss.
– Dehydration or signs of malnutrition.
– Poor personal hygiene, soiled clothing, or unchanged bedding.
– Unattended medical needs or untreated infections.
– Residents left in the same position for extended periods.
– Medication errors or missed doses.
Neglect can sometimes be harder to identify than physical abuse because it may develop gradually. Families who visit regularly are more likely to notice changes in a loved one’s condition that could indicate care problems.
Emotional abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse involves verbal or nonverbal conduct that causes mental distress. This can include:
– Verbal threats, intimidation, or humiliation.
– Isolating a resident from other residents or from family contact.
– Ignoring a resident’s requests for help.
– Treating a resident with disrespect or hostility.
– A noticeable change in a resident’s mood, withdrawal, or anxiety.
Emotional abuse is often the hardest form of mistreatment to detect because it doesn’t leave visible marks. Pay attention to changes in your loved one’s behavior or emotional state during visits.
How To Report Nursing Home Abuse In South Carolina
If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a South Carolina nursing home, there are several agencies you can contact. Under South Carolina law, a person required to report suspected abuse must do so within 24 hours or the next working day. But anyone with concerns about a resident’s safety can and should report.
South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman
For incidents occurring in facilities such as nursing homes, reports should be made to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is authorized to investigate any problem or complaint on behalf of any interested party or any resident of a facility.
– Phone: 1-800-868-9505
– This office operates through the South Carolina Department on Aging
Adult Protective Services (DSS)
The Adult Protective Services Program in the Department of Social Services investigates noncriminal reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults occurring in settings other than those facilities for which the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is responsible. If you’re unsure which agency to contact, Adult Protective Services can help direct your report to the right place.
– SC DSS State Office: 803-898-7318
– Local county offices can be found at dss.sc.gov/contact
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is required to refer reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of SLED if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct.
– SLED Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit: 1-866-200-6066
DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control)
DHEC is responsible for licensing healthcare facilities in South Carolina and may refer complaints for investigation. If you have concerns about the licensing or conditions of a facility, you can contact DHEC.
– DHEC Office of Constituent Services: 803-898-3432
Medicare
You can also file a complaint directly with Medicare about the quality of care at any Medicare-certified nursing home.
– Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
– Online: medicare.gov/care-compare
Talk to an attorney
In addition to filing complaints with government agencies, you may also want to consult with an attorney about your family’s legal options. Jordan Law Center offers free consultations for families with concerns about nursing home care. Call 864-808-1810 to discuss your situation.
Under South Carolina law, a person who reports suspected abuse in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability, and good faith is a rebuttable presumption. You don’t need to be certain abuse occurred before reporting. If something doesn’t seem right, report it.
Why Families Choose Jordan Law Center
Jordan Law Center represents families in nursing home abuse and neglect cases throughout South Carolina, including Mt Pleasant, Charleston County, and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand the regulatory framework governing nursing home care, and we use publicly available inspection data, medical records, and facility staffing information to build cases based on documented evidence.
Here’s what sets our approach apart.
Hands-on case management. Our attorneys at Jordan Law Center are personally involved in every case. William A. Jordan III and our team review facility records, analyze CMS inspection data, and work directly with families throughout the process.
Methodical investigation. Nursing home cases require careful attention to detail. We review federal and state inspection reports, staffing records, medical charts, and internal facility documents to identify whether care standards were met.
Prepared to litigate when the evidence supports it. Many nursing home cases resolve through negotiation, but some require litigation. Our attorneys are prepared to take cases to court when the facts and evidence support it.
No upfront costs. Jordan Law Center works on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your family. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Our office is located at 622 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609, and we serve families throughout South Carolina. Call 864-808-1810 for a free consultation.
What Compensation May Be Available In Nursing Home Abuse Cases
If a nursing home’s negligence or substandard care caused harm to your loved one, your family may be entitled to compensation. While every case is different and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved, the types of damages that may be available in South Carolina nursing home cases generally include:
– Medical expenses: Costs for additional medical treatment needed as a result of the facility’s negligence, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
– Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the resident.
– Loss of quality of life: Damages reflecting the diminished quality of life caused by the abuse or neglect.
