Do you want to file a complaint about a nursing home? There are several reasons you may want to do so. There are also several ways to file a complaint about an Ohio nursing home. These are explained below.
But remember, your statements to the state of Ohio may not be confidential. They could potentially pose a problem for a future lawsuit. If you would like to discuss your issues before you make your complaint or would like an attorney to review your complaint form, complete the contact information at the bottom of the page or call (216) 777-8856 to schedule an appointment.
Who Handles Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Claims In Ohio?
In Ohio, the Department of Health handles nursing home abuse complaints. Specifically, a unit has been created to process and investigate claims of abuse and neglect. The Bureau of Survey and Certification -Complaint Unit handles various forms of healthcare related complaints.
The Department of Health’s website states the following:
ODH strives to ensure that Ohioans residing in or utilizing regulated health care entities in Ohio are provided a safe environment and high quality of care. The Complaint Unit assists this effort by helping to ensure participating health care providers continually meet Medicare/Medicaid and state requirements by referring all complaints to the appropriate ODH regional offices or to other state agencies for investigation. A complaint investigation is unannounced and the identity of the complainant and resident(s) are never divulged. The Complaint Unit utilizes a computer program that provides an effective provides for the processing complaints received from initial contact through intake and investigation to close-out.
Complaints are investigated by the Bureau of Survey and Certification using the survey process of that specific provider type. The complaint survey is a partial survey of the specific nature of the complaint as it relates to the federal regulations and/or the state rules and regulations. The bureau has two regional offices throughout Ohio that maintain staff for the actual investigation.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious issue that more and more nursing home residents experience. If you suspect that your loved one has experienced, was injured, or killed due to the actions of a nursing home, it is important to know how and where to report it. It is also important to know your options and evaluate them with caution.
Complete the Form
You can also make a complaint by completing Form (HEA 1685). We have provided the official form below for your convenience. Once you download the form, complete it and submit as discussed below.
You can email your completed complaint form to HCComplaints@odh.ohio.gov.
Mail your completed complaint form to ODH, PCSU, 246 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215.
Fax
You can also fax your complaint if it is fewer than 10 pages long. Fax your complaint to 614-728-9169 or 614-564-2422.
Call the hotline
The state of Ohio has a hotline you can call if you need to make a complaint about an Ohio nursing home. To make a complaint, call (800) 342-0553. A live person should be available between the hours of 8AM to 5PM. A staff person who works for the state of Ohio should be available to take your call.
A voicemail is available after hours.
What types of facilities can I file a complaint about?
You can submit a complaint about many different kinds of facilities, including the following types.
- Home Health Agency
- Residential Care Facility (aka Assisted Living Facility)
- Skilled Nursing Facility
- Nursing Home
I’d like an attorney to review my complaint
Remember, your complaint to the state of Ohio is not confidential! If you are thinking that you may need to file a lawsuit in the future because of abuse or neglect, we strongly recommend that you speak to an attorney first. If you would like to discuss your complaint or have an Ohio Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer review your complaint before it is submitted, complete the contact information at the bottom of the page.
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Attorney William Eadie
I am a trial lawyer who helps families hurt by caregiver carelessness–such as nursing homes and hospitals–and hold the wrongdoers accountable. I understand how the business of medicine can harm people, when corporations put their own profits ahead of providing quality care. . . keep reading]Attorney Michael Hill
I am a trial attorney who takes on hospitals and other medical corporations when they choose to put their own profits ahead of their patient’s safety. My practice is focused on medical negligence and wrongful death, primarily delayed diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, as well as birth injuries. . . keep reading Do you have questions about a possible Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect case? Click below to start an investigation with us. We'll help you get answers.
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