How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in California / Resources for Families: Reporting Abuse and Neglect in California 

Filing a Complaint With the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for investigating complaints involving skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers. Anyone—family members, visitors, caregivers, or any concerned individual—may report unsafe care, violations of resident rights, inadequate staffing, neglect, or abuse.

How to File a Complaint

You may submit a complaint:

• Online (the quickest method)
  
  

• By phone, fax, or mail to the CDPH district office responsible for the facility’s location
  
  

Investigation Timeframes

• Skilled nursing & long-term care facilities: CDPH must complete the investigation within 60 days
  
  

• Hospitals & other facilities: Investigations involving immediate danger must be completed within 45 days
  
  

Information to Include in Your Complaint

Providing clear details helps CDPH act quickly. Include:

• The facility’s name and address
  
  

• Your contact information (optional if you prefer to remain anonymous)
  
  

• The resident’s name
  
  

• Dates and times of the incidents
  
  

• A clear description of the concerns or events
  
  

• Names of any witnesses or involved staff members
  
  

• Any relevant records or details you can provide

Report Assisted Living / RCFE Abuse to DSS For concerns involving Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) or assisted living facilities, contact the California Department of Social Services.

Phone: 1-844-538-8766

DSS conducts a surprise onsite visit within 10 days of receiving a complaint. Once the investigation is complete, they will notify you of the findings.

Adult Protective Services (APS)- Help for Elders & Dependent Adults APS investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect affecting elders and dependent adults in California. Services are available regardless of income.

What APS Provides:

• Welfare checks
  
  

• Safety assessments
  
  

• Emergency interventions
  
  

• Connection to community services
  
  

• Investigations of abuse reports

A behind-the-scenes look at common defense tactics—delay, obstruction, withholding records—and how attorneys uncover the truth to protect vulnerable seniors. Read More https://www.canhr.org 

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Explains the differences between skilled nursing, assisted living, RCFEs, memory care units, and board-and-care homes. Helps families understand which setting is appropriate for each level of care.  View the article https://canhr.org/consumer-resources/ 

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