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

# Texas at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #50 of 51

1,177 Total Homes

751 Serious Deficiencies

1,070 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$57M in Penalties

156 Payment Suspensions

0.43 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Limited

Penalties for Violations Limited

Access to Legal Help Limited

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 →](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 2 years

Typically runs from the date of the act rather than discovery, so act quickly.

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

WRONGFUL DEATH 2 years

Usually runs from the date of death and is filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents.

[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.