ADPH assisted living facility complaint hotlineADPH lists a separate complaint hotline (1-866-873-0366) and email for assisted living facilities, apart from the 1-800-356-9596 line for acute care and home health.
Alaska CBPL Investigations SectionComplaints about any licensed health professional go to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Investigations Section (Request for Contact form), not directly to the individual boards.
Arkansas DHS consumer long-term care informationDHS page with consumer long-term care information; the Health Department (not DHS) hosts the survey agency page and the nursing and pharmacy boards.
CDPH Licensing and Certification district officesFacility complaints are routed to and investigated by the CDPH district office covering the facility's county; there is no single statewide phone line (CMS directs callers to the district list).
DPR DELPROS complaint portalAll professional licensing complaints (physicians, nurses, pharmacists) are filed through the Division of Professional Regulation DELPROS portal and handled by its Investigative Unit.
Georgia Secretary of State Licensing Division complaintsNursing board complaints are handled through the Secretary of State Licensing Division, while physician complaints go to the Composite Medical Board under a different agency.
Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO)Complaints about physicians, nurses and pharmacists go to RICO (DCCA), which investigates and prosecutes on behalf of the licensing boards, rather than to the boards directly.
Also in this state
Hawaii APS online report formOnline DHS 1640 report form for vulnerable adult abuse; statewide anonymous line 808-832-5115.
DOPL written complaint requirementIdaho health professional boards are staffed by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL); the Board of Medicine complaint process requires a signed complaint.
IDPH Central Complaint Registry hotline24-hour statewide hotline for complaints about hospitals, nursing homes and other licensed facilities; allegations of abuse or neglect in licensed long-term care facilities are reported here.
Indiana Attorney General Licensing EnforcementUnusual process: complaints about licensed health professionals are investigated by the Attorney General's Licensing Enforcement unit, not by the PLA boards; anonymous complaints are not accepted.
Also in this state
PLA Report a ProfessionalIndiana Professional Licensing Agency page explaining how to report a licensed professional.
DIAL health facility complaintsUnusual structure: Iowa's survey agency, health professional boards and the patient abuse and neglect unit all sit inside one department (DIAL, formerly DIA); the MFCU is not in the Attorney General's office.
Also in this state
Iowa facility dependent adult abuse lineAbuse in a licensed facility or program is reported to 1-877-686-0027 (DIAL), while community abuse goes to the HHS hotline 1-800-362-2178.
KDADS Complaint Hotline (adult care homes)Complaints about abuse, neglect or exploitation in Kansas adult care homes (nursing facilities, assisted living) are handled by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, not KDHE. The KDHE complaint page routes hospital and other medical care facility complaints to the same KDADS hotline.
OIG regional complaint intake by emailFacility complaints are sent to one of four OIG Division of Health Care regional offices (northeast, eastern, southern, western) by email or the regional office; the printed complaint information sheet lists the regional addresses.
DLC medical facility incident and sentinel event reportingThe Division of Licensing and Certification safety reporting hub also takes medical facility incident reports and sentinel event reports, separate from the public complaint form.
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) hotlineSeparate state agency that takes reports of abuse of adults with disabilities, 24-hour hotline 800-426-9009. Elder Protective Services separately covers adults age 60 and older living in the community.
Attorney General patient abuse complaint formOnline form for abuse or neglect of patients in health care facilities and board and care homes, handled by the Health Care Fraud Division.
Also in this state
LARA professional licensing complaint routingOne Bureau of Professional Licensing intake covers all health professions; boards do not take complaints directly. Facility complaints go to BSC, and adult foster care homes and homes for the aged use a separate LARA process (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs/adult/complaint).
MAARC single statewide intake for vulnerable adult maltreatmentThe Minnesota Department of Health complaint page directs reports of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults in licensed facilities to MAARC at 844-880-1574, which then routes the report to MDH, DHS or county adult protection.
