Vermont at a Glance

The Division of Licensing and Protection licenses, regulates, and surveys Vermont nursing homes and investigates complaints of poor care.

• Licenses and surveys Vermont nursing homes
• Runs the facility complaint line: 1-888-700-5330
• Facility obligations and grievance info must be posted on every floor

Visit the state agency site →

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

Vermont resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Right to participate in planning their medical treatment
• Right to refuse care, treatment, and restraints — and to discharge themselves — after being informed of the consequences
• Right to refuse experimental research
• Right to confidential records, with access to their own records within 24 hours
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation
• Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and improper restraints
• Right to protection of personal funds with an accounting
• Right to have the Ombudsman notified immediately if they object to a decision made on their behalf
• Right to posted facility obligations, grievance procedures, and Ombudsman contact info

Source: Vermont Licensing and Operating Rules for Nursing Homes; 33 V.S.A. (residents’ rights)

Phone: 1-800-889-2047
Website: https://asd.vermont.gov/services/ltc-ombudsman-program

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Vermont, contact the Division of Licensing and Protection.

Families can:

• Call the DLP facility complaint line at 1-888-700-5330 or write to the Division
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-889-2047
• 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 Vermont nursing home when poor care caused injury or death.

Common claims include:

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

Vermont 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 Vermont can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in Vermont →