Louisiana Nursing Home Owner Hit With Exclusion Due to Squalid Conditions, Deaths

Bob G. Dean Jr., owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes, has been excluded from participating in federal health care programs by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The exclusion stems from his ownership interest in facilities that were previously excluded due to the tragic neglect of residents following Hurricane Ida in August 2021.

The Louisiana Department of Health revoked the licenses of these seven nursing homes after they failed to comply with state law, resulting in the death of seven residents and leaving hundreds more neglected and vulnerable. Following the hurricane, over 800 residents were evacuated to a warehouse facility that was far beyond its capacity. State health inspectors found deplorable conditions inside, including residents sleeping on floor mattresses near standing water, some partially undressed or naked, and others calling for help but left alone with full diapers.

Inspectors also noted the smell of urine in the building, with trash and dirty linens piling up. Mr. Dean attempted to interfere with the inspectors’ assessment of the site, yet it was clear that his facilities had failed to provide adequate care. The tragedy of seven deaths has led to the exclusion of both the nursing homes and their owner from federal health care programs.

In response, Inspector General Christi A. Grimm emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations in nursing homes. “Improving nursing home performance and the care they provide is my number one priority,” she stated. “When those facilities and their owners fail to protect our most vulnerable populations, OIG will not hesitate to implement its powerful exclusion tool to safeguard HHS programs and the people they serve.”

The excluded nursing homes are Maison De’Ville Nursing Home; Maison De’Ville Nursing Home of Harvey; Maison Orleans Healthcare of New Orleans; Park Place Healthcare, LLC; River Palms Nursing and Rehab, LLC; South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab; and West Jefferson Health Care Center.