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

# Maryland at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #27 of 51

221 Total Homes

72 Serious Deficiencies

203 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$5.12M in Penalties

10 Payment Suspensions

0.85 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Moderate

Penalties for Violations Moderate

Access to Legal Help Moderate

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 →](https://health.maryland.gov/ohcq/)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 3 years

Generally runs from the date of injury or discovery. Claims about medical care can be shorter.

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

WRONGFUL DEATH 3 years

Usually runs from the date of death and is filed by the spouse, parent, or child.

[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.