Golden Living CEO Fires Back at AG, Says Lawsuit is Baseless

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) –The president and CEO of Golden LivingCenters has responded and denied charges the company and 14 of its Pennsylvania facilities failed to provide adequate care to its residents and patients.

“Golden Living is confident that claims made by the Attorney General are baseless and wholly without merit,” said Golden LivingCenters President and CEO Neil Kurtz.

Kurtz says the charges – which include allegations of deceptive marketing and billing practices, understaffing and failure to provide care – have come about because of personal and political ties.

“No doubt, this is an unfortunate result of (Pennsylvania Attorney General) Kathleen Kane’s inappropriate and questionable relationship with a Washington, DC-based plaintiff’s firm that preys on legitimate businesses and is then paid by contingency fees,” Kurtz continued.

Kurtz did not name the firm in question.

Kurtz also suggested retaliation may be a reason for the attorney general filing charges against Golden LivingCenters.

“Golden Living also believes that this complaint is in retaliation for our challenging the Attorney General’s authority in a pending lawsuit,” Kurtz said.

Kane charges the company has taken advantage of Pennsylvanians.

“As we allege, these companies profited at the expense of our most vulnerable residents,” Attorney General Kane said.

Kane continued, “These facilities promised to provide the care needed by residents and then failed to meet residents’ most basic human needs. That is simply unacceptable.”

She has filed a claim and requested a jury trial against Golden Gate National Senior Care LLC, its subsidiary, Golden LivingCenters, and 14 facilities.

Kurtz says the company will fight the allegations.

“We plan to vigorously defend the reputation of Golden Living and its employees,” he said.

View The Complete Lawsuit (PDF)