The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a lawsuit against ProMedica Health System, Inc., a nonprofit healthcare provider, along with several of its affiliated entities, claiming they delivered dangerously inadequate care at four nursing homes located in four different states. This legal action has been filed under the False Claims Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The federal complaint focuses on four nursing home facilities that were previously managed by ProMedica from 2018 to 2023 in Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. The DOJ asserts that these facilities consistently failed to adhere to the minimum care standards mandated by the Nursing Home Reform Act, allegedly placing elderly and disabled residents in significant jeopardy.
According to the U.S. government, residents in these homes were frequently deprived of essential hygiene, wound care, and nutritional assistance. In certain cases, patients reportedly experienced severe weight loss, untreated pressure ulcers, and other complications due to insufficient staffing and inadequate care planning. To exacerbate the situation, the DOJ claims that staff members at the facilities falsified medical records, documenting care that was never actually provided.
“Grossly substandard care places nursing home residents at serious risk of harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. “This suit sends a clear message that we will pursue health care providers who fail to meet their legal obligations.”
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania added, “Public funds expended for nursing home residents must result in appropriate care. The law requires it, and we will enforce it.”
The lawsuit stems from an investigation conducted by the DOJ’s Commercial Litigation Branch, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. No criminal charges have been brought forth, and the claims are still allegations—no court has yet ruled on liability.
The case, United States, et al., ex. rel. Compton v. HCR ManorCare, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-0851, represents a continuing federal effort to address nursing homes accused of misusing government funds while not adhering to care standards.
As the aging population in America increasingly relies on long-term care facilities, the result of this case could have significant implications for patient safety and healthcare accountability across the country.
NOTE: The assertions made in the complaint are merely allegations. No liability has been established.
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