Coastal Hospice Inc.
A hospice in Salisbury, Maryland 21804
1113 Healthway Dr, Salisbury, Maryland 21804. (410) 742-8732.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026.
- 30 deficiencies cited in the last three years
- 4of 5 family caregiver rating
- 10of 10 CMS’s Hospice Care Index
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean4
- Star ratings
- CMS rates some kinds of place from 1 to 5 stars, more stars meaning better on CMS’s own measures for that kind: for a nursing home, its health inspections, staffing and quality measures. A rating is CMS’s summary of those measures; it doesn’t promise good care. Source: CMS, Care Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System.
- 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.
- Condition-level deficiency
- 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.
What did inspectors find?
30 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 3 hospices serving ZIP code 21804 had 9.
The last inspection on record was on Apr 30, 2024: a follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission.
3 deficiencies at condition level, the more serious of CMS’s two levels
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
30 deficiencies in 2 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2024. Most serious: Condition-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.
Apr 30, 2024: follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission5 deficiencies
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Program data (42 CFR 418.58(b)(3))
“Observed in Data Session. Based on a review of the performance improvement plan provided to the surveyor by the PI educator, there was no comprehensive document that identified the frequency and detail of indicators that were approved by the governing body. For example, medication errors, adverse events, and contract oversight were not identified and therefore the frequency of reporting of these items were not identified and or approved.”
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Prevention (42 CFR 418.60(a))
The inspectors’ words, 114 words
“Observed in Infection Control Tracer. In 1 of 1 home visits conducted, the hospice did not follow its infection control policy. The RN in RR#1 was observed doing wound care. RR#1 had multiple wounds on bilateral arms. The RN was observed cleaning used scissors off with her gloved hand and then proceeded to apply a dressing to the right arm without changing her gloves and or disinfecting her hands. Similarly, the nurse was observed removing a soiled dressing and then applied a clean dressing to the left arm. The RN did not change her gloves and or disinfect her hands prior to applying the clean dressing. This observation was discussed with the PI educator.”
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Control (42 CFR 418.60(b)(2)(ii))
“Observed in Infection Control System Tracer. Based on a review of the available infection control data and discussions with PI educator identified infections were not prioritized therefore this goal was not addressed.”
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Nursing services (42 CFR 418.64(b)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 103 words
“Observed in Tracer Activities. This observation was based on a review of the available data and by discussions with the director. The organization has not provided continuous care in the home in over three years. Per leadership, based on the patient population characteristics, this service is not requested and or needed. Based on a review of the admission data given to patients, there was no description of continuous care included in the packet nor was there any documentation in the admission note advising patients that this service was available in RR#1, RR#2, and RR# who were all admitted within the last two weeks.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(m)(3))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. Based on a review of the temperature logs related to prepared food kept for the current month, there was data missing. Per the PI educator, meals were served to patients three times per day at the Berlin site. There were three days listed on the log that the temperature was checked only once per day, and the rest of the days the temperature was only checked twice per day. There were no comments and or additional documentation noted for the missing data.”
Mar 22, 2024: initial inspection by The Joint Commission25 deficiencies
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Quality assessment & performance improvement (42 CFR 418.58)
The inspectors’ words, 137 words
“Observed in Data Session. During the Data Session, the surveyor noted that the organization had not developed a hospice wide data driven quality assessment and performance improvement plan (QAPI). There was no evidence that the governing body had ensured that a program was in place and that all services provided (including those services furnished under contract) were included. Observed in Data Session. During the data session, the surveyor noted that the organization did not have a quality assessment and improvement plan (QAPI). There was no evidence that the organization had developed, implemented and maintained an effective, ongoing hospice wide data driven quality improvement program. The organization had collected raw data, but the data had not been aggregated and analyzed to drive process improvement. This observation was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of discovery.”
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Core services (42 CFR 418.64)
“Observed in Leadership Session. This observation was based on a review of the available data and by discussions with the director. The organization has not provided continuous care in the home in over three years. Per leadership, based on the patient population characteristics, this service is not requested and or needed. Based on a review of the admission data given to patients, there was no description of continuous care included in the packet.”
