To report an assisted living facility in Nebraska, contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Long Term Care Facilities, Licensure Unit at (402) 471-0316 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at (800) 942-7830.

If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving in a Nebraska assisted living facility, you have the right to file a complaint with the state — and you can do so anonymously. In Nebraska, assisted living facilities are licensed as Assisted Living Facilities and are regulated separately from skilled nursing homes.

Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in Nebraska

Assisted living facilities in Nebraska are licensed and investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, through the Office of Long Term Care Facilities and its Licensure Unit. Because assisted living is not certified by Medicare the way skilled nursing homes are, the state — not the federal government — is the primary authority responsible for setting standards, inspecting facilities, and acting on complaints.

How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in Nebraska

You can report concerns to the Licensure Unit by calling the complaint intake line at (402) 471-0316, by completing the online complaint form at dhhs.ne.gov, or by emailing dhhs.healthfacilityinvestigations@nebraska.gov. Complaints can be made in writing or by phone, and you may file anonymously. Provide as much detail as you can — the facility name, the names of residents and staff involved, and specific dates, times, and descriptions of what happened — so investigators can respond effectively.

Memory Care and Dementia Care in Nebraska

Nebraska does not issue a separate memory care license. Memory and dementia care are provided within assisted living facilities that meet additional requirements, including written disclosure of their dementia-care services and additional staff training tailored to residents with cognitive impairment. Complaints about a memory care setting follow the same process — you report them to the Licensure Unit using the phone number, online form, or email above.

NebraskaAssisted Living Regulations & Resources

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How Nebraska Licenses Assisted Living

Nebraska licenses assisted living facilities as Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) under the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Long Term Care Facilities. Memory care for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia is provided within assisted living facilities that meet additional disclosure, staffing, and training requirements.

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Statute of Limitations

2 years

In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence claims classified as medical malpractice or professional negligence is 2 years. A discovery rule may apply, meaning the clock may not start until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. It is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case, as missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.

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Resident Bill of Rights

Assisted-Living Facilities: Standards of Operation, Care and Treatment

View Full Statute

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Complaint Types Investigated

Abuse and neglect, medication errors, inadequate staffing, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, financial exploitation, improper evictions or transfers, and violations of residents' rights.

What Happens After You File

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Investigation Timeline

After the Licensure Unit receives a complaint, it is triaged and prioritized by the seriousness of the allegations. Complaints involving immediate risk to a resident's health or safety are investigated on an expedited basis, while other complaints are scheduled for review within a longer timeframe.

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Unannounced Inspections

On-site complaint investigations and licensing inspections of assisted living facilities are generally unannounced, allowing investigators to observe actual conditions and care without advance notice to the facility.

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Complainant Notification

If you provide contact information, the Licensure Unit will generally notify you of the outcome of the investigation, including whether the allegations were substantiated, once the review is complete.

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Enforcement Actions

When violations are confirmed, the Department can require a plan of correction, impose conditions or restrictions on the license, levy civil penalties, and in serious cases suspend or revoke the facility's license.

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Anonymous Complaints

Yes, you can file an assisted living complaint anonymously in Nebraska. The Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit accepts anonymous complaints, and your identity as a complainant is protected. Providing your contact information allows investigators to follow up for additional details, which can strengthen the investigation.

Official Sources

Complaint filing — Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Long Term Care Facilities, Licensure Unit: dhhs.ne.gov
Resident rights — 175 NAC 4-006: law.cornell.edu
Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman: dhhs.ne.gov
Mailing address — Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Long Term Care Facilities, Licensure Unit: Nebraska DHHS, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit, P.O. Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an assisted living complaint anonymously in Nebraska?expand_more

Yes. The Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit accepts anonymous complaints, and your identity is protected. Providing your contact information is optional but lets investigators follow up for additional details, which can strengthen the investigation.

How do I report a problem and how quickly is it investigated?expand_more

You can call the complaint intake line at (402) 471-0316 or file online at dhhs.ne.gov. Complaints alleging immediate risk to a resident are investigated on an expedited basis, while lower-priority complaints are scheduled for review within a longer timeframe.

What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility in Nebraska?expand_more

A Nebraska nursing home provides skilled, 24-hour medical and nursing care and is certified by Medicare and Medicaid. An assisted living facility provides housing, meals, supervision, and help with daily activities but not continuous skilled nursing care, and it is licensed and overseen by the state Licensure Unit rather than the federal government.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Speak with an advocate who can guide you through the reporting process and help evaluate your family's legal options.

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