Making a Nursing Home Complaint in California

Every skilled nursing facility in California is licensed and regulated by the California Department of Public Health. Through its Licensing and Certification Division, the Department of Public Health is responsible for overseeing nursing homes throughout the state. This oversight includes conducting routine inspections, investigating complaints, and enforcing state and federal regulations designed to protect some of California’s most vulnerable residents.

What the California Department of Public Health Does

The Department of Public Health plays a central role in nursing home accountability. Its responsibilities include:

• Conducting annual inspections of skilled nursing facilities
• Investigating complaints made by residents, families, staff, or members of the public
• Issuing citations and penalties when violations are confirmed
• Requiring corrective action plans when care falls below legal standards

Complaints investigated by DPH most often involve allegations of abuse or neglect, but complaints are not limited to physical harm. Any concern related to resident care or safety may be reported.

Common Reasons Families File Complaints

Complaints to DPH frequently involve issues such as:

• Inadequate staffing levels
• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions
• Failure to provide proper medical or nursing care
• Bed sores and wound care failures
• Medication errors
• Improper restraints
• Falls and lack of supervision
• Improper transfers or discharges
• Violations of resident rights
• Poor nutrition or dehydration
• Verbal or emotional mistreatment

Importantly, any person may file a complaint. You do not need to be a resident, family member, or legal representative to report concerns.

Once a complaint is made, DPH opens an investigation file and assigns an investigator. In most cases, investigations are completed within approximately 90 days, although more serious cases may take longer depending on complexity.

Steps to Take if You Have Concerns

If you believe a nursing home resident is receiving poor care, the following steps are often recommended:

1. Raise the issue with the facility directly
   This may include speaking with the administrator, director of nursing, or the facility’s family council.

2. Contact your county Long Term Care Ombudsman
   Ombudsmen advocate for residents and can help resolve concerns or guide families through the complaint process.

3. File a complaint with the California Department of Public Health
   Complaints may be made orally or in writing and can be filed confidentially. ONLINE COMPLAINTS CAN BE MADE HERE.

4. Consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney
   If the complaint involves serious neglect, injury, or death, legal advice is often critical to protect the resident’s rights and preserve evidence.

California State Agency Contact Information

California Department of Public Health
Licensing and Certification Program
P.O. Box 997377
Sacramento, CA 95899
Complaint Hotline: 1 800 236 9747
Website complaints may also be submitted online through CDPH

California Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Statewide Crisis Line: 1 800 231 4024
This hotline will route callers to the appropriate county ombudsman office

Counties Served by Nursing Home Law Group

Nursing Home Law Group represents families throughout California, including but not limited to the following counties:

• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Los Angeles County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County
• Ventura County
• Santa Barbara County
• San Luis Obispo County
• Imperial County
• Kern County
• Fresno County
• Tulare County
• Kings County
• Merced County
• Stanislaus County
• San Joaquin County
• Sacramento County
• Solano County
• Sonoma County
• Napa County
• Marin County
• Contra Costa County
• Alameda County
• Santa Clara County
• San Mateo County
• San Francisco County
• Santa Cruz County
• Monterey County

Final Thoughts

Filing a complaint can feel intimidating, especially when a loved one depends on a nursing facility for daily care. But complaints are one of the most important tools available to protect residents and to hold facilities accountable. Whether concerns involve poor staffing, unsafe conditions, or serious neglect, speaking up can make a difference not only for your loved one, but for other residents as well.

All complaints may be made orally or in writing, and they can be submitted by anyone. If you believe neglect or abuse has caused harm, consulting an attorney experienced in nursing home cases can help ensure that the resident’s rights are fully protected.