Also in this state
patient abuse and neglect unit referral pathPer an OIG inspection report, the Minnesota MFCU prosecutes patient abuse and neglect only on referral from a county attorney, so there is no direct public complaint intake page; the Attorney General website has no dedicated MFCU reporting page that could be confirmed.
Single DHSS hotline for facility and adult abuse complaintsThe same toll-free line, 800-392-0210, takes hospital and other health facility complaints and reports of adult abuse and neglect. Missouri professional boards sit under the Division of Professional Registration (pr.mo.gov) and take written complaints only.
Single complaint process for all professional boardsMontana Department of Labor and Industry Business Standards Division runs one complaint intake for all licensing boards, including medicine, nursing and pharmacy.
Nebraska has no separate licensing boards for complaintsComplaints against licensed professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists) and licensed health care facilities all go through the DHHS Division of Public Health Licensure Unit and its Investigations unit, which then refers to the relevant professional board.
Nevada Board of Pharmacy complaint pagePharmacy complaints are filed on the Board of Pharmacy site; Clark County (Las Vegas) callers use a separate APS number, 702-486-6930, on the ADSD report abuse page.
Adult Protective Services reports go to county APS officesNo single statewide APS hotline number is printed on the state APS page; reports for adults 18 and older in the community go to the county Adult Protective Services office. Facility residents go through the DOH hotline or the LTC Ombudsman.
Native American Disability Law CenterSecond federally designated protection and advocacy system in New Mexico, serving Native Americans with disabilities, 505-566-5880 (listed in NDRN directory).
NYSDOH nursing home abuse hotlineSeparate NYSDOH hotlines by facility type: Nursing Home Abuse Hotline 888-201-4563, Adult Home Complaint Hotline 866-893-6772, Home Care/Hospice Hotline 800-628-5972. The hospital and diagnostic and treatment center complaint form page says complaints must be in writing and lists 800-804-5447 for help submitting.
Also in this state
Physician complaints go to DOH, other professions to NYSEDNew York splits professional discipline: the Department of Health OPMC handles physicians and physician assistants, while the Education Department Office of the Professions handles nurses and pharmacists (State Boards advise).
Complaint Intake Unit covers all DHSR-licensed facilitiesOne DHSR hotline, 800-624-3004 within NC or 919-855-4500, takes complaints about nursing homes, adult care homes, hospitals, home care and other licensed facilities; physician and urgent care complaints are redirected to the NC Medical Board (800-253-9653).
Oregon Patient Safety CommissionIndependent state agency. Its Early Discussion and Resolution program helps patients harmed during care and their provider talk through what happened; it is not a licensing complaint line.
Pennsylvania Patient Safety AuthorityIndependent state agency that collects and analyzes patient harm event reports from Pennsylvania healthcare facilities; individual complaints go to the Department of Health at 1-800-254-5164.
South Dakota adult protective servicesNo dedicated adult protective services program could be confirmed on an official page; abuse reports for facility residents go through the Department of Health complaint line and the Attorney General MFCU.
Texas HHS Office of the OmbudsmanEscalation point for unresolved complaints about HHS programs and services; facility licensing complaints go to HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake.
DSHS Complaint Resolution Unit (licensed long-term care)Complaints about nursing homes, adult family homes, assisted living and ICF/IID facilities go to DSHS, not the Department of Health. Hospital and clinic complaints go to the Department of Health.
HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)Refused or late records access, privacy breaches, and discrimination (race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, language access) in health care
If they say no: There is no appeal, but you may also use the hospital, the state or a lawyer. See the steps
CMS, for an emergency room that turned you away (EMTALA)Refused screening or stabilizing care, or an unsafe transfer, at a Medicare hospital with an emergency department
If they say no: Court after an emergency room failure (Lawyer or legal aid). Time to ask: 2 years from violation (1395dd(d)(2)(C)). See the steps
HHS OIG patient abuse and neglect unit directoryFinds the state MFCU, which investigates and prosecutes abuse or neglect of residents in health care and board and care facilities
Your next steps after a fast appeal is decided against you.