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Governing body and administrator (42 CFR 418.100(b))
“Observed in Leadership Session. Governance did not provide for the resources needed to maintain safe, quality care, treatment or services as evidenced by condition level deficiencies with COPs): 418.58, 418.64, 418:60, 418.100, 418.110.”
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Rights of the patient (42 CFR 418.52(c)(7))
“Observed in Leadership Session. Based on discussions with the director and a review of the admission data given to patients, the Hospice did not educate patients on all of the covered services. The admission packet did not describe and or address continuous care in the home. The other levels of care were described which included respite, routine, and general inpatient services”
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Update of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(d))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 1 of 18 patient records reviewed, the hospice did not reassess patients based on clinical changes. RR#3 was placed on an inhaler for congestion. The interdisciplinary group immediately following this change in treatment did not specifically document the effectiveness of the new treatment. This observation was discussed with the director,”
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Plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(b ))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 4 of 18 patient records reviewed, the hospice care plan did not include measurable and or time bound goals. RR#3 had a wound that required care and the goal that addressed this wound reflected- the wound would heal during the admission. The goals listed on the care plans for RR#7, RR#8, and RR#9 were not time bound. This observation was discussed with the director.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 123 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 3 of 18 patient records reviewed, the Hospice comprehensive care plan did not include all of the interventions to manage patient symptoms. RR#7 was provided a comfort kit and there was no interventions on the care plan that addressed instruction of the patient/caregivers in these emergency medications. RR#8 had a Foley and the care plan did not include the balloon size of the catheter. RR#9 had a stage 4 decubiti that had orders for daily wound care. The RN was visiting twice per week and there was no indication on the care plan who was doing the wound care and or interventions related to teaching family how to do wound care. This observation was discussed with the director.”
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Program scope (42 CFR 418.58(a)(1))
“Observed in Data Tracer. During the Data Session, the surveyor noted that the organization did not have a quality assessment and performance program that addresses palliative outcomes. The organization was not collecting data related to palliative outcomes. This finding was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer.”
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Program data (42 CFR 418.58(b)(3))
“Observed in Data Session. During the Quality Assurance Process Improvement Session, the surveyor noted that the organization’s governing body does not approve the frequency and detail of the data collection. The organization collects data, but the governing body does not approve the detail or the frequency of the data collected. This finding was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of the observation.”
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Program activities (42 CFR 418.58(c)(1)(i))
“Observed in Data Session. During the Data Session, the surveyor noted that the organization had not tracked and trended data relating to palliative outcomes, patient safety and the quality of care provided. Therefore, the organization was not able to determine its high-volume, high-risk and problem prone areas and develop performance improvement activities accordingly. This observation was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of discovery.”
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Performance improvement projects (42 CFR 418.58(d)(2))
The inspectors’ words, 94 words
“Observed in Data Session. During the Data Session, the surveyor noted that the organization completed performance improvement projects without having measurable progress goals. The organization had no quantified data to support the goals of the performance improvement projects. For example, one project had a goal of 100% compliance with hand hygiene, but there was no goal number of observations, there was no data to demonstrate current compliance and the data collected during the project had not been quantified/analyzed/trended . This finding was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of the observation.”
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Executive responsibilities (42 CFR 418.58(e)(2))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. During the data session, the surveyor noted that the organization had not developed a performance improvement plan. The leadership had not set priorities for data collection, performance improvement activities and patient health outcomes. The organization had not identified high-volume, high-risk, or problem prone processes for performance improvement activities. This finding was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of discovery.”
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Prevention (42 CFR 418.60(a))
The inspectors’ words, 106 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 2 of 6 home visits conducted, the hospice nurse did not adhere to the Hand Hygiene Policy # PC_125 . The RN in RR#3 was observed cleaning pulse oximeter off with gloves on and then assessed patient without removing gloves or disinfecting hands. Additionally, the RN was observed cleaning the blood pressure cuff/stethoscope and proceeded to assess the patient without first removing the gloves and or disinfecting hands. The RN for RR#1 was observed entering and reentering her nursing bag to retrieve reusable items such as a tape measure without first washing her hands. This observation was discussed with the director.”
