West Virginia Assisted Living Complaint Resources
How to report a West Virginia 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
West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC)
West Virginia 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 West Virginia, contact West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) at (304) 558-0050 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at (304) 558-3317 or Toll Free (877) 987-3646.
If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving in a West Virginia assisted living facility, you have the right to file a complaint with the state — and you can do so anonymously. In West Virginia, assisted living facilities are licensed as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) and are regulated separately from skilled nursing homes.
Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in West Virginia
Assisted Living Residences are licensed and investigated by the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC). Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not federally certified by Medicare, so the state — not the federal government — is the primary authority for complaints, inspections, and enforcement.
How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in West Virginia
You can report a suspected violation to OHFLAC at (304) 558-0050 or through the online complaint form on the OHFLAC website. OHFLAC does not accept complaints by email, but you may file by phone, online, or in writing, and you may remain anonymous. Provide as much detail as possible — resident names, dates, times, and what you observed — so investigators can act quickly, especially if you file anonymously and cannot be contacted for follow-up.
Memory Care and Dementia Care in West Virginia
Many West Virginia assisted living residences serve residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Residences that care for residents with dementia must meet additional staff-training and program requirements and describe their dementia-care services to residents and families. Complaints about a memory care unit follow the same process and go to the same OHFLAC number above.
West VirginiaAssisted Living Regulations & Resources
How West Virginia Licenses Assisted Living
West Virginia licenses assisted living facilities as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) under the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC), within the Office of the Inspector General. Memory care for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is provided within these licensed residences under additional staffing and program requirements.
Statute of Limitations
1 year
In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence claims is generally 1 year. Claims may fall under either personal injury or medical malpractice statutes, depending on the specific circumstances. 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 receiving a complaint, OHFLAC reviews and prioritizes it based on the seriousness of the allegations. Complaints alleging an immediate threat to resident health or safety are prioritized and investigated more quickly, while other complaints are scheduled for review in due course.
Unannounced Inspections
Complaint investigations of assisted living residences are conducted unannounced so surveyors can observe conditions as they normally are.
Complainant Notification
If you provide your contact information, OHFLAC will notify you of the outcome of the investigation. Anonymous complainants will not receive a follow-up.
Enforcement Actions
If violations are substantiated, OHFLAC can require a plan of correction, issue citations, and in serious cases place conditions on, suspend, or revoke the residence's license.
Anonymous Complaints
Yes, you can file an assisted living complaint anonymously in West Virginia. The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) 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. When filing anonymously, be sure to provide enough detail for OHFLAC to investigate, since they will not be able to contact you for more information.
Official Sources
- Complaint filing — West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC): ohflac.wvdhhr.org
- Resident rights — W. Va. Code R. § 64-14-5: law.cornell.edu
- West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman: legalaidwv.org
- Mailing address — West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC): Attention: Assisted Living Residence Complaint Intake, Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification, 408 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301-1713
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an assisted living complaint in West Virginia anonymously?expand_more
How do I report an assisted living problem in West Virginia and how fast is it investigated?expand_more
What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living complaint in West Virginia?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.