Washington, D.C. Assisted Living Complaint Resources
How to report a Washington, D.C. assisted living residence (ALR). 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
DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA)
Washington, D.C. Adult Protective Services
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Serving as an advocacy program to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities.
To report an assisted living facility in Washington, D.C., contact DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) at 202-442-5955 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the Washington, D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at (202) 434-2190.
If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving in a Washington, D.C. assisted living facility, you have the right to file a complaint with the District — and you can do so anonymously. In Washington, D.C., assisted living facilities are licensed as Assisted Living Residences and are regulated separately from skilled nursing homes.
Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in Washington, D.C.
Assisted living residences in Washington, D.C. are licensed and investigated by DC Health through its Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, under the Assisted Living Residence Regulatory Act of 2000 (D.C. Code Title 44, Chapter 1). Because assisted living is not certified by Medicare the way skilled nursing homes are, the District is the primary authority that sets standards, conducts inspections, and responds to complaints about these facilities.
How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in Washington, D.C.
You can report a concern to DC Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration at 202-442-5955, by email at doh.hrla@dc.gov, or by completing the health facility complaint form on the DC Health website. Complaints may be made orally or in writing, and you may submit a complaint without giving your name; providing contact information lets investigators follow up. When you report, give as much detail as you can — the residence name and address, the resident's name, the names of staff involved, and the specific dates, times, and events — so investigators have what they need to act.
Memory Care and Dementia Care in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., memory care is provided within assisted living residences that operate specialized programs for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Residences that advertise or provide dementia care must disclose their specialized care policies, staffing, and security measures, and staff must be trained to meet the needs of residents with cognitive impairment. Complaints about memory care are filed the same way as any other assisted living complaint, through DC Health.
Washington, D.C.Assisted Living Regulations & Resources
How Washington, D.C. Licenses Assisted Living
Washington, D.C. licenses assisted living facilities as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) under DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, governed by the Assisted Living Residence Regulatory Act of 2000 (D.C. Code Title 44, Chapter 1). Dementia care is provided within ALRs that operate specialized memory care or dementia care programs.
Statute of Limitations
3 years
In Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence claims is generally 3 years. Claims may fall under either personal injury or medical malpractice statutes, depending on the specific circumstances. A discovery rule may apply, meaning the clock may not start until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death. 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.
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
Investigation Timeline
After a complaint is received, DC Health reviews it and prioritizes the investigation based on the severity of the allegation. Complaints involving an immediate threat to a resident's health or safety are investigated on an expedited basis, while other complaints are scheduled according to risk.
Unannounced Inspections
Complaint investigations and licensing inspections of assisted living residences are generally conducted unannounced so that inspectors can observe conditions and care as they actually are on an ordinary day.
Complainant Notification
If you provide your contact information, DC Health generally notifies you of the outcome once the investigation is complete. Anonymous complainants cannot be contacted, so they will not receive follow-up.
Enforcement Actions
When violations are found, DC Health can require a plan of correction and may impose civil fines, place conditions on or suspend admissions, or move to suspend or revoke an assisted living residence's license for serious or repeated violations. Cases involving suspected abuse or criminal conduct may be referred to law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
Anonymous Complaints
You may submit an assisted living complaint in Washington, D.C. without giving your name; providing contact information lets investigators follow up for additional details, which can strengthen the investigation.
Official Sources
- Complaint filing — DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA): dchealth.dc.gov
- Resident rights — D.C. Code §§ 44-105.01 to 44-105.04 (Subchapter V, Resident's Rights and Quality of Life): code.dccouncil.gov
- Washington, D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman: aarp.org
- Mailing address — DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA): DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a Washington, D.C. assisted living complaint anonymously?expand_more
What number do I call, and how fast is a complaint investigated?expand_more
What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living residence in Washington, D.C.?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.