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Control (42 CFR 418.60(b)(2)(i))
“Observed in Infection Control System Tracer. Based on a review of the available data and confirmed with discussions with the director, the Hospice did not identify risks for infection based on community, care, treatment, services, and or surveillance data for 2021, 2022, and 2023.”
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Control (42 CFR 418.60(b)(2)(ii))
The inspectors’ words, 110 words
“Observed in Infection Control Tracer. Based on a review of the available data and confirmed with discussions with the director, there was no measurable goal that addressed limiting infections related to medical equipment, devices, and supplies. Observed in Infection Control System Tracer. Based on a review of the available data and confirmed with discussions with the director, there was no goal or measurable goals that addressed limiting infections related to procedures. Observed in Infection Control System Tracer. Based on a review of the available data and confirmed with discussions with the director, the Hospice did not have a prioritized risk assessment therefore there was no goal to address this risk.”
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Hospice aide assignments and duties (42 CFR 418.76(g)(1))
The inspectors’ words, 152 words
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 4 of 4 patient records reviewed, that had hospice aide service, did not have a comprehensive aide care plan based on the patient assessment. RR#3 required assistance to ambulate and was on a blood thinner. The aide care plan of RR#3 reflected that the patient could receive a bed bath and a shower, and a shave. There was no further qualification of the shower (for example the use of a shower chair), and bleeding precautions was not reflected on the care plan. Based on the RN assessment RR#1 was at risk for aspiration and this risk was not reflected on the aide care plan. RR#2 had a wound and was on aspiration precautions and neither precaution was on the aide care plan. RR#4 was identified as a fall risk and this precautions was not reflected on the aide care plan This observation was discussed with the director.”
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Training (42 CFR 418.78(a))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. In 1 of 2 volunteer records reviewed, there was no evidence that a volunteer had received orientation and training relating to the hospice philosophy consistent with the organization’s orientation and training policy. This finding was discussed with the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of the observation.”
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Level of activity (42 CFR 418.78(e))
The inspectors’ words, 95 words
“Observed in Tracer Activities. During the review of volunteer services, the surveyor noted that the organization had not provided volunteer services in day to day administrative or direct patient care in an amount that equals 5% of the total patient care hours of all paid hospice employees and contracted staff. During the time period of January 1, 2024 and March 15, 2024 the volunteer hours amounted to 1.28% of all paid hospice employees and contracted staff. This finding was discussed with the Volunteer Manager and the Chief Clinical Officer at the time of the observation.”
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Content (42 CFR 418.104(a)(3))
The inspectors’ words, 147 words
“Observed in Patient Home. In 2 of 6 patient records reviewed, the medication record did not reflect what was on the medication administration record located in the skilled nursing facility. There were discrepancies noted for an oral narcotic, a topical anesthetic, medications to treat constipation, mood, breathing, and secretions. RR#2 also had medication discrepancies. The following medications were not listed on the medication administration record however were on the hospice medication list- a muscle relaxant, antianxiety medication, a stool softener, and an antidepressant. Additionally, morphine was listed as every 2 hours prn on the medication administration record however the hospice record reflected that it should be given every hour prn. RR#6 was taking an iron supplement twice per day, the hospice medication record reflected that it was taking daily. Per RR#6, she never took a scheduled medication for acid reflux. This observation was discussed with the Director.”
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Discharge or transfer of care (42 CFR 418.104(e)(1)(i))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 2 of 2 patient records reviewed, that were admitted to the hospital, the Hospice did not provide the receiving facility a copy of the transfer/discharge summary. Both RR#12 and RR#13 were transferred and discharged to the hospital and the discharge summaries were not sent to the hospital. This observation was discussed with the director.”
