Reporting a Nursing Home to the State: A Step-by-Step Guide
Time needed: 20 minutes
Learning how to report a nursing home for abuse or neglect is essential for families looking to ensure the well-being of loved ones in long-term care facilities. Our step-by-step guide will help you navigate reporting a nursing home and offer valuable tips for protecting your loved ones.
- Identify The Appropriate State Agency
Each state has its agency responsible for regulating nursing homes and handling complaints. To report a nursing home, you need to contact the agency that oversees these facilities in your state.
Find the Correct Agency: Use our interactive U.S. Map to quickly locate the contact information for the appropriate agency in your state.
Methods to File a Complaint: Depending on the state, complaints can usually be submitted online, by telephone, or by mail. Ensure you follow the state’s preferred method to avoid any delays. - Be Thorough and Follow The Agency’s Instructions
Being thorough is crucial when filing a report. Provide as much information as possible to increase the chances of a timely and effective investigation.
Details to Include:
1. Full name of the resident(s) affected
2. Name and address of the nursing home
3. Dates and times of incidents
4. Names of any involved staff members or witnesses
5. A description of the abuse or neglect, including specific examples
6. Any supporting evidence such as photos, medical records, or witness statements
The more detailed your report, the easier it will be for the agency to act. - Submit the Complaint
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you can file the complaint with the agency.
Submit via Preferred Method: Whether online, by phone, or mail, make sure to follow the agency’s instructions carefully. Missing documents or incomplete forms could slow down the investigation process.
Keep a Record: After submitting your complaint, save a copy of all forms and correspondence. This will serve as evidence of your submission and can help you follow up later if necessary. - Follow Up with the State Agency
After submitting your complaint, it is important to follow up to ensure the agency is investigating the issue. Most agencies will provide a case number or reference for tracking.
Wait Time for Investigations: Depending on the nature of the complaint and the agency’s workload, it may take several days or weeks to get a response.
Follow-Up Procedure: Use the case number or reference provided to check the status of your complaint. - Consult with a Nursing Home Attorney
Filing a complaint is just one way to address nursing home abuse or neglect. You may wish to consult with a nursing home attorney for additional support.
A nursing home lawyer can:
1. Help protect your legal rights
2. Guide you through potential legal claims
3. Assist in filing a lawsuit if necessary
Contact a lawyer to explore your options beyond the administrative complaint process.
After submitting your report, the state agency will typically review the complaint and initiate an investigation. They may also visit the facility to assess the situation. If they find violations, corrective actions or penalties may be issued.
In most states, you can file a complaint anonymously, although providing your contact information may help the agency follow up with additional questions or updates on the investigation.
You can report a wide range of concerns, including physical abuse, neglect, unsanitary conditions, poor medical care, or violations of resident rights.
Resources by State
For more detailed information, visit our interactive map below, where you can find state-specific resources for reporting nursing home abuse or neglect.
