What Happens If Your Nursing Home Closes Suddenly

A sudden nursing home shutdown can leave residents and their families scrambling.

Understanding nursing home closure legal rights will help to ensure a move is safe, coordinated, and does not disrupt needed care. In Tennessee, as well as under federal law, residents have

specific protections when a facility shuts its doors. Knowing these rights can help you manage the stressful process and preserve the quality of care your loved one receives.

Why Nursing Homes Close and How It Affects Residents

Nursing homes may close for many reasons, including financial strain, staffing shortages, or failure to meet regulatory standards. In 2025, changes tied to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” are expected to cut funding to long-term care facilities across the country. These cuts may increase the risk of closures, particularly in rural areas and smaller Tennessee communities where operating budgets are already tight. For residents, a closure can mean uprooting from a familiar environment, moving to a new facility, and facing uncertainty about the continuity of care.

Your Rights During a Nursing Home Closure

Federal law requires nursing homes to provide at least 60 days’ written notice before closing, except in cases of emergency. Tennessee follows these rules and also mandates that the facility work with the state to develop a safe relocation plan for every resident. Nursing home closure legal rights include the right to receive information about why the facility is closing, where you will be relocated, and how your medical records and personal belongings will be transferred. Residents also have the right to participate in choosing a new facility when possible.

Relocation and Maintaining Quality of Care

When a facility closes, the law requires that residents be transferred to another facility that can meet their needs. The goal is to avoid lapses in care, but the process can be challenging. Families should confirm that the new location is licensed, staffed appropriately, and able to provide the same level of services. In Tennessee, state agencies often assign relocation specialists to work with families, but having your own advocate can make the process smoother and more transparent.

Preserving Your Loved One’s Rights and Well-Being

During a move, it is important to ensure your loved one’s treatment plan, medications, and personal preferences are carried over to the new facility. If these details are overlooked, care quality can suffer. Nursing home closure legal rights include access to your full medical records and the ability to have them sent to your new care provider without delay. Staying involved in every step of the relocation process can help ensure your loved one’s health and comfort are protected.

How Johnson McGinnis Can Help

The team at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning has experience guiding families through the upheaval of a nursing home closure. We understand both Tennessee and federal regulations and can help you assert your nursing home closure legal rights, secure proper relocation, and ensure your loved one’s care remains consistent. In a year when funding changes like the One Big Beautiful Bill may impact the future of many facilities, our team is ready to help families plan ahead and respond quickly to unexpected shutdowns. Reach out to us to learn more.