Somc Hospice
A hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662. (740) 356-2567.
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The short answer
Record last released by CMS on Oct 23, 2026.
- 9 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 mean3
- 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.
What did inspectors find?
9 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 6 hospices serving ZIP code 45662 had 5.
The last inspection on record was on Dec 5, 2025: an initial inspection by The Joint Commission.
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
9 deficiencies in 1 month of the last 36. Last cited Dec 2025. 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.
Dec 5, 2025: initial inspection by The Joint Commission9 deficiencies
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(5))
The inspectors’ words, 102 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 17 patient records reviewed, it was noted that the organization did not ensure all requirements related to a comprehensive assessment were implemented. For example, during a review of the medical record for HosInpt#2, it was noted that the patient was admitted to the Inpatient Unit for altered mental status, however the initial assessment documented the “patient was alert, and oriented x3, and behavior appropriate for situation.” The clinician did not document the areas of patient orientation in the section titled orientation [i.e. person, place, time, name, age]. This observation was reviewed with the leadership team.”
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Content of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(c)(7))
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 3 patient records reviewed, the Hospice pharmacy surveyor noted that the organization had not completed a post death bereavement assessment on these patients, including development of a meaningful care plan. The assessment is a requirement based on organization policy. This omission was validated with Hospice at the time of the survey.”
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Update of comprehensive assessment (42 CFR 418.54(d))
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 17 patient records reviewed, the organization did not ensure the comprehensive assessment update included all required information. For example, a review of the interdisciplinary group meeting notes for HosRRNHV#2, revealed that the following information was not documented by any member of the interdisciplinary team: changes since the last updated assessment, response to care, treatment, and services, and progress toward goals. This observation was reviewed with the leadership team.”
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Content of plan of care (42 CFR 418.56(c))
The inspectors’ words, 356 words
“Observed in Record Review. In 1 of 2 patient records reviewed, the written plan of care is based on the patient goals and the timeframes required to meet those goals. In HOSRRLiveDC#1, the surveyor noted the plan of care did not have timeframes for achieving those goals. For example, patient will report pain using a standardized pain scale, establish a self-identified pain goal, and report/demonstrate that pain is managed at or below this level. Patient self-identified pain goal is 3/10; Patient will exhibit a decrease in pain-related behaviors; patient/caregiver will verbalize understanding of oxygen safety and use of equipment. This was discussed with the clinical manager. Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 17 patient records, it was noted that the organization did not ensure goals were individualized to the patient’s needs and condition. For example, during the review of the medical record for HosInpt#1, it was noted that the patient was admitted to the inpatient unit for pain and symptom management. The plan of care included the following goal statement: Patient will report pain using a standardized pain scale, establish a self-identified pain goal, and report/demonstrate that pain is managed at or below this level. Patient self-identified pain goal is 2. The goal statement did not include a time frame for goal achievement. Example #2: During a review of the medical record for HosRRHV#2, it was noted that the patient’s terminal illness diagnosis was Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The plan of care included the following goal statement: Patient will remain free of signs of respiratory distress and/or report dyspnea is managed at acceptable level of zero. The goal statement did not include a time frame for goal achievement. Example #3: During a review of the medical record for HosRRHV#3, it was noted that the patient’s terminal illness diagnosis was Chronic combined systolic and diastolic heart failure. The plan of care included the following goal statement: Patient will remain free of signs of respiratory distress and/or report dyspnea is managed at acceptable level of 4/10. The goal statement did not include a time frame for goal achievement. This observation was reviewed with the agency leadership team.”
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Program activities (42 CFR 418.58(c)(3))
“Observed in Data Session. The organization did not take action when it did not achieve planned improvements. For example, the performance improvement goal for the organization’s fall prevention program was to achieve zero falls. The patient falls total for the 1st quarter of 2025 was equal to eight. There was no documented evidence that a performance improvement plan related to the fall prevention program was implemented. This observation was reviewed with the organization’s leadership team.”
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Counseling services (42 CFR 418.64(d)(1)(iv))
“Observed in Record Review. In 3 of 3 patient records reviewed, the hospice pharmacy surveyor noted that the bereavement care plans did not include specific, individualized goals and interventions, based on a post-death assessment as required Therefore, the timing and frequency were the same or very similar for all levels of bereavement risk The lack of individualized care plans was validated with hospice clinical managers and social work at the time of the survey.”
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Label dispose storage drugs (42 CFR 418.106(e)(2)(i)(A))
The inspectors’ words, 91 words
“Observed in Medication Management Tracer. During the medication management session with a focus on the hospice written policy and procedure for management and disposal of controlled drugs to be followed by the patient/caregiver, the Hospice pharmacist surveyor noted that what was provided in the patient care booklet to each patient/caregiver on admission was only a summary of the medication accountability policy rather than the policy itself as required to be provided by the CoP outlined in this standard. This omission was validated with Hospice management at then time of the survey.”
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N/a (42 CFR 418.110(d)(1)(i))
The inspectors’ words, 125 words
“Observed in Building Tour. A conduit with data cabling was unsealed with an approved fire stop material in the ceiling space of the fire rated storeroom / hallway. Observed by the Administrative Director of Plant Operations. 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. Observed in Building Tour. Electric cabling was resting on sprinkler piping in the hallway ceiling space by the kitchen. Observed by the Administrative Director of Plant Operations. 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 Document Review. The 2025 kitchen suppression testing documents did not include the required NFPA code edition used to conduct the testing. Observed by the Administrative Director of Plant Operations.”
The one inspection in the last three years
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2025 | Initial inspection by The Joint Commission | 9 deficiencies cited |
Is it certified?
- Medicare-certified hospice since Jun 1, 1990.
- Ownership: for-profit.
- 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): 8.8 nurse care minutes per routine home care day, 8.4% of skilled nursing minutes at weekends and a visit near death for 99.2% of patients who died.
- Where its patients were cared for (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024): 51% at home, 4% in assisted living, 36% in a nursing facility, 9% 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 | 8.8 min |
| Skilled nursing minutes at weekends | 8.4% |
| Visits near death | 99.2% of patients who died |
Who owns it?
- 16 owners or officers are people: Randal Arnett (corporate officer, 100%); Elie M Saab (corporate director); Gary Duzan (corporate director); Robert Dever (corporate director); Ben Gill (corporate director); David Fowler (corporate director); Tom Reiser (corporate director); George Lawson (corporate director); Claudia L Burchett (managing employee (under contract)); Kara Plummer (corporate officer); Becky Thiel (corporate director); Steven Conley (corporate director); David K Byers (corporate director); Matthew Miller (corporate director); Teresa L Ruby (managing employee (on the payroll)); Tanya Jana C Escalona (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): 89% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10, and 92% would definitely recommend it.
- CMS’s Hospice Care Index: 10 of 10 (Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024).
- 99.12% of patients were assessed on all seven of CMS’s measures at the start of care (Oct 1, 2024 to Sep 30, 2025); 85% 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 6 hospices CMS’s data show serving patients in ZIP code 45662, where this hospice’s office is, the middle number of deficiencies cited in the last three years was 5; this one had 9.
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 |
|---|---|
| Somc Hospice This hospice | 9 |
| Heartland Hospice | 40 |
| National Church Residences Home and Community Serv | Not given |
| Community Hospice of Southern Ohio | 5 |
| Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care Services | 5 |
| Ahc Home Health of Cincinnati LLC | 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.