A June 23 DSS memo advises assisted living facilities (ALF) on legislation passed in the 2022 General Assembly session affecting them. Of particular note, requirements related to involuntary discharge from ALFs will not be effective until the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities are formally revised to add the new provisions.

The memo provides information on:

• SB 40 – Assisted Living Involuntary Discharge – The bill requires DSS to adopt regulations to address involuntary discharge of ALF residents. Notice and an effective date for the revised regulations will be given when the regulation changes are approved.

• HB 234 – Secretary of Health and Human Resources to Study Current Oversight/Regulation – This bill directs the secretary to study nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other congregate living settings to improve efficiency and effectiveness of regulation and oversight, provide better transparency for the public, and better protect the health and safety of the public. The study’s recommendations are due by October 1. VHCA-VCAL has requested that the association be named by the secretary as a stakeholder in this assessment.

VHCA-VCAL encourages AL members to read the memo in its entirety.

Read our 2022 Bill Wrap Up for all the details on the nursing facility, assisted living, licensure, and employment bills addressed in the legislative session this year.