University Nursing & Rehab Center

Name: University Nursing & Rehab Center
Address: 180 Epps Bridge Road, Athens, GA, 30606, US
Telephone: 7065495382

180 Epps Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30606 · Clarke County · 122 certified beds · avg 94 residents/day · certified since Jan 1, 1990

Part of chain: CYPRESS SKILLED NURSING (5 facilities, chain avg rating 2.0★)

2/5

Health inspection rating (on-site)

Serious findings on record

Fines, last 3 years

3.23

Nurse hours/resident/day (adjusted)

What health inspectors found (on-site government inspections — the most independent evidence available)

Health inspection rating: ★★☆☆☆2/5 · CMS overall rating: 1/5

The health inspection star above is graded on a curve within each state — a set share of each state's facilities gets each star level — so a facility can have few citations and still rate 2–3 stars if others in its state did even better. The overall rating combines that inspection score with staffing and self-reported quality measures.

All citations in the current public record (23)

CMS publishes roughly the last three inspection cycles plus recent complaint investigations. Older surveys drop out of the record as new ones are completed.

Date	Severity	What the facility was cited for
May 14, 2026	F · Potential for harm, facility-wide	The facility did not get its food from approved, safe sources, or did not store, prepare, and serve food according to professional food safety standards.
May 14, 2026	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not allow residents to take their own medications when a clinical review showed they could do so safely. Residents have this right if their care team determines it's appropriate.
May 14, 2026	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not create and follow a basic care plan covering a new resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of admission. The first days are when a new resident is most vulnerable.
May 14, 2026	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not provide safe and appropriate respiratory care — such as oxygen, breathing treatments, or care for residents on breathing equipment — for residents who needed it.
May 14, 2026	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not develop and follow policies and procedures for offering residents flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
May 14, 2026	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not educate residents and staff about COVID-19 vaccination, offer the vaccine to those eligible after that education, or properly document everyone's vaccination status.
Apr 3, 2025	F · Potential for harm, facility-wide	The facility did not get its food from approved, safe sources, or did not store, prepare, and serve food according to professional food safety standards.
Apr 3, 2025	E · Potential for harm, repeated	The facility did not provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, including safe support for residents' daily living needs.
Apr 3, 2025	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not provide the help residents need with basic daily activities — like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom — for residents who cannot do these things on their own.
Dec 9, 2023	F · Potential for harm, facility-wide	The facility did not have or follow an effective program to prevent and control infections — such as proper hand washing, cleaning, and isolation practices. This is the most commonly cited deficiency nationwide. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	F · Potential for harm, facility-wide	The facility did not have a working program to monitor how antibiotics are used. Tracking antibiotic use helps make sure these drugs are given only when needed and remain effective. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	E · Potential for harm, repeated	The facility did not give residents (and their representatives and the ombudsman, a state advocate for residents) proper advance notice before a transfer or discharge, including information about their right to appeal. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	E · Potential for harm, repeated	The facility did not keep residents free from significant medication errors — such as giving the wrong drug, the wrong dose, or missing a critical medication. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not keep residents' personal and medical information private and confidential.
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not properly prepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge. Before a resident leaves, the facility must get them ready and make sure the move is safe and orderly. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not give the resident or their representative written notice of how long it would hold the resident's bed during a hospital stay or approved leave. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not develop or follow a complete care plan for each resident — the written roadmap covering all of a resident's needs, with measurable goals and timelines. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	When a resident had a planned discharge, the facility did not make sure the necessary information was communicated to the resident and to the doctors or facility taking over their care. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not help a resident get vision and hearing services — such as eye exams, glasses, hearing tests, or hearing aids.
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not provide safe and appropriate respiratory care — such as oxygen, breathing treatments, or care for residents on breathing equipment — for residents who needed it. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not provide the social services residents need — such as counseling, help with adjustment, or connecting to outside resources — to achieve the best possible quality of life. · from a complaint
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility's medication error rate was 5 percent or higher — meaning too many doses were given incorrectly, such as the wrong drug, dose, or time.
Dec 9, 2023	D · Potential for harm, one-off	The facility did not provide routine dental care and 24-hour emergency dental care for residents. · from a complaint

Inspection trend by year

Citations from standard inspections increased between the last two inspection cycles (3 → 6).

Year	Citations	Worst severity that year
2023	14	F
2025	3	F
2026	6	F

Counts reflect the current CMS public record (~3 inspection cycles plus complaint investigations); years with no surveys show no row. Inspection frequency varies, so compare severity as well as counts.

Fines and enforcement (last 3 years)

No fines or payment denials in the published 3-year window.

Nurse staffing (from payroll records, adjusted for how much care residents need)

Measure	This facility	Georgia avg	U.S. avg	Where it stands
Total nurse staffing (hours per resident per day)	3.23	3.54	3.95	bottom 37% in Georgia; bottom 23% in the U.S.
Registered Nurse hours	0.15	0.50	0.69	bottom 2% in Georgia; bottom 1% in the U.S.
Weekend total nurse staffing	2.91	3.09	3.50	bottom 45% in Georgia; bottom 26% in the U.S.
Weekend RN hours (not acuity-adjusted)	0.15	0.35	0.48	bottom 13% in Georgia; bottom 6% in the U.S.
Total nursing staff turnover (%)	74.1	46.0	45.8	bottom 2% in Georgia; bottom 4% in the U.S.
RN turnover (%)	75.0	44.5	42.9	bottom 10% in Georgia; bottom 9% in the U.S.

