How to Report Nursing Home Abuse and File a Complaint — Step-by-Step Guide

## Who to Call and What to Report After Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

When you suspect that a nursing home resident is being abused or neglected, taking immediate action can prevent ongoing harm and create a documented record that supports a subsequent legal claim. Multiple agencies have authority to investigate and respond to nursing home complaints, and using all available channels simultaneously provides the most comprehensive response.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program — federally mandated and operating in every state — is specifically designed to investigate nursing home complaints and is often the most responsive first point of contact. Ombudsman investigations are confidential and the resident or family member does not need an attorney to file.

Step 1 — Report to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Every state has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that investigates complaints about nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The ombudsman:

Investigates complaints confidentially — the complainant's identity is protected
Has the legal right to enter and inspect facilities and review residents' records
Can order immediate corrective action in cases of imminent harm
Tracks complaint patterns that may reveal systemic facility problems
Can accompany you to care conferences with facility staff

Find your state ombudsman through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.

Step 2 — Report to Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, including nursing home residents. APS has the authority to:

Conduct unannounced investigations at the facility
Remove residents from situations of imminent danger
Refer confirmed abuse cases to law enforcement for criminal prosecution
Coordinate with the ombudsman program and state licensing agency

Step 3 — Report to the State Nursing Home Licensing Agency

Your state's nursing home licensing and certification agency (which varies by state — often the Department of Health or Department of Social Services) investigates complaints about nursing homes and can conduct state surveys, issue deficiency citations, impose fines, and revoke facility licenses.

How Complaint Records Support Your Legal Claim

Government complaint investigations and their findings create official records that are powerful evidence in nursing home litigation: - Investigation reports documenting the findings and any regulatory violations - Citation records showing what deficiencies were found and their severity - Corrective action plans the facility was required to implement - Pattern evidence showing prior similar complaints against the same facility