(Reuters) - California on Monday sued Brookdale Senior Living Inc, the nation's largest senior living operator, for allegedly providing false information to obtain higher star ratings from the federal Medicare agency.

The lawsuit, filed in California state court, also accused the company of violating a law requiring it to give 30 days' notice to patients and their families of discharges and transfers, sometimes forcing families to scramble to find new accommodations on short notice.

California was joined by the district attorneys of Kern, Alameda, San Diego and Santa Cruz Counties, and the city of Los Angeles as plaintiffs in the case.

"We are holding Brookdale accountable for artificially increasing its profits by cutting corners when transferring or discharging its patients. It lured individuals to its facilities through false promises about providing the highest quality care," said Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a statement. "Choosing a skilled nursing facility is no simple task. Seniors, people with disabilities and their families rely heavily on accurate data to make that decision."

The lawsuit claims that Brookdale gamed the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' star rating system by reporting exaggerated staffing hours, allowing it to obtain undeserved four- and five-star ratings.

Brookdale faces claims of violating California's Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law.

"We categorically deny that Brookdale engaged in intentional or fraudulent conduct," a Brookdale spokesperson said.

The case is The People of the State of California v. Brookdale Senior Living Inc et al, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Kern.

For the state: Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Noe

For Brookdale: not immediately available