Does reporting nursing home abuse remain confidential?

Yes, reporting nursing home abuse remains confidential in Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), if you report abuse of an adult in a nursing home, your identity remains confidential unless you give consent to DSHS to release your identifying information. When you report abuse, you have the right to remain anonymous. DSHS will still investigate the report, regardless of the amount of information you provide. DSHS encourages reporting if you have reason to believe that a nursing home resident is being abused or neglected. Under RCW 74.34.127, DSHS may also protect the anonymity of the reporter by not revealing their identity in any court documents or proceedings. DSHS does not disclose identifying information about the reporter except when following procedures for a criminal investigation or for purposes of a DSHS internal investigation. DSHS also protects the anonymity of the resident, if requested. If you witness or suspect nursing home abuse, it is important to report it to protect the safety and welfare of the resident. While making a report may be daunting, it is important to remember that reports of nursing home abuse remain confidential in Washington.

Related FAQs

Can a nursing home be held liable for an accident or injury?
Are nursing home residents entitled to legal representation?
What should I do if a nursing home refuses to provide information?
What types of evidence do I need to prove nursing home abuse or neglect?
Are there any legal protections against financial exploitation of nursing home residents?
What are the rights of nursing home residents under state and federal law?
What are the most common types of nursing home abuse?
What are the penalties for nursing home owners and staff found guilty of abuse?
What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility?
Is there an appeals process for nursing home abuse cases?

Does reporting nursing home abuse remain confidential?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts