Filing a Complaint With the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for investigating complaints involving skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers. Anyone—family members, visitors, caregivers, or any concerned individual—may report unsafe care, violations of resident rights, inadequate staffing, neglect, or abuse.

How to File a Complaint

You may submit a complaint:

• Online (the quickest method)
  
  

• By phone, fax, or mail to the CDPH district office responsible for the facility’s location
  
  

Investigation Timeframes

• Skilled nursing & long-term care facilities: CDPH must complete the investigation within 60 days
  
  

• Hospitals & other facilities: Investigations involving immediate danger must be completed within 45 days
  
  

Information to Include in Your Complaint

Providing clear details helps CDPH act quickly. Include:

• The facility’s name and address
  
  

• Your contact information (optional if you prefer to remain anonymous)
  
  

• The resident’s name
  
  

• Dates and times of the incidents
  
  

• A clear description of the concerns or events
  
  

• Names of any witnesses or involved staff members
  
  

• Any relevant records or details you can provide

Filing a Complaint With the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for investigating complaints involving skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers. Anyone—family members, visitors, caregivers, or any concerned individual—may report unsafe care, violations of resident rights, inadequate staffing, neglect, or abuse.

How to File a Complaint

You may submit a complaint:

• Online (the quickest method)
  
  

• By phone, fax, or mail to the CDPH district office responsible for the facility’s location
  
  

Investigation Timeframes

• Skilled nursing & long-term care facilities: CDPH must complete the investigation within 60 days
  
  

• Hospitals & other facilities: Investigations involving immediate danger must be completed within 45 days
  
  

Information to Include in Your Complaint

Providing clear details helps CDPH act quickly. Include:

• The facility’s name and address
  
  

• Your contact information (optional if you prefer to remain anonymous)
  
  

• The resident’s name
  
  

• Dates and times of the incidents
  
  

• A clear description of the concerns or events
  
  

• Names of any witnesses or involved staff members
  
  

• Any relevant records or details you can provide

Adult Protective Services (APS)- Help for Elders & Dependent Adults APS investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect affecting elders and dependent adults in California. Services are available regardless of income.

What APS Provides:

• Welfare checks
  
  

• Safety assessments
  
  

• Emergency interventions
  
  

• Connection to community services
  
  

• Investigations of abuse reports

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) https://www.cms.gov/

Special Focus Facility (SFF) Database

California Department of Public Health

CDPH Licensing & Certification

California Department of Social Services (CCL

Local Ombudsman Offices

Adult Protective Services

County health & human services agencies

State elder-care hotlines

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR)

CANHR Residential Care Guide

California Code of Regulations – Title 22 (Nursing Homes)

RCFE Regulations – Title 22, Division 6

Resident care standards and safety requirements

Facility licensing rules and compliance obligations

Code of Federal Regulations – Title 42

Federal Long-Term Care requirements

CMS enforcement guidelines

Resident rights under federal law

Elder Abuse & Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act

Standards for neglect and abuse claims

Rights to compensation and enhanced remedies

When negligence becomes actionable elder abuse