Nursing Home Dumping in Maryland and DC: What Families Need to Know About Patient Rights and Legal Action

For families across Maryland and DC, trusting a nursing home with a loved one’s care is never an easy choice. You expect professional treatment and dignity—not abandonment or neglect. But a troubling practice known as “nursing home dumping” is putting some of our most vulnerable citizens at risk. It’s illegal, it’s heartless, and in recent years, it’s drawn the attention of state officials and attorneys like those at the Law Offices of Kim Parker PA.

What Is Nursing Home Dumping?

Nursing home dumping refers to the practice of wrongfully evicting residents—often when their insurance runs out or they become “difficult” to care for—without adequate arrangements or oversight. Instead of finding appropriate placements for these residents, some nursing homes push people out, sometimes dropping them at homeless shelters, unlicensed facilities, or even leaving them stranded on city streets.

This practice is not only unethical; it is often a violation of federal regulations (such as the Nursing Home Reform Act) as well as state laws, and can lead to devastating emotional, physical, and financial harm.

The NMS Nursing Home Scandal: A Recent Example

Maryland residents were stunned by the recent case involving NMS LLC, a company that operated five nursing home facilities in the state. The Maryland Attorney General’s office brought NMS to court, accusing it of widespread patient dumping—literally evicting hundreds of vulnerable seniors and disabled residents.

One survivor, Vonda Wagner, described the ordeal after a stroke left her unable to speak. When her health insurance lapsed, staff reportedly moved her out of her Hagerstown nursing home and into an unlicensed assisted living facility in Baltimore, then ultimately left her on a city street. “I couldn’t talk and you hear things about muggings. I couldn’t scream for help,” she wrote. Vonda’s story is just one among many.

The state ultimately forced NMS to pay a $2.2 million settlement and banned them from operating nursing homes in Maryland—a strong message that there’s zero tolerance for companies that endanger patient lives for profit.

Why Cases Like This Matter

Nursing home residents have rights. It is illegal for any facility to evict a patient without notice, a safe transfer plan, or a compelling medical reason. Dumping residents due to insurance changes or because of the complexity of their needs is against both the law and the basic standards of human decency.

When these boundaries are crossed, residents and their families can take legal action—not only to seek compensation, but to ensure nursing homes are held accountable.

Legal Claims for Nursing Home Dumping

You may have a valid claim if a nursing home in Maryland or DC:

• Discharged your loved one to a homeless shelter, unlicensed facility, or the street
• Failed to provide proper notice or discharge planning
• Evicted because of insurance or Medicaid status
• Put a resident at risk of harm, illness, or injury by abandoning them

You can sue for damages related to any resulting trauma, medical complications, or losses. Just as important, your action helps stop other families from suffering the same fate.

The Law Offices of Kim Parker PA: Advocates for the Vulnerable

At the Law Offices of Kim Parker PA, we specialize in protecting vulnerable patients and holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Our attorneys understand that these cases aren’t just about dollars—they’re about dignity, justice, and peace of mind for families.

We investigate every detail, build a compelling case, and fight to make sure you or your loved one’s voice is heard. And if you believe your family has been a victim of patient dumping, don’t wait: Timely legal action is essential in preserving your rights and the evidence necessary for success.

Get the Justice and Protection Your Loved Ones Deserve

No nursing home should ever get away with abandoning those in its care. If you or someone you love has been a victim of patient dumping in Maryland or DC, call the Law Offices of Kim Parker PA today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to listen, investigate, and help you build a safer future for your family and your community.

For more legal resources and updates about patients’ rights in Maryland and DC, visit the Law Offices of Kim Parker PA online or contact our office directly. Your family’s safety and dignity matter—and we’re here to stand up for you.