How to File a Complaint Against a Georgia Nursing Home
You can stand up for your loved one’s legal rights
Nursing homes have a legal and contractual duty to take care of their residents’ needs. Residents and their families have the right to expect high-quality care, including medical care, nutrition, and safety. Breaches of that responsibility can constitute nursing home abuse and neglect.
Unfortunately, too many instances of nursing home abuse and neglect go unreported, often because families are afraid of retaliation from the nursing home. That’s why Georgia allows reports to be filed anonymously.
Filing a formal complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health
If you believe your loved one received poor quality care from a licensed facility in Georgia, you can file a complaint online with the Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR). In order to complete this complaint, you will need:
- The name and address of the facility in question.
- The name of the resident, and your relationship to them.
- Names and contact information for any witnesses or other involved persons.
- As many details as possible regarding the complaint itself.
Again, you can file a complaint anonymously, or you can provide your name and contact information if desired. You can also contact the HFR complaint intake team using the phone number on their website.
Other ways to report nursing home abuse in Georgia
Georgia’s Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman trains community ombudsmen to resolve concerns raised in facilities throughout the state. You can call the Resident’s Advocate phone number provided on the ombudsman’s website or locate the community ombudsman serving the area where the facility is located.
In addition, if you have any reason to believe your loved one is the victim of a crime, you can file a report with local law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the facility is located.
Take proactive action to protect your loved one’s legal rights
Reporting nursing home abuse and neglect to government agencies is vital, but keep in mind that they are primarily concerned with the facilities, not the victims. Their job is to investigate and discipline perpetrators of abuse. Our job is to stand up for victims and their families, advocating for your rights in the civil justice system.
If your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, we would be honored to meet with you in a free consultation. Our discussion is fully confidential and there is absolutely no pressure to hire us, just answers about your legal rights. Contact us today to speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney at Kurle Justus, LLC.