Exhibit 23.1

             Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
reports dated July 3, 1998 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note
13, as to which the date is August 28, 1998) included in Vitalink Pharmacy 
Services, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on August 31, 1998, and incorporated by 
reference in this Form 8-K, into Genesis Health Ventures, Inc.'s previously 
filed Registration Statements File Nos. 333-35385; 333-11845; 33-76902; 
33-92334; 33-48292; and 33-76902.
 
                                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Washington, D.C.
September 10, 1998