To report nursing home abuse in South Carolina, call Adult Protective Services at 1 (888) 227-3487. In addition, you may contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman, an entity that advocates for residents of nursing homes in a variety of ways, at 1 (800) 868-9095.
There are additional ways to report nursing home abuse in South Carolina, including through law enforcement.
How To Report Nursing Home Abuse SC by Phone
| Entity | Number | Who they protect | When to call |
| Adult Protective Services, South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) | 1 (888) 227-3487 | Any vulnerable adult who may be the victim of abuse or neglect | Immediately, when there is an adult that may need protection, living in a group home or a community setting |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman | 1 (800) 868-9095 | People living in nursing homes, assisted living, and residential care | For assistance advocating for a resident in a care facility, including for abuse, exploitation, and neglect |
| SC Department of Public Health | 1 (803) 545-4370 | People who live in and use regulated facilities, including nursing homes | When a nursing home may violate regulations, including food safety |
| SC Department of Public Health | 1 (800) 922-6735 | Victims of CNA abuse | If you suspect that a CNA is responsible for abuse |
| Nursing home administrators | Various numbers | People living in the care facility | When you have questions about the care a resident has received, when you believe a resident may need protection, or when you would like to express concerns to home operators |
| SLED, Special Victims Unit | 1 (866) 200-6066 | Victims of crime | If a crime may have occurred, including financial crimes, assault, and sexual violence |
| Emergency responders | 911 | Everyone | When someone’s life is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress |
| SC Department of Consumer Affairs | 1 (800) 922-1594 | Everyone | To report identity theft and financial scams |
| Bobby Jones Law, lawyer for nursing home abuse in South Carolina | 1 (864) 428-9915 | Everyone hurt by abuse and neglect, including those living in care facilities | To discuss your claim for compensation for nursing home wrongdoing |
How To Report Nursing Home Abuse SC Online
| Entity | How to Report Online |
| Adult Protective Services, South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) | Through the SCDSS Abuse and Neglect Online Referral System, select adult referrals and “Report Adult Abuse or Neglect.” Only use for non-emergency cases. |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman | The LTCOP asks reporters to call their intake number. They refer users to the APS intake form to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation online. |
| SC Department of Public Health | Through the online Health Care Facility Complaint Form. |
| Nursing home administrators | A nursing home may have an online contact form. However, this may be insufficient for reporting a matter as serious as abuse and neglect. It may be used to initiate contact regarding a non-emergency, minor matter. |
| Bobby Jones Law | Reach out to a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer using our online reporting form. |
To Whom To Report Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Most of the organizations for reporting neglect and abuse in nursing homes are government agencies. These public authorities work to protect vulnerable people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These authorities can investigate and effect change.
For example, Adult Protective Services can take emergency measures to remove someone from a care facility. The SC Department of Public Health can revoke a license or issue corrective action. Law enforcement can issue criminal charges.
There may be multiple agencies who should be notified.
Can I just report nursing home abuse to facility administrators?
It depends. If appropriate, you may begin by reporting your concerns to nursing home operators in hopes that they will make timely changes. However, when the danger is urgent or chronic, this may not be a sufficient response. In addition, there are situations where reporting to government agencies is required.
What To Say When You Report Nursing Home Abuse
When you report nursing home abuse, provide as much information as you can.
Investigators need enough details to follow up. Be specific about people, dates, times, and danger that you feel is ongoing. Provide any documentation that may assist responders.
How long do you have to report abuse in a nursing home?
Mandatory reporters must call law enforcement “immediately” for emergency, serious injury, and suspected sexual assault cases. Always report abuse in a nursing home right away. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if it is an emergency.
For bringing a claim for financial compensation, there are time limits to filing your case. Never wait to contact a lawyer.
Do I have to report abuse or neglect in a nursing home?
South Carolina law requires some categories of people, including physicians, counselors, and staff, to report if they have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is likely to be abused, neglected, or exploited. In addition, all persons with actual knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been victimized must report as required by law.
You may make your report to:
- SLED, Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit (when the facility falls under the Department of Health or Department of Disabilities and Special Needs)
- Long Term Care Ombudsman (other nursing home incidents)
- Adult Protective Services (all other settings)
SLED may forward the report to the appropriate jurisdiction. In addition to complying with mandatory reporting requirements, you may also report to any other organization that you think is appropriate, including 911.
What happens when you report nursing home abuse in South Carolina?
When you report nursing home abuse in South Carolina, intake personnel review the report and determine whether an investigation is appropriate. The speed and intensity of the investigation depend on the urgency of the report.
There are several possible outcomes, including no investigation, allegations not sustained, a person removed from a facility, changing a person’s care, criminal charges, licensing, and other sanctions against the facility.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you suspect nursing home abuse and neglect, report it and then call Bobby Jones Law. Talk to a lawyer who represents victims of maltreatment in nursing homes. See if you have a compensation claim. Call or message us now.