Hours are per resident per day, case-mix adjusted by CMS so facilities caring for sicker residents can be compared fairly (same basis as the CMS staffing star). "Top X%" means better than most facilities: more staffing hours, or lower turnover. Raw (unadjusted) reported hours: total 2.97, RN 0.14, weekend 2.67. Staffing rating: 1/5.

Self-reported quality measures

Note: these ratings are based on data the facility reports about itself to CMS. They are not independently verified by inspectors, and can look better than inspection findings. Give more weight to the inspection results above.

Quality measures rating: 2/5 · long-stay residents: 3/5 · short-stay residents: 1/5

Who owns this facility

For profit - Corporation

Owner / manager	Type	Role	Stake	Since
Bender, Sara	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	07/02/2025
Bender, Sara	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	07/02/2025
Cypress Skilled Nursing LLC	Organization	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	01/01/2014
Cypress Skilled Nursing LLC	Organization	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	11/20/2025
Macatula, Maria	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	07/31/2017
Macatula, Maria	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	07/31/2017
Nordholm, Katherine	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	01/24/2014
Nordholm, Katherine	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	01/24/2014
Ovits, Isaac	Individual	Managing Control - Governing Body	NOT APPLICABLE	01/01/2014
Ovits, Isaac	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	01/01/2014
Ovits, Isaac	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	01/01/2014
Patterson, Dianne	Individual	Managing Control - Governing Body	NOT APPLICABLE	05/07/2018
Patterson, Dianne	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	05/07/2018
Patterson, Dianne	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	05/07/2018
Pope, Dorothy	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	09/01/2003
Pope, Dorothy	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	09/01/2003
Pughsley, Sonia	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	11/05/2024
Pughsley, Sonia	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	11/05/2024
Reddick, Joane	Individual	Operational/Managerial Control	NOT APPLICABLE	02/11/2025
Reddick, Joane	Individual	ADP of the SNF	NOT APPLICABLE	02/11/2025

Questions to ask on your visit

Generated from this facility's actual citation record — bring them to a tour and ask the administrator directly.

"What did your most recent kitchen inspection find, and can I see how food is stored and prepared?"
"If my family member is able to manage their own medications, would you allow it, and how is that decided?"
"What does the care plan for a brand-new resident cover in the first 48 hours, and who writes it?"
"How many residents here use oxygen or breathing equipment, and who checks that equipment each shift?"
"What percentage of your residents and staff are vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, and how do you offer the vaccines?"
"How do you handle COVID-19 vaccination for residents and staff, and what happens during an outbreak?"
"Can we tour the resident rooms, bathrooms, and common areas today, including areas not on the usual tour route?"
"How many aides are on each shift, and how do you make sure every resident gets timely help with bathing, dressing, and meals?"
"What is your current ratio of nursing staff to residents on day, evening, and weekend shifts?"
"Can I see the results and plan of correction from your most recent state inspection?"

Nearby facilities (within 20 miles)

Facility	Distance	City	Overall	Inspection
Presbyterian Village - Athens	0.6 mi	Athens, GA	★★☆☆☆	2/5
Pruitthealth - Athens Heritage	2.0 mi	Athens, GA	★★★★☆	3/5
Pruitthealth - Grandview	3.0 mi	Athens, GA	★★★★★	5/5
Oaks - Athens Skilled Nursing, the	3.4 mi	Athens, GA	★☆☆☆☆	1/5
High Shoals Health and Rehabilitation	7.7 mi	Bishop, GA	★★★★☆	4/5
Quiet Oaks Health Care Center	13.8 mi	Crawford, GA	★★★☆☆	4/5
Winder Center for Nursing and Healing	16.3 mi	Winder, GA	★☆☆☆☆	1/5
Park Place Nursing Facility	18.8 mi	Monroe, GA	★★☆☆☆	2/5
Hill Haven Nursing Home	19.2 mi	Commerce, GA	★★★☆☆	4/5
Northridge Health and Rehabilitation	19.3 mi	Commerce, GA	★★★★☆	4/5

Compare this facility with the 3 closest →

All facilities in Athens →

Facility data as of CMS processing date 2026-08-01. CCN 115467.

The Care File

Visit checklist — University Nursing & Rehab Center

180 Epps Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30606 · 7065495382

Health inspection rating 2/5 · CMS overall 1/5· Fines (3y): $0

Questions for the administrator:

☐ "What did your most recent kitchen inspection find, and can I see how food is stored and prepared?"
☐ "If my family member is able to manage their own medications, would you allow it, and how is that decided?"
☐ "What does the care plan for a brand-new resident cover in the first 48 hours, and who writes it?"
☐ "How many residents here use oxygen or breathing equipment, and who checks that equipment each shift?"
☐ "What percentage of your residents and staff are vaccinated against flu and pneumonia, and how do you offer the vaccines?"
☐ "How do you handle COVID-19 vaccination for residents and staff, and what happens during an outbreak?"
☐ "Can we tour the resident rooms, bathrooms, and common areas today, including areas not on the usual tour route?"
☐ "How many aides are on each shift, and how do you make sure every resident gets timely help with bathing, dressing, and meals?"
☐ "What is your current ratio of nursing staff to residents on day, evening, and weekend shifts?"
☐ "Can I see the results and plan of correction from your most recent state inspection?"

While you're there, notice:

☐ Smell and cleanliness in hallways, not just the lobby
☐ How staff speak to residents; call lights answered promptly
☐ Residents up, dressed, and engaged (visit mealtimes and a weekend if you can)

Data: CMS Provider Data Catalog, version 2026-08-01 · CCN 115467 · Verify at medicare.gov/care-compare · Printed from The Care File (thecarefile.com)