At the most recent meeting of the Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Stakeholders, representatives from VCAL, DSS, other state agencies, and additional provider groups discussed on-going and upcoming initiatives affecting assisted living providers.  

• ISP Curriculum –The group discussed the forthcoming Individualized Service Plan (ISP) curriculum that will be available to qualified trainers to provide the training on an as-needed basis. DSS had planned to roll-out the new curriculum in September.
• Risk Assessment Matrix – DSS is reviewing the Risk Assessment Matrix to better align the way it grants provisional and 1-3 year licenses.
• Workforce – The group discussed ways to promote working in long term care, particularly to fill CNA and nursing positions.
• Mental Health Task Force – DSS Division Director for Licensing Programs Tara Davis-Ragland reviewed the work of the task force, which is evaluating ways to better support the ALF residents with mental health needs.
• AIT Preceptor Rulemaking – It was announced that the Board of Long Term Care Administrators will be responding to a petition for rulemaking related to Administrator-in-Training (AIT) preceptorships. The rulemaking will be open for comments in mid-October.

About the ALF Stakeholder Group

Each quarter regulators and assisted living providers meet to discuss issues affecting assisted living facilities (ALFs) in the Commonwealth.  The ALF Stakeholder Group uses a collaborative approach to discuss a range of issues from legislative updates, regulations, inspection issues, and licensing.  VCAL has been an active participant in the group since its inception about five years ago.

Members of the ALF Stakeholder Group include:

• Virginia Center for Assisted Living
• Virginia Assisted Living Association
• LeadingAge Virginia
• Department of Social Services
• Adult Protective Services
• Department of Health Professions
• Board of Long Term Care Administrators
• Various ALFs, including VCAL members