There are several measures that can be employed if a family member or a friend believes such neglect is occurring in a nursing home.
Step 1 involves making a complaint to the regulatory board or agency in the state where the nursing home is located. Such a complaint can trigger a review by the state to determine minimum compliance with state promulgated regulations governing the care of residents in the nursing home.
Step 2, a civil lawsuit can be filed on behalf of the family or resident if neglect is suspected, which will then be adjudicated and resolved through the civil court system.
Finally, if the abuse is of such a severe nature that criminal negligence may be at issue, a criminal complaint can be brought through contact with the local district attorney’s office.