Alexa Schoeman, Deputy State Ombudsman in Texas, Interviewed on How the Lack of Staffing Affects Residents' Quality of Life

June 08, 2026

The Hunterbrook investigation, “Ensign: The Nursing Home Empire Built on Fatal Neglect,” alleges that The Ensign Group has built a highly profitable nursing-home empire by systematically understaffing facilities, despite receiving government payments calibrated to residents’ care needs. Based on analyses of CMS data, interviews, lawsuits, regulatory records, and former employees, the article claims Ensign operates with a large gap between the nursing care residents require and the care actually provided, resulting in poorer inspection outcomes, alleged violations of staffing laws, and harm to residents. The report further contends that Ensign’s strong quality ratings rely heavily on self-reported measures, while independently verified indicators paint a less favorable picture, and that the company directs substantial revenue to related-party affiliates. Hunterbrook concludes that Ensign’s acquisition-driven growth model depends on reducing staffing costs after purchasing facilities, contributing to neglect, injuries, and deaths at some locations. The company did not respond to Hunterbrook’s requests for comment, though its executives have previously denied allegations that the company sacrifices care quality for profit. 

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