Nursing homes
Massachusetts health chief calls conditions at RegalCare nursing homes 'unacceptable'
The state is moving to revoke licenses for 12 homes and has stepped up inspections to once or twice a week; residents do not have to move now, and the owner can request a hearing.
Key facts
- GBH News reported on October 26 that Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein called conditions at RegalCare nursing homes "unacceptable." The Department of Public Health has moved to revoke licenses held by RegalCare chief executive Eli Mirlis for 12 facilities, after a Boston Globe Spotlight investigation.
What happened
GBH News reported on October 26 that Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein called conditions at RegalCare nursing homes "unacceptable." The Department of Public Health has moved to revoke licenses held by RegalCare chief executive Eli Mirlis for 12 facilities, after a Boston Globe Spotlight investigation.
The action does not require immediate closure or relocation of residents. State inspectors are visiting the homes once or twice a week and increasing monitoring. Mirlis has 30 days to request a hearing; if none is requested, the revocations become final. The Senior Sentinel reported on the state's earlier action on October 20.
What it means for families
License revocation is a long process. Residents usually stay while the state finds new operators or other solutions, but families should watch closely.
For example: a son whose mother lives in one of the affected homes might visit at different times of day, check her care plan and keep notes, while asking the state what happens next.
Long-term care ombudsmen can help residents and families during this kind of action.
When a state takes over oversight this closely, more frequent inspections can surface problems quickly. Families who share specific, dated concerns give inspectors something concrete to check.
What this means in New York: this is a Massachusetts case. New York posts nursing home inspection results and enforcement actions on the Department of Health's nursing home profiles.
What to do this week
- If a relative lives in an affected home, call the Massachusetts long-term care ombudsman for help.
- Visit at varied times and write down concerns with dates.
- Look up any home's inspection history on Medicare's Care Compare.
- Ask the home for its most recent inspection report and any plan of correction.
Sources
More from Nursing homes
- Senate Democrats' report calls for nursing home ownership transparency and stronger oversight
- Nursing homes have cut use of agency staff by 44% since 2022, research firm says
- Medicare confirms daily therapy alone can qualify a nursing facility stay