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

# Massachusetts at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #21 of 51

341 Total Homes

36 Serious Deficiencies

290 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$12.4M in Penalties

9 Payment Suspensions

0.65 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Strong

Staffing Requirements Strong

Penalties for Violations Moderate

Access to Legal Help Moderate

DPH’s Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification licenses Massachusetts nursing homes and runs a 24-hour complaint line.

- Licenses and inspects Massachusetts nursing homes
- Runs a 24-hour consumer complaint line: 1-800-462-5540
- Patients’ rights law appears at MGL c. 111, § 70E

[Visit the state agency site →](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-health-care-facility-licensure-and-certification)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 3 years

Typically runs from the date of injury or discovery.

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

WRONGFUL DEATH 3 years

Generally runs from the date of death or discovery and is filed by the executor or administrator.

[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.