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

# Virginia at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #44 of 51

289 Total Homes

68 Serious Deficiencies

242 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$6.25M in Penalties

8 Payment Suspensions

0.69 Avg RN Hours Per Resident / Day

### Resident Protection Strength

State Oversight Moderate

Staffing Requirements Limited

Penalties for Violations Moderate

Access to Legal Help Moderate

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 →](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/licensure-and-certification/)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 2 years

Usually runs from the date of injury.

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

WRONGFUL DEATH 2 years

Generally runs from the date of death and is filed by the personal representative.

[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.