AG Shapiro confirms investigation into embattled Brighton Rehab nursing home in Beaver County

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has launched a criminal investigation into the embattled Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver County, the Tribune-Review has learned.

A spokesperson for Shapiro confirmed Wednesday morning his office is exploring whether criminal charges are warranted related to the “conditions and practices” at the Brighton nursing home. Since March, at least 73 residents have died of covid-19 and more than 300 residents and staffers have been infected.

Shapiro did not provide any details about possible criminal allegations related to Brighton Rehab, whose covid-19 outbreak was among the deadliest in the nation.

A Trib investigation published Sunday recounted problems and violations that happened during the pandemic and others that have persisted for years unchecked.

“The reports of conditions and practices at the Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center are deeply troubling,” Shapiro told the Trib in a statement Wednesday.

“I can confirm that Brighton is one of the subjects of our criminal investigations into neglect at nursing homes during the pandemic,” Shapiro added. “My office is dedicated to protecting seniors and our most vulnerable in the care of others. We will not tolerate mistreatment of older Pennsylvanians and will hold facilities that break the law accountable.”

Criminal charges may be appropriate if the allegations of neglect, such as those that involve specific instances of mistreatment or injury, meet a “high threshold of certain circumstances when the caretaker of a person fails to properly provide for their health, safety and welfare,” according to Shapiro’s office.

On May 12, Shapiro announced his office had opened several criminal investigations into nursing homes spurred by reports of neglect during the pandemic. At the time, Shapiro did not name any specific nursing homes. Investigations already in progress were opened following referrals from community leaders and concerned citizens.

The Department of Health, which licenses and regulates nursing homes, installed a temporary manager at Brighton Rehab on May 11, about the same time officials sent the Pennsylvania National Guard to assist the facility for about a week. Dozens of infection control and other violations flagged in a May 1-5 inspection prompted a separate federal investigation by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

In July, the state health department issued an inspection report concluding that Brighton Rehab had dispensed the controversial covid-19 treatment of hydroxychloroquine to at least 205 residents without the required approvals.

Shapiro said his office could open additional investigations if it receives more complaints.

Complaints of neglect or other information and concerns about Pennsylvania nursing homes can be reported by email at neglect-COVID@attorneygeneral.gov.