ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) — Internal state records show Maryland health officials identified worsening cases of senior trafficking tied to unlicensed assisted living homes, discussed enforcement strategies behind closed doors throughout 2023, and then abruptly stopped documenting action, without conducting a sweeping crackdown on operators they described as “fraudsters.”
Spotlight on Maryland obtained more than 100 documents from the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) through an open records request. The records arrived after 67 days, more than double the 30-day disclosure period required under state law. They detail internal meetings, assessments and limited communications addressing unlicensed assisted living facilities operating across Maryland.
OHCQ denied Spotlight’s requests for emails and other records related to unlicensed assisted living facilities, claiming they were part of an “investigative committee” file. Spotlight on Maryland is reviewing its options, including possible litigation.
Internal docs warn conditions ‘getting worse’
In one internal meeting summary, officials warned that the unlicensed assisted living industry was “getting worse” and referred to some operators as “fraudsters.” Other documents describe concerns about abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of elderly residents, including the misuse of government benefits such as Social Security and food stamps…