Procedure for Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in California

The operation of nursing homes in California is highly regulated, and that includes regulations governing the reporting of nursing home abuse. This abuse is monitored by several state agencies, and the procedure for reporting nursing home abuse depends on the type of abuse.

Report nursing home abuse. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of outcast104

Types

Nursing home abuse can be physical (assault or battery), based on deprivation (lack of food or heat), sexual or financial.

Causes

Nursing home abuse occurs as the result of caregiver stress, inadequate training or supervision of caregivers, and high turnover rate of caregivers.

Imminent Abuse

Call 911 or local law enforcement to report an imminent threat of abuse.

Physical, Deprivation, Sexual Abuse

Report physical, deprivation or sexual abuse by calling the Ombudsman Office at [phone]. Alternatively, report abuse in writing using a Report of Suspected Dependent/Elder Abuse form (see Resources).

Financial Abuse

Report financial abuse at nursing homes to the Department of Health Care Services at [phone]. Alternatively, report abuse in writing using a Financial Fraud Complaint form (see Resources).

References

• California Department of Aging
• California Department of Social Services
• California Department of Health Care Services

Resources

• Report of Suspected Dependent/Elder Abuse Form
• Financial Fraud Complaint Form