Operating an ALF in the State of Virginia requires a license issued by the Department of Social Services, which is the regulatory agency for ALFs in the state. See the following regulation as to how to properly ensure good standing with the issued license:
22VAC40-73-40. Licensee.
- The licensee shall ensure compliance with all regulations for licensed assisted living facilities and terms of the license issued by the department; with relevant federal, state, and local laws; with other relevant regulations; and with the facility’s own policies and procedures.
- The licensee shall:
- Give evidence of financial responsibility and solvency.
- Be of good character and reputation in accordance with § 63.2-1702 of the Code of Virginia. Character and reputation investigation includes background checks as required by § 63.2-1721 of the Code of Virginia.
- Meet the requirements specified in the Regulation for Background Checks for Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Day Care Centers (22VAC40-90).
- Act in accordance with General Procedures and Information for Licensure (22VAC40-80).
- Protect the physical and mental well-being of residents.
- Exercise general supervision over the affairs of the licensed facility and establish policies and procedures concerning its operation in conformance with applicable law, this chapter, and the welfare of the residents.
- Ensure that he, his agents, the facility administrator, or facility staff or the relatives of any of these persons shall not act as, seek to become, or become the conservator or guardian of any resident unless specifically so appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to Article 1 (§ 64.2-2000 et seq.) of Chapter 20 of Title 64.2 of the Code of Virginia.
- Ensure that the current license is posted in the facility in a place conspicuous to the residents and the public.
- Ensure that the facility keeps and maintains at the facility records, reports, plans, schedules, and other information as required by this chapter for licensed assisted living facilities.
- Ensure that any document required by this chapter to be posted shall be in at least 12-point type or equivalent size, unless otherwise specified.
- Make certain that when it is time to discard records, they are disposed of in a manner that ensures confidentiality.
- Ensure that at all times the department’s representative is afforded reasonable opportunity to inspect all of the facility’s buildings, books, and records and to interview agents, employees, residents, and any person under its custody, control, direction, or supervision as specified in § 63.2-1706 of the Code of Virginia.
- Upon initial application for an assisted living facility license, any person applying to operate such a facility who has not previously owned or managed or does not currently own or manage a licensed assisted living facility shall be required to undergo training by the commissioner. Training for such owners and currently employed administrators shall be required at the time of initial application for licensure. In all cases, such training shall be completed prior to the granting of any initial license.
- The commissioner may also approve training programs provided by other entities and allow owners or administrators to attend such approved training programs in lieu of training by the commissioner.
- The commissioner may at his discretion also approve for licensure applicants who meet requisite experience criteria as established by the board.
- The training programs shall focus on the health and safety regulations and resident rights as they pertain to assisted living facilities and shall be completed by the owner or administrator prior to the granting of an initial license.
- The commissioner may, at his discretion, issue a license conditioned upon the completion by the owner or administrator of the required training.
- The licensee shall notify in writing the regional licensing office of intent to sell or voluntarily close the facility. The following shall apply:
- No less than 60 days prior to the planned sale date or closure, the licensee shall notify the regional licensing office, residents, and as relevant, legal representatives, case managers, assessors, eligibility workers, and designated contact persons of the intended sale or closure of the facility and the date for such.
EXCEPTION: If plans are made at such time that 60-day notice is not possible, the licensee shall notify the regional licensing office, the residents, legal representatives, case managers, assessors, eligibility workers, and designated contact persons as soon as the intent to sell or close the facility is known.
- If the facility is to be sold, at the time of notification specified in subdivision 1 of this subsection, the licensee shall explain to each resident, his legal representative, case manager, assessor, and at least one designated contact person that the resident can choose whether to stay or relocate unless the new licensee specifies relocation. If a resident chooses to stay, there must be a new resident agreement between the resident and the new licensee that meets the specifications of 22VAC40-73-390.
- The licensee shall provide updates regarding the closure or sale of the facility to the regional licensing office, as requested.
Top Takeaways:
- Upon initial application for an assisted living facility license, any person applying to operate such a facility who has not previously owned or managed or does not currently own or manage a licensed assisted living facility shall be required to undergo training by the commissioner. Training for such owners and currently employed administrators shall be required at the time of initial application for licensure. In all cases, such training shall be completed prior to the granting of any initial license.
So, you are diving headfirst into the ALF industry with no experience owning nor managing a facility? Fortunately, the DOSS will be responsible for providing you with training prior to issuing your facility a license.
- Protect the physical and mental well-being of residents.
This right here!!! This is why we are in the ALF business. Providing seniors a safe haven to feel protected and cared for is the most important aspect of what we do!