Adult Protective Services in Tennessee

Tennessee Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults throughout the state. Tennessee has universal mandatory reporting — every Tennessee resident is legally required to report suspected adult abuse under the Tennessee Adult Protection Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-101 et seq.). To make a report, call 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or file online — both available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Tennessee

Tennessee offers both phone and online reporting options for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) to reach Tennessee's APS intake line, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY callers may use 1-800-270-1349. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the person you are concerned about and the circumstances of the suspected abuse. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-105.

Report Online

Tennessee's online reporting portal allows reports to be submitted securely any time of day or night. The portal is appropriate for non-emergency situations. After submitting an online report, the system routes it to the appropriate regional DHS office for screening and assignment. Reports may be made anonymously through the portal.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or a life-threatening situation — call 911 first. Tennessee APS intake is staffed 24/7, but APS is not a first-responder agency. After the immediate emergency is resolved, follow up with an APS report at 1-888-277-8366 or through the online portal to initiate the investigation and protective services process.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following information ready will help Tennessee APS triage and respond to your report as efficiently as possible:

• Full name, age, and current address of the person you are concerned about
• A description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation — specific incidents, dates, and locations
• The name and relationship of the alleged abuser (if known)
• Information about the person's physical or mental health conditions, impairments, or limitations
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers who may have relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous)

Tennessee requires reasonable cause to believe an adult is in need of protective services — proof is not required before making a report. Every Tennessee resident has a legal obligation to report under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-103.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Tennessee

Under the Tennessee Adult Protection Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-102), Tennessee APS investigates the following categories of abuse and neglect:

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Emotional abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or conduct causing psychological distress
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Financial exploitation — Theft, misappropriation, or improper use of an adult's money, property, or resources
• Financial abuse — Coerced or deceptive financial transactions, including changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, or medical care
• Self-neglect — Failure of a vulnerable adult to provide for their own basic needs when they are unable to do so

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the warning signs of abuse is essential, especially since many victims do not self-report due to fear, dependence, or cognitive impairment.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries at different stages of healing
• Evidence of restraint — marks on wrists, ankles, or across the body
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers suggesting prolonged immobility
• Weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition without a medical explanation

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from social activities or contact with friends and family
• Fear, anxiety, or agitation — especially around a specific caregiver or individual
• Sudden unexplained depression, confusion, or behavioral changes
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver or family member is nearby

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or new credit accounts
• Missing personal property, unpaid bills, or lack of necessities despite adequate income
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, trust, or beneficiary designations
• New individuals managing the person's finances or making decisions on their behalf

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Tennessee

Tennessee has universal mandatory reporting. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-103, every person in Tennessee who has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited is legally required to make a report to APS. This applies to all residents — not just professionals.

Failure to report suspected abuse is a Class A misdemeanor under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-110, which can result in criminal penalties. Good-faith reporters are protected from civil and criminal liability under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-105, even if the investigation does not confirm abuse. Reporter identity is kept confidential under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-118.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Tennessee

Tennessee APS follows a tiered response system based on the level of risk to the vulnerable adult.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff review the report to determine whether the person meets the eligibility criteria under Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-6-102 — specifically, whether they are an adult age 18 or older with mental or physical impairment or advanced age who cannot care for themselves without assistance. The report is assigned a priority level based on the severity and immediacy of the risk.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Tennessee APS uses a three-tier priority system:

• Priority A (life-threatening situation, immediate danger): response within 24 hours
• Priority B (serious harm likely without prompt intervention): response within 5 business days
• Priority C (standard case, no imminent danger): response within 7 business days

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes in-person contact with the alleged victim to assess their safety, living conditions, health, and capacity. The caseworker may interview family members, caregivers, neighbors, and medical professionals. If criminal conduct is suspected — including financial exploitation — APS coordinates with local law enforcement and, where appropriate, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When the investigation substantiates abuse or identifies a vulnerable adult in need, Tennessee APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency shelter, in-home care, medical referrals, mental health services, financial management assistance, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. When capacity is in question and the risk is serious, APS may pursue court-ordered intervention.

APS vs. Long-Term Care Ombudsman — Who Handles Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee?

Tennessee APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes and non-licensed residential environments. For complaints about abuse, neglect, or poor care inside a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other licensed long-term care setting, contact the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-877-236-0013 or visit tn.gov/aging.

The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints on behalf of residents of licensed facilities. Complaints about facility licensing and regulatory compliance can be filed with the Tennessee Department of Health. For a detailed guide to the nursing home complaint process in Tennessee.

Additional Resources in Tennessee

• Tennessee APS Hotline: 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) (24/7)
• Tennessee Online Report
• Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-236-0013 | tn.gov/aging
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116
• National Center on Elder Abuse

Tennessee APS also provides education and outreach to help communities recognize and prevent adult abuse. If you are a professional who regularly works with older adults or adults with mental or physical impairments, Tennessee's universal mandatory reporting law makes you responsible for reporting suspected abuse — not just health care providers. The law is intentionally broad to ensure that no vulnerable adult falls through the cracks because a potential reporter believed someone else would call.

Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse in Tennessee and nationwide. It can take many forms — from a family member quietly draining bank accounts over time to strangers posing as financial advisers. Signs include sudden changes to a power of attorney, unexplained wire transfers, or new credit cards opened in the elder's name. If you suspect financial exploitation, APS can investigate and coordinate with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local prosecutors.

If your concern involves a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility in Tennessee, the Tennessee Nursing Home Complaint Guide provides full guidance on the complaint process.