Texas at a Glance

HHSC licenses and inspects Texas nursing facilities and runs a 24/7 statewide complaint line.

• Licenses and inspects Texas nursing facilities
• Runs the complaint line: 1-800-458-9858 (24/7)
• Rights of the elderly appear in Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 102 and 40 TAC § 19.401

Visit the state agency site →

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

Texas resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with dignity and respect for their individuality
• 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
• Right to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and improper restraints
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to private communication and visits
• Right to keep and use personal possessions
• Right to transfer and discharge protections with advance notice

Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 102 (Rights of the Elderly); 40 TAC § 19.401

Phone: 1-800-252-2412
Website: https://ltco.texas.gov/

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Texas, contact HHSC.

Families can:

• Call the HHSC complaint line at 1-800-458-9858 (24/7) or file online
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-252-2412
• 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 Texas nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. Texas health care claims require a detailed expert report early in the case.

Common claims include:

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

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

See nursing home settlement amounts in Texas →