Appalachian Hospice & Palliative Care
A hospice in Jasper, Georgia 30143
377 Mountain Blvd South, Suite 102, Jasper, Georgia 30143. (706) 253-4015.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026.
- 7 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- Not rated family caregiver rating
- 9of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean2
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
7 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 42 hospices serving ZIP code 30143 had 2.
The last inspection on record was on May 1, 2024: an initial certification inspection by the state.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
When those deficiencies happened
7 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Mar 2024. Most serious: Standard-level. The last 3 years, to Oct 27, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, as cited
Rule titles as CMS’s inspectors cite them, set in sentence case.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Mar 7, 2024: initial inspection by The Joint Commission7 deficiencies
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c))
The inspectors’ words, 122 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 6 of 7 patient records reviewed, The Surveyor noted patient care goals had not been specific to the patient, measurable nor with an appropriate time frame for achievement. Examples include Patient/Caregiver will verbalize understanding of bowel regimen; Patient will have a bowel regimen established within one day of narcotic initiation; Patient/Caregiver will receive optimal teaching and support as cardiac and pulmonary functions change during care; Patient will achieve optimal breathing patterns, airway patency, and comfort; Patient will maintain optimal urinary elimination patterns and comfort; Fall prevention will be maintained during care; Patient will achieve and maintain optimal skin integrity as disease progresses. Optimal hygiene will be maintained during care. This was validated with the RN Administrator. 
”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(4))
The inspectors’ words, 128 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 7 patient records reviewed, 
The Surveyor noted the patient Plan of Care (POC) had been missing issues identified either by the patient or the RN who completed the comprehensive assessment. For example, RRHV #1, the patient reported that she had been complaining of “itching all the time” and had been self-medicating to relieve this; however, this had not been included on the POC. RRHV #2, the RN had identified dysphagia and a high risk for skin breakdown on the initial assessment, but this had not been added to the POC with interventions and goals. RRNHV #5 the patient had documented issues with medication compliance, yet this had not been included on the POC. This was validated with the RN Administrator. 
”
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Control (42 CFR 418.60(b)(2)(i))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. The HCO had not completed an Infection Risk Assessment to identify risks based on the geographic location, community, and population served. This was validated with the RN Administrator. 

”
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Competency evaluation (42 CFR 418.76(c)(3))
“Observed in HR File Review. In 2 of 2 HR files reviewed, of the Certified Nursing Assistant files, a Licensed Practical Nurse conducted the initial field evaluation not a Registered Nurse. The document was co-signed by the Clinical Manager; however, the Clinical Manager had not been present in the patient home. This was validated with the Clinical Manager.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
“Observed in Patient Home. In 1 of 3 patient records reviewed, where the patient had a Hospice Aide (HA) ordered, the Surveyor noted the HA plan of care (POC) had been incomplete. For example, in RRHV #2, the HA had order to Apply barrier cream to ________. Where the area of application had been blank. This was validated with the HA performing the care.”
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Training (42 CFR 418.100(g)(3))
“Observed in HR File Review. In 3 of 9 HR files reviewed, the Surveyor noted the initial orientation competency had not been signed as validated by the Preceptor/Supervisor. This had been evident in HR #6, HR #7 and HR #9. This was validated with the Clinical Manager.”
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Content (42 CFR 418.104(a)(3))
The inspectors’ words, 339 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 3 of 3 home visits conducted, The Surveyor noted discrepancies between the medication list in the EMR and what the patient was being administered. For example, In RRHV #1 the patient EMR medication list had been missing: Ondansetron 8 mg, 1/2-1 tab every 8 hours (script date: 10/04/23) and Hydrocodone 5/325, 1 tab every 6 hours (script date: 12/13/23), as well as over the counter medications: Tylenol Arthritis 2 tabs 3 times per day, Magnesium 500 mg, Potassium 99mg, Melatonin 5 mg, Benadryl 25 mg, Flonase nasal spray and Mucinex. In RRHV #2, the patient had been taking multiple medications different that listed in the EMR. For example, the Cyclobenzaprene 10 mg had been prescribed for 3 times per day, but the patient had been taking 1 time per day for ‘over 2 months’ and taking 3 tabs of Carbidopa-Levodopa 3 times per day, not 1 tab 3 times per day and then Carbidopa-Levodopa ER, 2 tabs 2 times per day, not 1 tab 2 times per day. The patient had also been taking CoQ10 3 times daily, not daily; Oxycodone 5 mg tab, taking 1/2 tab every 6 hours, not 1 tab, and Lorazepam 0.5 taking ‘several times a day’ and not once a day at bedtime. The patient also had Magnesium citrate gummies daily, Aspercream with Lidocaine, ibuprofen 200 mg, and Flonase nasal spray. In RRHV #3 the patient had been taking B-12 3000mg q am and Bio-Cleanse 2 caps q hs “for months”; however, these had not been on the EMR. The patient also had D3 2000 international units (on med profile D2 1.25mil); Metoprolol 100mg tab, taking ½ tab 2 time per day (on the EMR as 1 tab 2 times per day); Morphine 10 mg 1 tab daily, but on EMR as taking 2 times daily. Nortriptyline 10 mg stopped 2 weeks ago, Oxygen had been listed on the EMR medication list, but the patient had not used Oxygen. This was validated with the Clinicians present during the visit.”