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Use and mintenance of equipment and supplies (42 CFR 418.106(f)(2))
“Observed in Individual Tracer. In 6 of 6 home visits conducted, the Hospice did not provide patients with an individualized emergency management plan based on emergency risk score. RR#1-RR#6 did not have an individual emergency plan in the home. Based on discussions with the director, emergency evacuation is discussed with patient/family however they have not document and or left individualized emergency plans for patients.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(d)(1)(i))
“Observed in Tracer Activities. In 1 of 2 tracers conducted, the Hospice did not comply with fire protection features designed to minimize the effect of smoke. The undercut on the fire door located on the IPU unit was greater than 2. This observation was discussed with the facility manager. This finding was observed during survey activity, but corrected onsite prior to the surveyor’s departure. The corrective action taken needs to be included in the organization’s Evidence of Standards Compliance submission.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(e))
“Observed in Building Tour. In 1 of 2 tracers conducted, the Hospice did not implement its policy regarding the storage of oxygen cylinders. The surveyor observed in the clean utility room of the IPU, an unlabeled e-tank comingled with a set of full oxygen tanks that were designated as full. Per the facility manager and the RN manager, this e-tank was actually empty.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(i)(1))
“Observed in Building Tour. The Hospice did not have a record of the testing of the temperature of the water, that is supplied to patient rooms. This observation was discussed with the facility manager.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(m)(3))
The inspectors’ words, 137 words
“Observed in Tracer Activities. In 2 of 2 tracers conducted, the Hospice did not ensure that food was stored under sanitary conditions. There were multiple expired food items located in the refrigerator which included a bottle of mustard and salad dressing. Additionally, there were opened, unlabeled food items (that contained multiple servings) observed in the refrigerator and the freezer. These items included; two bags of French Fries, Greens, and Fish Sticks. This was not consistent with policy #13285118. This was discussed with the facility manager and kitchen personnel. Observed in Building Tour. Based on a review of the available data, discussions with the facility manager, and kitchen personnel, the Salisbury Hospice IPU did not routinely monitor the temperatures of prepared food prior to serving food to patients. This was not consistent with policy #14256837 titled- Temperature Monitoring.”
All 2 inspections in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2024 | Follow-up inspection by The Joint Commission | 5 deficiencies cited |
| Mar 22, 2024 | Initial inspection by The Joint Commission | 25 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Jan 28, 1987.
- Ownership: non-profit.
- Cited at 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. in the last three years: it didn’t meet a whole condition of Medicare’s rules.
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): 21.7 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 17.5% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 96.9% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 71% at home, 14% in assisted living, 10% in a nursing facility, 5% in an inpatient hospice.
CMS, Hospice Provider Data. Released Aug 26, 2026. Updated quarterly.
| Measure | This provider |
|---|---|
| Nurse care minutes per routine home care day | 21.7 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 17.5% |
| Visits near death | 96.9% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- 13 owners or officers are people: Ghulam Waris (corporate officer, 20%); Ghulam Waris (managing employee (on the payroll), 20%); Roger Harrell (corporate director, 5.25%); Robert M Purcell (corporate director, 5.25%); Margaret M. Whitten (corporate director); Lorena A Lovely (corporate officer); Morgan Fisher (corporate director); Christine Belanger (corporate officer); Lakeisha Harris (corporate director); Sharon Washington (corporate director); David A. Dykes (corporate director); Tina Reid (corporate director); Anthony S. Sarbanes (corporate director).
- 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.
What do families say?
- Family caregivers rate it 4 of 5 in CMS’s survey (Oct 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2025): 84% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 88% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 98.71% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 78.1% had visits from a nurse or social worker on at least 2 of their last 3 days (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
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 | 4 of 5 |
| 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 | 10 of 10 |
How does it compare nearby?
- Of the 3 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 21804, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 9; this one had 30.
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 |
|---|---|
| Coastal Hospice Inc. This hospice | 30 |
| Delaware Hospice, Inc. Southern Division | 9 |
| Talbot Hospice Foundation, Inc. | 3 |
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.