Consumer Protections

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published protections for nursing home residents from illegal collection activities. Families should understand their rights, especially when it comes to helping a loved one gain admission to a nursing home. Some nursing homes and debt collectors are billing and suing caregivers for residents’ cost of care based on illegal admission contracts.

Whether you’re a long-term care ombudsman, care coordinator, elder law attorney, or other aging services provider, you can help caregivers:

-Spot red flags in nursing home admissions contracts.

-Find help if a debt collector tries to collect nursing home bills from them.

-Report illegal activities to federal and state authorities.

These actions may also violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What you can do

• You can share this information with colleagues and the people you serve.
• Talk with a lawyer at your local legal aid agency or contact your local bar association.
• You can also report Nursing Home Reform Act violations to your State Nursing Home Survey Agency  and file a complaint with your State Attorney General .
• If you’re having a problem with a debt collector, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).