Maryland Nursing Homes Under Fire for Abuse Allegations and Health Violations

Several nursing homes in Maryland operated by the Mangione family are under scrutiny following disturbing reports of abuse and health violations released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The allegations, which surfaced in reports from April and July, detail a pattern of troubling behavior, mismanagement, and a significant lack of adequate care for residents at Lorien Nursing and Rehab Center locations in Bel Air and Columbia. Lorien Health Services, a chain with nine facilities statewide, was founded by Luigi Mangione’s grandparents, Nicholas and Mary Mangione. The organization, which boasts amenities like restaurant-style dining, beauty spas, and movie theaters, now finds itself at the center of serious allegations that question the integrity of its operations. These concerns have escalated following the recent arrest of Luigi Mangione, who was charged with the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Altoona, Pennsylvania. According to the April report, one particularly alarming incident involved a geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) at the Bel Air location, who reportedly threw a call bell at a resident and scolded another for using the call button to request bathroom assistance. This incident raised serious questions about staff training and the treatment of residents, as the GNA had not completed her required abuse training since 2020. In another episode on the same day, the same GNA was implicated in handling a resident too roughly during daily living activities, causing the patient to express discomfort. Although x-rays revealed no injuries, the resident was prescribed pain medication, highlighting the potential for physical and emotional trauma within the facility. The July report from the Columbia location presented further evidence of neglect, revealing that staff members failed to ensure that residents were dressed appropriately and were left unattended for extended periods. One resident, who was uncovered and waiting for assistance, reported having waited for 40 minutes before receiving help. This incident raises significant concerns about the dignity and respect afforded to residents in their most vulnerable moments. Additionally, the Columbia facility was cited for failing to maintain a safe and clean environment. In one instance, surveyors observed falling ceiling tiles in the bathroom, with signs of water damage indicating a lack of maintenance that could pose risks to residents’ safety. The repercussions for Lorien Health Services have been severe, with the Columbia facility facing a fine of $24,680 after HHS’s findings. Another facility within the network, Lorien Bulle Rock, was fined $40,422 after a previous inspection uncovered similar violations. In June, Lorien Health Services agreed to pay the federal government $55,192 related to claims of retaining overpayments, further complicating the organization's financial landscape amid these allegations. As the Mangione family's nursing home network grapples with these troubling reports, the welfare of residents remains a pressing concern. The revelations have sparked calls for increased oversight and accountability within the nursing home industry, emphasizing the need for facilities to prioritize the dignity and care of their elderly residents. The situation is evolving, and stakeholders are closely monitoring how the Mangione family will address these significant challenges within their nursing home empire.