Missouri at a Glance

DHSS licenses and inspects Missouri long-term care facilities and runs the state adult abuse hotline.

• Licenses and inspects Missouri long-term care facilities
• Runs the Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210 (online reporting 24/7)
• Residents’ rights appear at RSMo § 198.088

Visit the state agency site →

Families can speak with a Missouri nursing home lawyer to understand if rights may have been violated.

Missouri resident rights include:

• Right to be fully informed of their rights, services, and charges
• Right to adequate and appropriate care
• Right to choose a physician and participate in care planning
• Right to refuse treatment
• Right to privacy and confidential records
• Right to voice grievances free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to private communication and visits
• Right to keep and use personal possessions
• Right to be free from abuse and improper restraints
• Right to sue a facility for depriving them of these rights (RSMo § 198.093)

Source: RSMo § 198.088 (residents’ rights); § 198.093 (civil action)

Phone: 1-800-309-3282
Website: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/ombudsman/

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Missouri, contact the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Families can:

• Call the Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 (7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily) or report online 24/7
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-309-3282
• Report suspected crimes to local law enforcement

Include the facility name, resident name, dates, injuries, witnesses, and photos if available.

Full reporting guide →

Families may be able to sue a Missouri nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. Missouri law also lets residents sue facilities directly for violations of their rights.

Common claims include:

• Personal injury: The resident was harmed by neglect or abuse.
• Wrongful death: Poor care contributed to the resident’s death.

Missouri has strict legal deadlines, so families should speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t wait — get started right now.

Free case review →

Nursing home settlements and trial verdicts in Missouri can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in Missouri →