Nursing homes fall under the broader category of long-term care facilities and are overseen by certain state agencies and authorities. If you suspect abuse has occurred in your loved one’s nursing home, these state agencies may intervene, investigate, and provide you with resources to help you. If you are unsure who to contact, your lawyer can help you.
Generally, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission oversees long-term care facilities across the state. Specifically, the Commission’s Office of the Inspector General can perform audits, investigations, and reviews of nursing home facilities. If you are not sure how to help your loved one in a nursing home, you can contact a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman who may provide resources and act as an advocate for your loved one.
If you suspect abuse in your loved one’s nursing home, call our Dallas nursing home abuse attorneys for a free legal review at The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.
State Agencies That Oversee Texas Nursing Homes
Several state agencies oversee nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Texas. If abuse happens and you are not sure who to contact, reporting to one of these agencies may be a good place to begin. Our Texas nursing home abuse attorneys can help you determine which agency to contact first.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) oversees numerous healthcare fields and institutions, including nursing homes. Different parts of the Commission may be in charge of anything from licensing of caregivers and nursing professionals to processing Medicaid claims.
If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in their nursing home, a great place to report your initial concerns is with the THHSC. You may be provided with resources to help you or directed to another office that can help.
Office of the Inspector General
The Office of the Inspector General is a part of the THHSC that is tasked with investigating when something is wrong in places like nursing homes. The Office may investigate claims of abuse, audit nursing home facilities, and look into any forms of fraud within the system.
The Office of the Inspector General may take charge if the nursing home is believed to be covering up abuse or otherwise exploiting or neglecting residents.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
If you are unsure how to help your loved one in their nursing home, you may contact a State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for assistance. These people act as advocates for those living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, and can tell you where to find important resources to protect your loved one’s rights.
What Happens if I Report Abuse to the State Agencies in Charge of Texas Nursing Homes?
A great way to get the legal ball rolling is to report suspicions of abuse to state agencies. These agencies may then conduct investigations and provide you with the resources you need to help your loved one. You should also contact a lawyer who can help your loved one file a lawsuit against the nursing home.
Investigations
Certain state agencies may launch investigations into the nursing home where your loved one was abused. This may include unannounced visits or inspections, audits of nursing home records, and other checks on the nursing home.
If any signs of abuse are found, the state agency may be obligated to inform law enforcement if they are not already involved.
Advocacy and Resources
Many state agencies or authorities, such as State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, will act as advocates for residents of nursing homes. Even if these agencies do not investigate the nursing home, they can help you figure out where to find help for your loved one, including legal resources to protect your loved one’s rights.
Licensing Issues
There may be serious consequences for nursing home facilities found to be abusing residents. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities must maintain proper licensing to be able to operate, and licensing may be suspended or even terminated, and the nursing home may be closed.
Additionally, state agencies in charge of licensing nursing professionals and caregivers may be involved if specific staff members are found to be abusive. Those abusing your loved one may have professional licenses revoked, preventing them from ever working in a nursing home again.
FAQs About the State Agencies That Oversee Texas Nursing Homes?
Are There State Agencies in Charge of Nursing Homes in Texas?
Yes. Numerous state agencies oversee long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. If you believe your loved one has been abused in their nursing home, it may be necessary to alert these agencies so they can intervene and investigate the nursing home.
Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse to State Agencies in Texas?
Yes. Abuse can and should be reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The Commission has numerous departments and branches, including the Office of the Inspector General that may investigate claims of abuse or fraud.
What Happens if I Report Nursing Home Abuse to a Higher State Agency?
When you report abuse to a state agency, the agency may launch an investigation. The nursing home may be investigated for abuse, and state authorities can visit the nursing home to inspect for signs of abuse or neglect. You may also be directed to resources that can help you protect your loved one and their legal rights.
Should I Report Nursing Home Abuse to a State Agency or the Police?
You should report suspicions of abuse to state agencies and the police. If you are unsure who to contact first, ask your lawyer for advice. In some cases, state agencies are called first, and the police may get involved if the state agencies find signs of abuse. On the other hand, someone might alert the police if they actually witness abuse, and state agencies will almost certainly be alerted.
Will a State Agency in Charge of Texas Nursing Homes Help Me Relocate My Loved One?
It is up to you whether you wish to remove your loved one from the nursing home after discovering abuse. In some cases, this may not be necessary if we can prove who perpetrated the abuse and the authorities arrest them or strip them of professional licensing. However, if you wish to find a new nursing home, state agencies responsible for long-term care facilities may provide information to help you take the next steps.
Can State Agencies Help Me Stop Abuse in My Loved One’s Nursing Home?
Yes, state agencies may help stop abuse by investigating, providing resources, and reviewing licensing for abusive facilities and employees. Often, state agencies will suspend or revoke professional licenses of abusive nursing home employees, stopping them from working near your loved one.
Ask Our Texas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for Legal Help Today
If you suspect abuse in your loved one’s nursing home, call our Texas nursing home abuse attorneys for a free legal review at The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.