– Wrongful death damages: If a loved one passed away due to nursing home negligence, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5), the statute of limitations for personal injury actions in South Carolina is three years. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-535, actions must be commenced within three years after the person knew or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known he or she had a cause of action. This deadline is important. If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, don’t wait to speak with an attorney.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its unique facts and legal circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Harbor Healthcare Abuse
What does a G-level deficiency mean?
A G-level deficiency is a CMS severity rating indicating actual harm occurred to one or more residents as a result of the facility’s noncompliance. It’s above the level of “potential for harm” and below “immediate jeopardy, ” which is the highest severity category. Oak Harbor Healthcare received a G-level citation under Tag F0689 for accident hazards and insufficient supervision on November 9, 2023.
What is Tag F0689?
Tag F0689 relates to the federal requirement that a nursing facility keep the resident environment as free of accident hazards as possible and each resident receive adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents. A citation under this tag means federal inspectors determined the facility did not meet this standard.
Was Oak Harbor Healthcare previously called something else?
Yes. Oak Harbor Healthcare was formerly known as Mount Pleasant Manor. The facility is located at 921 Bowman Road in Mt Pleasant, SC, and operates under CMS Provider Number #425110.
How do I know if my loved one is being neglected?
Signs of neglect can include unexplained weight loss, bedsores, poor hygiene, dehydration, unattended medical needs, and a general decline in condition not explained by the resident’s underlying health. If you notice changes in your loved one’s appearance, mood, or physical condition, document what you see and raise your concerns with the facility. If the concerns aren’t addressed, contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9505 or speak with an attorney.
How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse attorney?
Jordan Law Center works on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no upfront cost and no fee unless we recover compensation for your family. Your initial consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation to hire us. We’ll review the facts of your situation and provide an honest assessment.
How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5). However, the sooner you consult with an attorney, the better. Evidence can be lost or altered, and memories fade over time. If you have concerns about a loved one’s care, don’t wait to reach out.
Can I file a complaint and a lawsuit at the same time?
Yes. Filing a complaint with a government agency such as the Long Term Care Ombudsman, DHEC, or Adult Protective Services, and pursuing a civil lawsuit are separate processes. You can do both. A government complaint may prompt an investigation into the facility’s practices, while a civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation for harm caused to your loved one.
What if my loved one passed away due to nursing home neglect?
South Carolina allows wrongful death actions under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(6), with a three-year statute of limitations that begins to run upon the death of the person. If you believe your loved one’s death was caused or contributed to by substandard care at a nursing facility, an attorney can review the circumstances and advise you on your options.
Who owns Oak Harbor Healthcare?
Oak Harbor Healthcare is affiliated with The Ensign Group through Hopewell Healthcare Inc. The Ensign Group is a publicly traded company that operates or holds interests in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across multiple states. Understanding the ownership structure of a facility is important in nursing home cases because liability may extend beyond the individual facility to parent companies or management entities.
What should I do if I suspect abuse at Oak Harbor Healthcare?
Start by documenting your concerns. Take notes on what you’ve observed, including dates, times, and any visible signs of potential mistreatment. Take photographs if appropriate. Then contact the South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9505 to file a report. You should also consider speaking with an attorney who handles nursing home cases. Jordan Law Center offers free consultations. Call 864-808-1810 to discuss your situation.
Talk To An Attorney About Your Concerns
If you have concerns about a loved one’s care at Oak Harbor Healthcare, or at any nursing facility in South Carolina, Jordan Law Center is here to help. Our attorneys take a careful, methodical approach to nursing home abuse and neglect cases, and we’re prepared to litigate when the evidence supports it.
Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your family. We serve families in Mt Pleasant, Charleston County, and throughout South Carolina from our office in Greenville.
Call 864-808-1810 today.
Sources Cited
– CMS Care Compare: medicare.gov/care-compare (Oak Harbor Healthcare, CMS Provider #425110)
– 42 CFR § 483.25(d) (Quality of care, accident hazards): law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/483.25
– 42 CFR § 483.35 (Nursing services): law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/483.35
– S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530 (Statute of limitations): scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php
– S.C. Code Ann. § 43-38-20 (Long Term Care Ombudsman): scstatehouse.gov/code/t43c038.php
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