Texas Assisted Living Complaint Resources
How to report a Texas assisted living facility. Immediate reporting tools, residents' rights, and legal advocacy for residents and families.
Reviewed by Nick Kassatly, Esq. · Published June 30, 2026 · Updated July 23, 2026
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Complaint and Incident Intake
Texas Adult Protective Services
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community or in assisted living.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Serving as an advocacy program to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities, including assisted living.
To report an assisted living facility in Texas, contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at 1-800-252-2412.
If you are worried about a loved one's safety in a Texas assisted living facility, you can file a complaint with the state, and you may do so anonymously. Texas regulates these facilities as Type A and Type B assisted living facilities, separately from nursing homes.
Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in Texas
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) licenses and investigates assisted living facilities. Because assisted living is not federally certified like a nursing home, HHSC is the primary state authority for complaints, inspections, and enforcement.
How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in Texas
Call HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858 or file online through the HHSC complaint portal. Provide as much detail as possible — resident names, dates, times, and what you observed. You may remain anonymous, but providing your contact information lets HHSC notify you of the outcome.
Memory Care in Texas Assisted Living
Texas assisted living facilities that serve residents with Alzheimer's disease and provide memory care must hold Alzheimer's certification and meet additional staffing and safety standards. Complaints about a memory care unit go to the same HHSC intake line and follow the same investigation process.
TexasAssisted Living Regulations & Resources
How Texas Licenses Assisted Living
Texas licenses assisted living facilities as Type A or Type B, based on residents' needs and ability to evacuate, through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Facilities that serve residents with Alzheimer's disease and provide memory care must obtain Alzheimer's certification and meet additional standards.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
In Texas, the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence claims is generally 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, as missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Complaint Types Investigated
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation; medication errors; inadequate staffing or supervision; unsafe or unsanitary conditions; resident elopement; improper discharge; and violations of residents' rights.
What Happens After You File
Investigation Timeline
HHSC prioritizes each complaint based on the severity of the allegation. Complaints involving an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm are investigated within 24 hours for long-term care providers.
Unannounced Inspections
HHSC investigations of assisted living facilities are unannounced so investigators can observe conditions as they normally are.
Complainant Notification
If you provide your contact information, HHSC will send you a letter with the outcome of the investigation. You may remain anonymous.
Enforcement Actions
HHSC can require a plan of correction, impose administrative penalties, and in serious cases suspend or revoke a facility's license.
Anonymous Complaints
Yes, you can file an assisted living complaint anonymously in Texas. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Complaint and Incident Intake 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 — Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Complaint and Incident Intake: hhs.texas.gov
- Resident rights — Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 247; 26 Tex. Admin. Code ch. 553: statutes.capitol.texas.gov
- Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman: ltco.texas.gov
- Mailing address — Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) — Complaint and Incident Intake: HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake, Mail Code E-249, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I call to report a Texas assisted living facility?expand_more
How fast does Texas investigate assisted living complaints?expand_more
What is the difference between a Type A and Type B assisted living facility in Texas?expand_more
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.