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

# Missouri at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #49 of 51

487 Total Homes

161 Serious Deficiencies

462 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$17.3M in Penalties

153 Payment Suspensions

0.46 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Limited

Penalties for Violations Moderate

Access to Legal Help Strong

DHSS licenses and inspects Missouri long-term care facilities and runs the state adult abuse hotline.

- Licenses and inspects Missouri long-term care facilities
- Runs the Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210 (online reporting 24/7)
- Residents’ rights appear at RSMo § 198.088

[Visit the state agency site →](https://health.mo.gov/senior-disability-services/nursing-homes/laws-regulations-manuals)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 5 years

General claims usually run 5 years; claims about medical care typically run 2 years.

[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, children, parents, or other close 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.