Senior Abuse Law

Where To Report Elder Neglect And Abuse In Tennessee – Helplines, Hotlines, and Referral Sources

To report suspected elder abuse,neglect, or exploitation in Tennessee:

• KNOXVILLE: (865) 594-5685
• CHATTANOOGA: (423) 634-6624
• NASHVILLE: (615) 532-3492
• MEMPHIS: (901) 320-7220
• If you are outside the above calling areas, please call toll free:
  • 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366)
    Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. After-hours calls are returned the next business day.

To reach regional Long Term Care Ombudsman offices, access the District Ombudsman Link. To contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman:

• 615-741-2056 ext. 117
• Toll Free: 1-877-236-0013
• TDD: 615-532-3893

Additional Information

State elder abuse statistics and/or other publications, Available Here.

To access additional APS resources, including the Tennessee Adult Protective Services: A Field Guide.

Tennessee State Government Agencies

The following Tennessee agencies can help you file a complaint against a nursing or long-term care facility, as well as provide you with additional information and support regarding senior neglect and abuse:

• Tennessee Adult Protective Services
• Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
• Tennessee Long Term Care Ombudsman
• Tennessee Office of Attorney General
• Tennessee Department of Health Abuse Registry

Tennessee Laws and Regulations

The following laws were enacted to help protect seniors in Tennessee against abuse:

• Tennessee Code Annotated 71-6-101-20, Adult Protection Act
• Tennessee Code Annotated 71-2-109, Long Term Care Ombudsman