In response to scrutiny from residents, lawmakers, and advocates, Carlyle this week announced the formation of a three member "independent" committee to advise the company regarding quality of care.  Carlyle-ManorCare's decision to refer the issue of quality to a committee falls far short of the real and immediate action needed to improve the quality of care for its residents.

Although Carlyle describes its committee as "independent," committee members include Gail Wilensky, who served on the ManorCare Board of Directors as recently as last year and who received a one-day windfall of more than $1 million as a result of the transaction, according to ManorCare's SEC filings.  A few months ago, Wilensky also appears to have served simultaneously on the ManorCare Board and as Vice-Chair of the Maryland Health Care Commission-- a state regulatory body that issued approvals Carlyle needed to complete its buyout of ManorCare.

The Carlyle-ManorCare press release lauding the "independence" of its new committee makes no mention of connections between Wilensky, the company, and the Carlyle buyout.

Read the Press Release.