Second reviewer (QIC)Fast reconsideration after the QIO upholds a discharge or care-ending decision (Original Medicare)
If they say no: Judge hearing (OMHA). Time to ask: 60 days from receipt of second reviewer decision, receipt presumed 5 days after notice date (405.1014(c)). See the steps
Part C independent review entity (IRE) for Medicare AdvantageReviews when a Medicare Advantage plan ends care, including fast-track reconsideration under 42 CFR 422.626(g)
If they say no: Judge hearing (OMHA). Time to ask: 60 days from receipt of second reviewer decision, receipt presumed 5 days after notice date (405.1014(c)).
If they say no: Judge hearing (OMHA). Time to ask: The minimum amount changes each January.
Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing)A judge hears the case after the second review says no
If they say no: Review board (Medicare Appeals Council). Time to ask: 60 days from receipt of judge decision or dismissal (405.1102); presumed 5 days after notice date. See the steps
Medicare Appeals CouncilLevel 4: review of an ALJ decision
If they say no: Federal court. Time to ask: 60 days from receipt of Council decision, presumed 5 days after notice (405.1130, 405.1136(c)(2)); or 60 days after Council says it cannot decide in time (405.1132(b)). See the steps
The hospital or nursing home, and the records office.
The place's own grievance process
Any complaint about your care that the staff could not settle at the bedside.
A hospital must give a written answer that names a contact person, the steps taken, the result and the date (42 CFR 482.13(a)(2)).
The records office
A request for a copy, and a request to correct something wrong.
Find your problem
Choose a problem to see who has to answer.
Care is ending too soon 16
The hospital says I am going home too soon (Original Medicare)Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); The place itself; Second reviewer (QIC).
The review office said I can be sent home. What now? (next level)Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC); Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing); The place itself.
The fast appeals all said no. What are the next levels?Second reviewer (QIC); Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing); Medicare Appeals Council; Federal district court; Eldercare Locator (ACL).
I missed the deadline, or I am already home (hospital)Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); The place itself; The records office.
I have a Medicare Advantage plan and the hospital wants me outMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your Medicare Advantage plan; Part C independent review entity (IRE) for Medicare Advantage; Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing).
The nursing home or rehab says my Medicare care is endingMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC); Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office.
The home health agency says my visits are endingMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC); Your state health office.
The hospice says it is ending my care or sending me awayMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC); Your state health office; The Joint Commission.
Outpatient rehab (CORF) says my therapy is endingMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC).
The review office said my care can end. What now? (next level)Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Second reviewer (QIC); Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing); Medicare Appeals Council; Federal district court; Your long-term care ombudsman.
I missed the deadline for the fast appeal (rehab, home care, hospice)Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office.
My Medicare Advantage plan is ending my rehab, home care or hospiceMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your Medicare Advantage plan; Part C independent review entity (IRE) for Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage: the fast-track reviewer agreed with my plan. Next levels?Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Part C independent review entity (IRE) for Medicare Advantage; Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (ALJ hearing); Medicare Appeals Council; Federal district court.
The nursing home says I must leaveYour long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; Your state disability rights office.
The dialysis center wants to stop treating meESRD Networks (18 regions); Your state health office; The place itself; Your long-term care ombudsman.
I do not have Medicare and the hospital says go homeThe place itself; Your state health office; The Joint Commission.
Poor or unsafe care 7
Complain to the Medicare quality review office about the quality of careMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your state health office; The place itself.
File a complaint with the hospital or facility itselfThe place itself; Your state health office; The Joint Commission; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your long-term care ombudsman.
Complain to the state health agency that inspects the facilityYour state health office; The place itself; The Joint Commission.
Complain to the hospital accreditor (Joint Commission, DNV, HFAP, CIHQ)The Joint Commission; DNV Healthcare; HFAP (Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program); CIHQ (Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality); CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner); ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care); AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care).
