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

# Wisconsin at a Glance

National Safety Standing Rank #13 of 51

323 Total Homes

135 Serious Deficiencies

287 Infection-Related Deficiencies

$13.8M in Penalties

101 Payment Suspensions

0.99 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 Division of Quality Assurance licenses and regulates Wisconsin nursing homes and investigates quality-of-care complaints.

- Licenses and inspects Wisconsin nursing homes
- Runs the complaint line: 1-800-642-6552 (anonymous OK; details not shared with the facility)
- Residents’ rights appear at Wis. Stat. § 50.09

[Visit the state agency site →](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/guide/complaints.htm)

### Deadlines to Take Legal Action

PERSONAL INJURY 3 years

Usually runs from the date of injury.

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

WRONGFUL DEATH 3 years

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

[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.