Maryland at a Glance

The Office of Health Care Quality licenses, certifies, and inspects Maryland nursing homes and investigates complaints.

• Licenses and inspects Maryland nursing homes
• Investigates complaints — call 410-402-8108 or file online (anonymous OK)
• Resident rights appear in Md. Code, Health-General § 19-344 and COMAR 10.07.09

Visit the state agency site →

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

Maryland resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with dignity and respect
• Right to be fully informed of their rights, condition, and charges
• Right to choose a physician and participate in care planning
• Right to refuse treatment
• Right to privacy and confidential records
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation — complaints to OHCQ can be anonymous
• Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and improper restraints
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to visits from family, advocates, and the ombudsman
• Right to transfer and discharge protections with advance notice

Source: Md. Code, Health-General § 19-344; COMAR 10.07.09 (patient bill of rights)

Phone: 1-800-243-3425
Website: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-long-term-care-ombudsman.aspx

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Maryland, contact the Office of Health Care Quality.

Families can:

• Submit the OHCQ online complaint form, call 410-402-8108, or email nursinghomecomp.mdh@maryland.gov
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-243-3425
• 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 Maryland nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. Medical-care claims in Maryland go through a state dispute resolution office before court.

Common claims include:

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

Helpful evidence may include medical records, facility records, photos, witness statements, and expert review. Maryland 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 Maryland can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in Maryland →