Group homes targeted / State looks into death of mentally ill resident
Source: By Tanika White and Doug Donovan, Baltimore Sun (MD), May 22, 2008
Maryland health officials are investigating the recent death of a mentally ill man who was residing in an unlicensed assisted living facility in Northeast Baltimore, one of "dozens" suspected of operating around the state without adequate staff or training to care for residents.
........ The state oversees more than 1,300 licensed assisted living facilities, but it has difficulty identifying and shutting down unlicensed operators. In the past two years, at least 30 such homes have been fined for not having licenses, but officials say they believe many more exist.
....... State health officials said there are not enough licensed assisted living facilities that will take low-income people with significant health problems. As a result, an underground cottage industry has sprung up in Maryland and other states, according to experts.