Ohio at a Glance

ODH licenses and inspects Ohio nursing homes and investigates complaints, with anonymous filing and anti-retaliation protections.

• Licenses and inspects Ohio nursing homes
• Runs the complaint hotline: 1-800-342-0553 (anonymous OK)
• Residents’ rights appear at Ohio Rev. Code § 3721.13

Visit the state agency site →

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

Ohio resident rights include:

• Right to a safe and clean living environment and courteous, dignified care
• Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and improper physical or chemical restraints
• Right to adequate and appropriate medical treatment and nursing care
• Right to be informed of their condition and participate in care planning
• Right to refuse treatment
• Right to privacy and confidential records
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to private communication, visits, and participation in activities
• Right to keep and use personal possessions
• Right to sue the facility for rights violations and recover damages and attorney’s fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 3721.17)

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 3721.13 (residents’ rights); § 3721.17 (civil action)

Phone: 1-800-282-1206
Website: https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/get-help/get-an-advocate/

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Ohio, contact the Ohio Department of Health.

Families can:

• Call the ODH complaint hotline at 1-800-342-0553 or file the online complaint form
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206
• 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 an Ohio nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. Ohio’s residents’ rights law also allows direct suits against facilities, with attorney’s fees available.

Common claims include:

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

Ohio 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 Ohio can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in Ohio →