Anyone, including employees, residents or loved ones, has the right to file a complaint against a licensed long-term care facility in the state of Tennessee if any concerns in proper elder care arise. Unfortunately, many people do not know that this is an option, and the abuse or neglect suffered by a loved one goes unreported.
If you or someone you know has experienced substandard care in a nursing home, filing a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health can be a proactive step that will prompt an investigation.
What Situations Can Be Reported?
Anything that concerns you can be reported to the state. Commonly reported issues include:
- Bed Sores
- Broken Bones
- Choking
- Emotional Abuse
- Falls
- Financial Abuse
- Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
- Malnutrition or Dehydration
- Medication Errors
- Poor Hygiene
- Sepsis
- Sexual Abuse
- Unwarranted Eviction
- Verbal Abuse
By no means is this an exhaustive list. If you suspect any form of mistreatment, it is best to report it. For more information on several of the above-listed items, feel free to check out additional information on our website to learn more about the warning signs of abuse and how this may affect your loved one’s behavior and health.
Who Is Qualified to File a Complaint?
Anyone may file a complaint. Concerned employees, loved ones, friends, family and co-workers may all report suspected abuse to the state. Names of individuals will be kept anonymous and will not be released to the facility.
How To File a Nursing Home Complaint in Tennessee
To file a complaint, contact the Division of Health Care Facilities within the Department of Health either via telephone or U.S. mail.
Call
To reach them by phone using a toll-free number, call 1-877-287-0010. Medically trained staff members are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to address your concerns.
You may also fill out a Facility Complaint Form and mail it to the following address:
Division of Health Care Facilities
Centralized Complaint Intake Unit
665 Mainstream Drive, Second Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
What Will Happen Once the Complaint is Received?
Once the complaint is received, it will be given to the appropriate Regional Office, and an investigation on the incident will be launched to assess the situation. A letter will be sent to you via U.S. mail to confirm your complaint was received.
Following the investigation, the Department of Health will inform you whether or not a citation was issued.
If you or someone you know has been mistreated or received an unacceptable level of care at a nursing home facility, please consider filing a complaint with the state. You may also contact us for a free consultation, where we have years of experience successfully fighting for the rights, dignity and proper treatment of long-term care facility residents.