Despite Warning Signs, California Continued to License Problematic Nursing Homes

Shlomo Rechnitz's network of California nursing homes has drawn state scrutiny over several years, now intensified by a flurry of lawsuits. Advocates assert that his facilities exemplify the failures of the Department of Public Health in safeguarding California's most vulnerable residents. In 2021, an investigation revealed that the state permitted Rechnitz's ownership of 18 nursing homes, stalling license approvals for seven years post-acquisition. Despite previous denials, regulators authorized licenses for additional homes just before new legislation took effect.Recent lawsuits highlight serious patient grievances, including a February 2024 jury awarding $2.34 million to Betsy Jentz, an elderly resident, for extensive rights violations. Additional cases involve negligence related to COVID-19 fatalities and severe patient mistreatment. Average citations at Rechnitz’s homes exceed state levels, with these facilities often facing federal fines more frequently than others in California. A court case revealed the couple’s significant wealth, prompting calls for better accountability from the Department of Public Health as advocates demand more stringent oversight.