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                                 EXHIBIT 23.2


                         CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-________) pertaining to the Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of our report dated February 7, 1997, except for
Note 2, paragraph 3, as to which the date is March 13, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated April 18, 1997, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Pharmacy Corporation of America and to the
incorporation by reference of our report dated June 2, 1997, with respect to the
balance sheet of New Beverly Holdings, Inc.

                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP



December 1, 1997
Little Rock, Arkansas