All 2 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2024 | Initial certification inspection by the state | No deficiencies cited |
| Mar 7, 2024 | Initial inspection by The Joint Commission | 7 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Mar 25, 2024.
- CMS doesn’t list its type of ownership.
- No For hospices, home health agencies, hospitals and dialysis facilities, CMS writes deficiencies at two levels. Standard is the usual one; condition-level is the more serious, when a problem is serious enough that the provider doesn’t meet a whole condition of taking part in Medicare. Source: CMS, State Operations Manual. deficiency or CMS’s most serious finding: the place’s failure to meet a rule caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to someone in its care. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 489.3. on record in the last three years.
CMS, Hospice General Information. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Has anything been proven against it?
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- 0 deficiencies cited in the last three years came from inspections that included a complaint investigation.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
Who does the caring?
- From Medicare claims (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024): 16.7 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 10.4% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 100% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 64% at home, 32% in assisted living, 1% in a skilled nursing facility, 3% elsewhere.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 16.7 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 10.4% |
| Visits near death | 100.0% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- Mhns Investments LLC owns 100% directly since Feb 10, 2023.
- 11 owners or officers are people: Wanda K. Brown (managing employee (on the payroll), 100%); Barbara L Rasmussen (owns 5% or more through other companies, 63%); Barbara L Rasmussen (corporate officer, 63%); Barbara L Rasmussen (corporate director, 63%); Barbara L Rasmussen (runs it (operational or managerial control), 63%); Gary W Rasmussen (owns 5% or more through other companies, 37%); Gary W Rasmussen (corporate officer, 37%); Gary W Rasmussen (corporate director, 37%); Gary W Rasmussen (managing employee (on the payroll), 37%); Gary W Rasmussen (runs it (operational or managerial control), 37%); Winston H Gandy (managing employee (under contract)).
- No private-equity firm among the owners CMS lists.
- No real-estate investment trust among the owners CMS lists.
CMS, Hospice All Owners and Hospice Enrollments. Released Sep 29, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Organisation | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trident Healthcare Services Inc. | Holds 5% or more security interest | 100% | Feb 10, 2023 |
| Mhns Investments LLC | Owns 5% or more directly | 100% | Feb 10, 2023 |
What do families say?
- CMS gives no family caregiver survey rating: “The number of cases is too small to report Star Ratings.”
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 9 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 98.59% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025).
CMS, CAHPS Hospice Survey and Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | Rating |
|---|---|
| Family caregiver survey ratingCMS star rating from its survey of patients’ family caregivers, 1 to 5 | Not rated |
| Hospice Care IndexCMS’s Hospice Care Index, 0 to 10 (higher is better): a point for each of ten measures from Medicare claims on which the hospice meets CMS’s threshold | 9 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 42 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 30143, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 2; this one had 7.
CMS, Hospice ZIP Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
CMS, QCOR hospice inspection reports. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Georgia Mountain Hospice, Inc. | 4 |
| Appalachian Hospice & Palliative Care This hospice | 7 |
| Wellstar Community Hospice | 13 |
| Gentiva | 10 |
| Pruitthealth Hospice-Calhoun | 1 |
| Vitas Healthcare Corporation of Georgia | 10 |
| Pruitthealth Hospice-Gainesville | 2 |
| Pruitthealth Hospice-Blue Ridge | 1 |
| Heritage Hospice, Inc. | 1 |
| Dynamic Hospice | 4 |
| Heart of Hospice North Atlanta | 0 |
| Regency Southerncare | 18 |
What the record doesn’t say
- CMS doesn’t publish fines or other penalties for hospices, so none are shown.
- Only complaints that led to a citation appear; complaints that didn’t aren’t published.
- CMS ended its Special Focus Program for hospices with serious problems on Feb 14, 2025, so no hospice is marked as one.
- Hospice quality measures have a gap from October 2025: CMS replaced its patient assessment then, and public results from the new one (HOPE) are expected around November 2027.
Sources
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice General Information (yc9t-dgbk).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Provider Data (252m-zfp9).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CAHPS Hospice Survey (gxki-hrr8).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, QCOR hospice inspection reports (Hospice Survey Reports - Oct 2021 through Sep 2026.xlsx).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice All Owners (e983965e-1603-4cb8-82b5-c40090e380d1).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice Enrollments (25704213-e833-4b8b-9dbc-58dd17149209).
Released Sep 29, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hospice ZIP Data (95rg-2usp).
Released Aug 26, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated quarterly. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: CMS. CMS’s own record is on Care Compare. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 27, 2026.
From the hospice
The public record above comes first. Anything the hospice adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the hospice will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the hospice”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.