Know Your State's Nursing Home Rights

Every state has its own laws, watchdog agencies, and deadlines. Pick your state to see who regulates its nursing homes, what rights residents have, and exactly how to report abuse.

Texas at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #50 of 51
1,177 Total Homes
751 Serious Deficiencies
1,070 Infection-Related Deficiencies
$57M in Penalties
156 Payment Suspensions
0.43 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate
Staffing Requirements Limited
Penalties for Violations Limited
Access to Legal Help Limited

HHSC licenses and inspects Texas nursing facilities and runs a 24/7 statewide complaint line.

  • Licenses and inspects Texas nursing facilities
  • Runs the complaint line: 1-800-458-9858 (24/7)
  • Rights of the elderly appear in Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 102 and 40 TAC § 19.401

Visit the state agency site →

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Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 2 years

Typically runs from the date of the act rather than discovery, so act quickly.

Learn more about filing deadlines →
WRONGFUL DEATH 2 years

Usually runs from the date of death and is filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents.

Learn more about filing deadlines →

Don't wait — get started right now.

Texas has strict legal deadlines, so families should speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible.

Regulatory & Industry Standards: Our information is based on guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), state health departments, and peer-reviewed research. We also refer to state Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, which investigate complaints and advocate for residents.