Brookdale Senior Living has agreed to pay $3.25 million to resolve allegations that 10 of its California skilled nursing facilities failed to properly notify and prepare residents for both transfers and discharges.
The California Attorney General’s Office announced the agreement with Brookdale, the nation’s largest senior living operator, on Friday. The settlement revolves around allegations that Brookdale failed to give 30 days notice to prepare residents for transfer or discharge as required by law.
The operator was also accused of falsely increasing its star ratings in several categories to attract prospective residents and families through its “misrepresentations to CMS,” according to the California AG’s office. Brookdale has more than 675 senior living communities throughout the United States and about 3% of those are SNFs, according to the company’s 2021 fourth quarter presentation.
Brookdale “strongly disagree[d]” with the characterizations made in the case and denied any liability. In a statement provided to McKnight’s, the company also said there were no findings that Brookdale violated any laws or engaged in wrongdoing.
“Brookdale supports laws and regulations that protect seniors and govern our industry, and we are thankful to have a dedicated group of associates who provide high quality service and care to our residents,” a company spokeswoman said Monday.
“Our communities rely upon the relationships we build with our seniors, and our top priority will always be the health and safety of our residents and associates. Resolving this case for an amount equal to the continued cost of defense was in the best interests of our residents, and we are pleased to put this behind us,” she added.
Of the $3.25 settlement, Brookdale will pay $2.4 million in civil penalties, $550,000 in costs and $300,000 to the Kern County Long Term Care Ombudsman.
The operator also agreed to appoint a monitor to oversee compliance at its Kern County facility and stop engaging in the alleged practices cited in the complaint, according to the California AG’s office.
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