On March 31, 2025, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Social Services District issued a letter confirming that Lewis Painter was a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The investigation found a preponderance of evidence—yet the case was closed without any protective action because Mr. Painter was “no longer at risk.”
This isn’t just a failure of compassion; it’s a failure of justice. Medicaid and Medicare fraud are federal felonies. Taxpayers are funding preventable hospitalizations, endless investigations, and profits for facilities that neglect and abuse residents.
The Role of Lobbyists and Lawmakers
While vulnerable individuals suffer, powerful industry lobbyists work to maintain the status quo:
• Charles Richard Cranwell Jr., Director of Government Relations for American HealthCare, LLC, represents facilities cited for neglect and understaffing.
• William Benjamin Hopkins Jr., a lawyer with Martin, Hopkins & Lemon, P.C., defends nursing homes against civil accountability.
• W. Heywood Fralin Sr., representing Medical Facilities of America (MFA), one of the largest operators of nursing homes in Virginia.
These lobbyists are not advocating for residents; they are advocating for impunity.
Simultaneously, certain lawmakers have accepted substantial contributions from these entities:
• Delegate Luke Torian received $27,500 from MFA and American HealthCare. As Chair of House Appropriations, he influences which reforms receive funding.
• Senator Frank Ruff Orrock accepted $19,500 while serving on committees like Education & Health and Finance.
• Delegate Mark Sickles, Vice Chair of House Appropriations and member of Health, Welfare and Institutions, took $10,018 from the same companies.
• Senator George Barker, former Chair of Senate Education & Health, received $15,000. Under his leadership, Virginia still lacks a safe staffing law.
• Delegate Terry Kilgore, House Majority Leader, accepted $12,500 while serving on Rules and Commerce & Energy committees.
These contributions raise serious questions about the influence of money on policy decisions affecting the most vulnerable.
Call to Action
I have authored Dale’s Law, a legislative proposal aimed at establishing minimum staffing standards, reforming admissions practices, and introducing criminal penalties for institutional neglect. This proposal has been submitted to every member of the Virginia General Assembly, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Yet, there has been no special session, no emergency response—only bureaucratic inertia.
What You Can Do:
• Contact your State Senator and Delegate.
• Demand they support Dale’s Law.
• Question their acceptance of industry contributions amid ongoing abuse and fraud.
If you need assistance identifying your representatives, please reach out—I am here to help.
You have the information handed to you—no more excuses as to why you can’t speak up.
#JusticeForDale #PassDalesLaw #EndNursingHomeAbuse