Long-Term Care Defense Kit

Generate your state-specific emergency contact worksheet and admission defense card.

1. Select Your State

Select a state above to generate your customized defense kit.

Emergency Legal Action Plan

Prepared for Long-Term Care & Nursing Home Admissions

STATE JURISDICTION: [STATE]

Part 1: Emergency Crisis Contacts

1. State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

[Dynamic Phone Number]

An Ombudsman is your biggest advocate. You should call them to halt illegal evictions, fight Medicaid discrimination, or resolve facility disputes.

2. State Health Department / Licensing

[Dynamic Phone Number]

This agency serves as the regulatory body for nursing facilities. You should call them to file a formal grievance if they try to force a "duration of stay" private-pay agreement.

3. Local Legal Aid or Elder Law Attorney

www.lsc.gov | www.naela.org

You can call these organizations to appeal a discharge or review Assisted Living contracts, which bypass federal nursing home laws.

4. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

(855) 411-2372 | consumerfinance.gov

You should report the facility to the CFPB if a debt collector illegally comes after your personal money for a resident's bill.

Part 2: Keep This Card in Your Wallet

Cut out the card below and carry it with you. Refer to it BEFORE signing any admission paperwork.

Admission Desk Defenses

Ombudsman: [Select State]

Health Dept: [Select State]

Legal Aid: www.lsc.gov | www.naela.org

CFPB: (855) 411-2372

1. Sign as POA or Manager. NEVER sign with just your printed name. Legally separate yourself from the debt by writing your capacity directly next to your signature: "Jane Doe, as Power of Attorney for John Doe only." If you are not the Power of Attorney, you can append titles like "as Agent", "as Representative", or "as Health Care Proxy" to your signature to legally separate yourself from the debt.
2. Cross out the contract. Before signing, strike a thick pen line through the words "Guarantor," "Joint Liability," or "Responsible Party." Make them initial your cross-outs.
3. 30-Day Arbitration Opt-Out. You have 30 days to cancel a binding arbitration agreement without penalty, even if signed. Send a formal letter via certified mail.