Reporting Neglect and Abuse

take action to immediately report suspected nursing home or

It is a violation of State and Federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to or a resident.

  • Anyone can and should report and . If you suspect or , or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and REPORT THE ALLEGATION IMMEDIATELY. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident.
  • Many states have laws that require the reporting of and . Find out what your state requires.
  • Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Remember to include:

WHO – The name of the victim, including age and address; the name of the facility and the people responsible for the victim’s care; the identity of the person who you believe abused or neglected the resident;

WHAT – The nature and extent of harm and any physical signs of or ; any previous incidents; what happened;

WHERE and WHEN – The place where the incident happened and time and date of the incident.

Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.

Make Your Report To:

  • The ’s administrator, director of nursing, and social worker
  • The state or local ombudsman
  • The local police or State law enforcement
  • A Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agency
  • The state survey agency that licenses and certifies (often in the Health Department)
  • A citizen advocacy group, or other church or community group that visits regularly.

Keep trying until you get the http://www.nccnhr.org.