--- title: "Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Toolkit: Know Your Rights" url: "https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/research/know-your-state-rights/delaware/" description: "Look up DE nursing home inspection stats, resident rights laws, abuse hotlines, and how long you have to file a lawsuit." --- 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. # Delaware at a Glance National Safety Standing Rank #32 of 51 44 Total Homes 23 Serious Deficiencies 34 Infection-Related Deficiencies $2.87M in Penalties 7 Payment Suspensions 0.97 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day ### Resident Protection Strength State Oversight Moderate Staffing Requirements Strongest Penalties for Violations Moderate Access to Legal Help Moderate The Division of Health Care Quality licenses and regulates Delaware nursing facilities and investigates complaints. - Licenses and regulates Delaware nursing facilities - Runs a 24-hour complaint and incident line: 1-877-453-0012 - Residents’ rights law appears at 16 Del. C. § 1121 [Visit the state agency site →](https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhcq/) ### Deadlines to Take Legal Action PERSONAL INJURY 2 years Typically runs from the date of injury or discovery. [Learn more about filing deadlines →](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/) WRONGFUL DEATH 2 years Generally runs from the date of death and is filed by or for the surviving family. [Learn more about filing deadlines →](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/) 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.