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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Beverly 
Enterprises, Inc. for the registration of $1,000,000 shares of its common stock 
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 4, 
1994, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of 
Beverly Enterprises, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the 
year ended December 31, 1993, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                            ERNST & YOUNG
 
Little Rock, Arkansas
April 1, 1994