Pushed toward hospice, or hospice care is poorThe place itself; Your state health office; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); The Joint Commission; CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner); ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care).
Poor care from a home health agencyThe place itself; Your state health office; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner); ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care); The Joint Commission.
Dialysis problems: care, safety or treatment of meESRD Networks (18 regions); Your state health office; The place itself.
Unsafe discharge, harm and abuse 10
The plan for going home is not safeThe place itself; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); Your state health office; The Joint Commission; Your long-term care ombudsman.
The emergency room turned me away or sent me out too soonCMS, for an emergency room that turned you away (EMTALA); Your state health office; The place itself; The Joint Commission.
Moved to another hospital or another place without a good reasonCMS, for an emergency room that turned you away (EMTALA); The place itself; Your state health office; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO).
A medicine mistake in the hospital or at dischargeFDA MedWatch; The place itself; Your state health office; Your state pharmacy board; The records office.
Harm in the hospital: a fall, an infection or a pressure soreThe place itself; Your state health office; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); The Joint Commission; The records office.
A wrong or missed diagnosis, or a surgery or test errorThe place itself; Your state medical board; Your state nursing board; Your state health office; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO); The records office; The Joint Commission.
A new dementia diagnosis, or a drug that may be wrongThe records office; Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; Your state pharmacy board; FDA MedWatch.
Poor care, a fall or neglect in a nursing homeYour long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; The place itself; Adult Protective Services; Your state patient abuse and neglect unit; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO).
Abuse or neglect in a nursing home or other facilityAdult Protective Services; Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; Your state patient abuse and neglect unit; HHS OIG patient abuse and neglect unit directory; National Center on Elder Abuse (ACL).
Tied down, drugged to be quiet, or treated without my sayThe place itself; Your state health office; Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state disability rights office; The records office.
Your records: copy, correct, privacy 8
Get a copy of my medical recordsThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
They refused my records or are taking too longThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); Your state health office; HHS ONC and OIG information-blocking reports; Your state attorney general.
Records for a loved one: family, caregiver, or after a deathThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Correct a mistake in my record (ask for an amendment)The records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
They turned down my amendment: statement of disagreementThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); Your state attorney general.
Wrong person's information in my chart, or mine in theirsThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); The place itself; Your state health office.
Ask who has seen my records (accounting of disclosures)The records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
My private health information was shared or lostThe records office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); Your state attorney general.
A doctor or nurse 4
Complain about a named doctorYour state medical board; Federation of State Medical Boards (directory); The place itself.
Complain about a named nurse or aideYour state nursing board; NCSBN (directory of state boards of nursing); Your state health office; The place itself.
Complain about a pharmacist or pharmacyYour state pharmacy board; NABP (directory of state boards of pharmacy); FDA MedWatch.
Complain about another licensed clinician (therapist, social worker, technician)Your state licensing board; The place itself.
Your rights and help finding help 9
Treated unfairly because of race, language, disability, age or sexHHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); The place itself; Your state disability rights office; National Disability Rights Network (NDRN); U.S. Department of Justice, ADA.
Not allowed to visit, or told who may visitThe place itself; Your long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Patient rights not respected (privacy, dignity, information, choice)The place itself; Your state health office; Your long-term care ombudsman; The Joint Commission.
Disability rights, protection and advocacyYour state disability rights office; National Disability Rights Network (NDRN); HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); U.S. Department of Justice, ADA.
Help for an older adult: find the right local helperEldercare Locator (ACL); Administration for Community Living (ACL); National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC); National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
Ask for a second opinionThe records office; The place itself.
I do not know where to startMedicare review office (BFCC-QIO); HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR); Your state health office; The place itself.
Code status, DNR or end-of-life choices not respectedThe place itself; Your state health office; Your long-term care ombudsman; Medicare review office (BFCC-QIO).
Fear of retaliation for complainingYour long-term care ombudsman; Your state health office; HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).