How to report a California nursing-home concern
A practical route to emergency help, an Ombudsman, CDPH, and California elder-abuse enforcement.
Choose the route that matches the problem
Resident advocacy and problem-solving
Call California’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-231-4024. The hotline is available 24/7 and routes residents and families to local, confidential advocacy.
Facility quality or regulatory complaint
Anyone may file a complaint about a skilled nursing facility with the California Department of Public Health. Filing online through Cal Health Find routes it to the responsible district office.
Suspected Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse
The California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse accepts reports at 1-800-722-0432 and online. Police or the sheriff may also be appropriate when a crime or immediate threat is suspected.
Build a usable record
- Write a dated timeline with names, witnesses, and exact observations.
- Preserve care-plan, medication, transfer, discharge, billing, and grievance records.
- Photograph visible conditions when lawful and respectful of other residents’ privacy.
- Record the confirmation number and agency receiving each report.
Regulatory complaints, resident advocacy, and civil legal advice serve different purposes. One does not automatically replace another.