A resident of the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont has filed a 30-day intent to sue against Governor Patrick Morrisey and Secretary Michael Caruso of the Department of Health Facilities. This legal action comes in response to the recent announcement regarding the sale of the health care facility and three other long-term care centers to the Marx Development Group.
The lawsuit, filed on March 12, 2024, raises concerns among residents and their families about the future of the health care services provided at the facility. The announcement of the sale, made approximately two weeks prior, has sparked significant unease within the community, particularly regarding the well-being of the elderly residents who rely on these services.
Residents have expressed apprehension that the transition to new ownership may disrupt the quality of care that they have come to expect. According to the filing, the plaintiff argues that the sale was conducted without adequate consideration of the residents’ needs and rights. This lawsuit seeks to challenge the legality of the sale process and calls into question the transparency of the decision-making by state officials.
The John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center has been a longstanding provider of essential services in Fairmont, and any changes to its operation could have far-reaching implications. The resident’s intent to sue highlights a growing concern among stakeholders who fear that privatization could compromise care standards.
Governor Morrisey’s administration has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, the sale to the Marx Development Group was presented as part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of health care services across the state.
As the situation develops, the community will be closely monitoring the actions of both the state officials and the new ownership group. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for future health care facility sales and their impact on vulnerable populations.
In the coming weeks, the resident’s legal team will likely prepare for the next steps in this process, potentially leading to a court hearing that could further clarify the legal standing of the sale. Meanwhile, community members are encouraged to participate in discussions about the implications of this transition for health care in Fairmont.
