Virginia at a Glance

The Office of Licensure and Certification licenses and inspects Virginia nursing facilities and runs the state complaint unit.

• Licenses and inspects Virginia nursing facilities
• Runs the complaint line: 1-800-955-1819 (or OLC-Complaints@vdh.virginia.gov)
• Complainant identities are confidential by statute (Va. Code § 32.1-138.5)

Visit the state agency site →

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

Virginia resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect
• 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 — complainant identity is protected by law
• Right to be free from mental and physical abuse and improper restraints
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to private communication and visits
• Right to transfer and discharge protections with advance notice

Source: Va. Code § 32.1-138 (patients’ rights in nursing facilities)

Phone: 1-800-552-3402
Website: https://dars.virginia.gov/aging/ombudsman/

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in Virginia, contact the Office of Licensure and Certification.

Families can:

• Call the OLC complaint line at 1-800-955-1819 or email OLC-Complaints@vdh.virginia.gov
• Report abuse to the 24-hour Adult Protective Services hotline at 1-888-832-3858
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-552-3402
• 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 Virginia nursing home when poor care caused injury or death.

Common claims include:

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

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

See nursing home settlement amounts in Virginia →