State Department of Public Health inspectors issued an “immediate jeopardy” finding against RegalCare at Worcester on Oct. 14, barring the facility from admitting any new residents until safety concerns are corrected. The action follows a disturbing incident in which a resident with dementia left a locked unit, walked several miles, and was discovered at a restaurant before being taken to a hospital.
Immediate jeopardy designation explained
The “immediate jeopardy” label means inspectors determined conditions at the nursing home could lead to serious injury or death. Under state law, a facility with this designation cannot accept new admissions until it demonstrates that the problems have been remedied.
Background on the operator
RegalCare, owned by Eliyahu “Eli” Mirlis, operates 12 nursing homes across Massachusetts, housing roughly 1,300 residents. The Department of Public Health (DPH) moved to revoke every Massachusetts nursing‑home license held by Mirlis on Oct. 13, citing his unsuitability to run long‑term‑care facilities. The department highlighted a prior revocation of Mirlis’ nursing‑home administrator license in New Jersey, which DPH says he misrepresented, as well as substandard care at other RegalCare locations.
DPH also referenced a $1 million settlement with federal and state prosecutors in which Mirlis admitted to billing Medicare and MassHealth for medically unreasonable and unnecessary services.
State oversight actions
DPH has placed monitors in every RegalCare facility and increased inspection frequency at sites with the highest quality concerns. Over the past three years, state inspectors conducted about 90 inspections of the chain’s Massachusetts homes, resulting in four immediate jeopardy findings.
In addition to the Worcester action, the department plans to let the license for RegalCare at Lowell expire on Oct. 31. The Lowell facility houses about 60 residents, and officials have not yet announced who will operate the home after the license lapses.
Potential penalties
Mirlis has 30 days from the notice to request a hearing before the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. RegalCare has indicated it will appeal the state’s actions. If DPH’s revocation proceeds, Mirlis could be barred from operating nursing homes in Massachusetts for up to ten years.
Broader regulatory context
The recent moves mark the first time in at least seven years that DPH has denied a nursing‑home license application or pulled an operator’s license. The actions follow a Globe Spotlight Team investigation that documented declining care at RegalCare homes and raised concerns about out‑of‑state buyers.
New state regulations now give DPH broader authority to review an operator’s quality record in other states, civil litigation history, and the records of owners and management companies.
Reactions
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said the department is strengthening oversight of the long‑term‑care industry and holding operators accountable for the care residents receive.
Paul Lanzikos, co‑founder of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts and former state secretary of elder affairs, called the state’s recent steps “encouraging” but warned that sustained effort will be needed beyond the current crisis.
Resources for families
Families with questions can contact the DPH Nursing Home Action Call Center at 617‑468‑2189 or toll‑free at 833‑305‑2070, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. DPH has also posted guidance for RegalCare residents and families on its website.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
