---
title: "Maine Nursing Home Abuse Toolkit: Know Your Rights"
url: "https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/research/know-your-state-rights/maine/"
description: "Look up ME 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.

# Maine at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #5 of 51

78 Total Homes

13 Serious Deficiencies

67 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$620K in Penalties

9 Payment Suspensions

1.05 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Moderate

Penalties for Violations Moderate

Access to Legal Help Strong

The Division of Licensing and Certification licenses and inspects Maine nursing homes and investigates complaints.

- Licenses and inspects Maine nursing homes and assisted housing
- Runs the complaint line: 1-800-383-2441
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman authority appears at 22 M.R.S. § 5107

[Visit the state agency site →](https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlc)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 6 years

Maine's general deadline is among the longest in the nation, but claims against health care providers usually run just 3 years.

[Learn more about filing deadlines →](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/statute-limitations/)

WRONGFUL DEATH 3 years

Typically runs from the date of death and is filed by the personal representative.

[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.