How Can I Report Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation?

Call 800-458-9858 to report suspected abuse or neglect of people who are older or who have disabilities.

You can call this number to report abuse that occurs in:

  • Nursing homes
  • Assisted living centers
  • Day activity and health services

You can also report care concerns about home health and hospice agencies and intermediate care facilities.

Agents answer calls Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. If you call outside those hours, leave a message; an employee will call you back by the next workday.

Learn more about provider investigations.

Reporting Abuse FAQs

Will anyone know who made the report?

HHS keeps your name and that of the other person confidential, unless required to release it by law. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, HHS has no way to let you know the results of the investigation. HHS may also forward your report to another agency if it should be reported to or investigated by that agency.

What happens once a report is made?

Employees from the HHS Regulatory Services make an unannounced onsite investigation. The investigation may include:

  • Observations
  • Records reviews
  • Interviews with the person making the complaint, residents, staff, family members or others

When HHS is done with the investigation, the person who made the report is notified of the results either in writing or over the phone.

What is the Texas Abuse Hotline?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services manages the Texas Abuse Hotline. DFPS investigates complaints of abuse, neglect and exploitation not investigated by HHS.

Call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or make a report online through their secure website.

Call the hotline to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of:

  • People with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in their community or an intermediate care facility
  • People with IDD who live in a state supported living center
  • People getting help through the Home and Community-based Services program
  • People getting help through the Texas Home Living Program
  • Children who do not live in a HHS facility