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                                                                    Exhibit 23.1




                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
on National HealthCare L.P. dated February 3, 1997 and to all references to our
firm included in or made a part of this Form S-4 Registration Statement.


                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Nashville, Tennessee
December 2, 1997