Unlicensed Facilities & Registry

What is an Unlicensed Facility?

An unlicensed residential facility or care home houses vulnerable adults by providing room, board, and some level of personal care. Many of these facilities operate without a license, making it difficult to ensure the well-being of the residents living there.

Why do we need your help to find and report these facilities?

Vulnerable adults residing in unlicensed facilities often become victims of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Most of these residents are over age sixty (60) and not able to live independently.

Who is the Unlicensed Facility serving?

These facilities serve the extremely vulnerable. Some of these facilities serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, and patients recently discharged from hospitals. Most of the residents are living below the poverty level, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, and are not receiving Social Security Income. This makes them vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Where can these homes or facilities that are unlicensed be found?

They can be found in residential homes in any type of neighborhood. They also have been reported to be inside of old churches or schools.

Download a printable brochure about Unlicensed Facilities in Tennessee.

Please report any suspicious activity to DDA at dda.strikeforce@tn.gov or 1-833-379-6030 so that a proper investigation can take place to protect the vulnerable populations of Tennessee!

On May 27, 2022, Governor Bill Lee signed Public Chapter 1081 into law creating the Tennessee Unlicensed Facility Registry. Pursuant to the statute, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability shall establish and maintain a registry containing the names and addresses of unlicensed facilities that have been determined by a state agency to be providing care to elderly or vulnerable persons without maintaining the appropriate licensure under titles 33 or 68. The executive director shall publish the registry on the Commission's website.

To share your concerns about a potentially unlicensed facility, please send an email to dda.aging@tn.gov.

Click here to view our Unlicensed Facilities page.