EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements and amendments thereto
| Form S-3 No. 333-52708 Registration for Face-amount Certificate Companies Form S-8 No 33-21505 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Form S-8 No 333-41671 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan Form S-8 No 333-41669 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan Form S-8 No 333-66026 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan Form S-8 No 333-41673 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Form S-8 No 333-42131 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan Form S-8 No 333-66108 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan Form S-8 No 333-54734 Stock Grant Plan Form S-8 No. 333-101318 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Form S-8 No 333-87290 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan |
of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. of our report dated October 2, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1) for the year ended December 31, 2002.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Little Rock, Arkansas
October 9, 2003
