Matzie: Brighton Rehabilitation charges ‘disturbing but not surprising’

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 9 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to news that state and federal officials are charging the owner and several former directors and managers of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center with health care fraud:

“The indictments announced today are disturbing but, sadly, not surprising.

“As far back as early in 2020, I asked Attorney General Shapiro to investigate Brighton Rehab for their apparent malfeasance in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and other concerning information conveyed to me by residents’ families regarding the conditions and administration of the facility.

“Seniors in skilled nursing facilities are an extremely vulnerable population. When families make the gut-wrenching decision to admit a loved one, they have a right under the law to expect the highest level of care and an honest accounting of that care. According to the indictment today, that was not the case at Brighton Rehab, to the point of criminal charges being filed.”