
Nursing Homes/Facilities
Definition
Nursing home means a home used for the reception and care of individuals who by reason of illness or physical or mental impairment require skilled nursing care and of individuals who require personal care services but not skilled nursing care. A nursing home is licensed to provide personal care services and skilled nursing care.
Licensure/Certification
The Bureau of Regulatory Operations is responsible for processing initial, renewal, and change of operator license applications. See link for applications/forms for a copy of the application and instructions.
The Bureau of Regulatory Operations certifies nursing facilities for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Inspections/Surveys
The Bureau of Survey and Certification is responsible for conducting on-site inspections/surveys of nursing homes/facilities for compliance with state and federal rules and regulations and to ensure the quality of care and quality of life of the residents. Each nursing home/facility in Ohio receives at least one unannounced inspection/survey during a 9 to 15 month inspection/survey cycle. During these surveys, all aspects of care and services are evaluated based on state and federal laws and rules. Information regarding the quality of care is available on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nursing Home Compare website and the Department of Aging’s Long Term Care Consumer Guide.
Application For Licensure and Certification
You may obtain all forms and instructions to apply for a nursing home license, renew an existing license, request a RN waiver, and apply for certification for participation in the federal Medicare/Medicaid programs from our Nursing Homes and Facilities Forms page.
Publications
ODH publishes various documents relating to the operation of nursing homes in Ohio, including guidance, rule interpretations, reports (annual and quarterly,) and a listing of resident right’s advocates. To view these resources, please visit our Publications page.
Enforcement
The Bureau of Regulatory Operations enforces state licensing laws and rules and federal certification requirements for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The purpose is to protect the quality of care and quality of life of nursing home residents and to ensure prompt corrective action when facilities are not in compliance with regulatory requirements through imposition of remedies, such as civil monetary penalties, denial of payment, state monitoring, directed in-service training, termination of provider agreements and/or licensure revocation.
Complaints
Investigation of a complaint in a nursing home/facility is completed by surveyors after receiving the written documentation from the Ohio Department of Health complaint unit located in Columbus, Ohio. The toll free number for registering complaints is 1-800-342-0553. To file a complaint online please visit our Complaints page. The complainant may choose to be anonymous.
Health Care Provider and Services: To obtain real-time information, generate, print and download reports regarding health care providers that are licensed and/or Medicare/Medicaid certified by the Ohio Department of Health.
COVID 19 Resources
Resources may be available to your facility in the event that you experience a staffing shortage as a result of the Corona Virus (COVID 19).
Licensee Bank Form Complete this form and submit it to Bridgeteam@odh.ohio.gov
Mailing Address:
Columbus Office | Akron District Office | Toledo District Office |
Ohio Department of Health |
Ohio Department of Health |
Ohio Department of Health |
Phone: (614) 752-9524 Fax: (614) 564-2450 |
Phone: (330) 643-1300 Fax: (614) 564-2469 |
Phone: (419) 245-2840 Fax: (419) 245-2400 |
E-mail: LICCERT@odh.ohio.gov | E-mail: ADOGW.ADOGW@odh.ohio.gov |
E-mail: TDOGW.TDOGW@odh.ohio.gov |