From DSS: The Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has issued its annual memo on legislation affecting assisted living facilities and the agency’s implementation plans. The...
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What to know: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has worked with VDH to revise and clarify the Report of Environmental Sanitation Inspection form...
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New resource: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) announced in an April 15 memo that it has developed a model Medication Management Plan template...
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What’s changing: On March 18, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs issued a new memo, in coordination with VDH, to clarify the role of Local...
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What’s happening: During the Legislative Conference last month, DSS shared that the regulation governing Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Fee Requirements for Processing Applications (22VAC40‑160) is...
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DSS shared this March 4 memo to clarify the scope of practice for Advanced Registered Medication Aides (ARMAs) in assisted living facilities (ALFs). The intent...
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ICYMI: Be sure to review this recent memo from DSS on the agency’s revised process for issuing inspection documents to assisted living facilities and adult day centers....
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Be sure to review the latest memo from DSS on the agency’s revised process for issuing inspection documents to assisted living facilities and adult day...
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What to know: On January 22, DSS issued a memo reminding assisted living facilities (ALFs) and adult day centers of key preparedness measures in advance...
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What’s happening: DSS issued a notice of proposed regulatory action to make permanent the emergency regulations requiring assisted living facilities (ALFs) to maintain a minimum...
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In a new memo, the DSS explicitly states that subcutaneous injection of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications must not be performed by registered medication aides (RMAs)...
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What’s new: The CDC recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent recommendations,...
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Important reminder from DSS: Outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illness should be reported to your licensing representative and VDH within 24 hours of the...
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September is National Preparedness Month, which is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Earlier this year...
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What’s new: DSS announced amendments to the background check regulations for assisted living facilities and adult day centers, which were effective August 15, 2025. There...
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ICYMI: DSS issued two recent memos updating: Licensing Administrator supervisory assignments and contact information, and Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) Licensing Offices contact information. ...
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What’s new: DSS issued two recent memos updating: Licensing Administrator supervisory assignments and contact information, and Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) Licensing Offices contact information....
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With the start of the 2025 hurricane season underway, DSS issued a memo reminding assisted living communities of the annual requirement to review and update your facility’s emergency...
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What’s happening: DSS announced it is accepting comments until July 16, 2025 on its amendments to 22VAC40-90, Regulation for Background Checks for Assisted Living Facilities...
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What’s new: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has revised the Protocols for Inspections document and developed program-specific licensing inspection tools to increase understanding...
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What’s happening: DSS is soliciting comments on the new regulations for involuntary discharge of assisted living facility (ALF) residents. Under the changes, the Standards for...
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With the start of the 2025 hurricane season underway, DSS issued a memo reminding assisted living communities of the annual requirement to review and update...
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Quick reminder: Upon request, assisted living communities should provide a prospective resident or resident and the resident’s legal representative, if any, a statement that the...
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Have you checked out the list of top deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities DSS conducted from July – September 2024? The top...
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DSS has shared data on the top deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities the agency conducted from July – September 2024. The top five...
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What’s happening: DSS is conducting a survey to gather information about the new assisted living facility liability insurance requirements. Responses are due by January 28,...
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Effective January 23, 2025, Virginia assisted living facilities (ALFs) must comply with new liability insurance coverage requirements and use the DSS-provided Liability Insurance Statement and...
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Are you ready? As of January 23, 2025, Virginia assisted living facilities (ALFs) must comply with new liability insurance coverage requirements and use the DSS-provided...
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Input from ALFs needed: DSS is conducting a survey to help it examine the factors that contribute to regulatory noncompliance with frequently cited health and safety regulations. Responses...
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In a December 11 memo, DSS reminds assisted living facilities of their obligations to report outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. Outbreaks should be reported to...
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Input from ALFs needed: DSS is conducting a survey to help it examine the factors that contribute to regulatory noncompliance with frequently cited health and...
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In a December 11 memo, DSS reminds assisted living facilities of their obligations to report outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. Outbreaks should be reported...
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What’s happening: In a memo issued on November 6, 2024, DSS announced revisions to the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) to add being authorized to temporarily practice pursuant...
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Effective January 23, 2025, Virginia assisted living facilities (ALFs) must comply with new liability insurance coverage requirements and use the DSS-provided Liability Insurance Statement and...
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What’s happening: In a memo issued on November 6, 2024, DSS announced revisions to the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) to add being...
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Effective January 23, 2025, Virginia assisted living facilities (ALFs) must comply with new liability insurance coverage requirements and use the DSS-provided Liability Insurance Statement and...
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What’s happening: DSS’s Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) continues to offer on-site infection and prevention and control training for provider staff, through VDH grant...
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Regulation changes: Per an August 15 memo, DSS has formally revised the affected regulations to change the term “adult day care centers” to “adult day centers.” There...
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ICYMI: DSS issued regulations updating the language in the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities to require all assisted living facilities (ALF) to maintain a minimum amount of liability...
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What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC TRAIN platform. This...
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ICYMI: DSS issued regulations updating the language in the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities to require all assisted living facilities (ALF) to maintain a...
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What’s new: DSS has issued regulations updating the language in the Standards of Assisted Living to require all assisted living facilities (ALF) to maintain a...
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Latest announcement: Gov. Glenn Youngkin has named James Williams as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. Williams previously served in the administration as...
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What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC...
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What’s new: Per a July 1 memo to providers, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has updated its Contact Information document. Of note, one of the two...
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ICYMI: Effective July 1, 2024, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) will manage the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) training, which was previously managed under...
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Effective July 1, 2024, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) will manage the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) training, which was previously managed under a...
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What’s new: Per a July 1 memo to providers, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has updated its Contact Information document. Of note, one...
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What to know: A June 5 DSS memo advises assisted living facilities (ALFs) on three legislative measures passed in the 2024 General Assembly session affecting them. The highlighted...
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What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team is hosting a webinar on May 23 at 10:00 am on the use of the infection...
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As previewed by Tara Davis at last week’s Assisted Living Symposium, DSS has announced the delivery of the infection prevention and control train-the-trainer resource binder...
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After the CDC updated its guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings, DSS issued a memo on March 7, 2024, with recommendations for Virginia assisted...
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DSS has shared data on the top deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities the agency conducted from October – December 2023. The top...
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New webinar series: Health Quality Innovators (HQI), in collaboration with DSS is hosting a series of affinity group webinars designed to engage assisted living facilities (ALF) and adult...
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ICYMI: DSS recently updated its Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) licensing offices Contact Information document. Of note, the DSS Home Office information has been updated as it...
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DSS has updated its Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) licensing offices Contact Information document. Of note, the DSS Home Office information has been updated as...
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What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
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ICYMI: With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak...
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DSS shared data on the top deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities conducted from July 2023 – September 2023. The highest number of...
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What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
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With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak reporting...
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DSS is inviting assisted living facilities to its 2023 Winter Conference on Person-Centered Care – Wellbeing for All. The virtual event is scheduled for December...
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What’s happening: DSS will host an educational webinar on auditing and monitoring of infection control practices on December 6 at 10:00 am. During the webinar,...
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ICYMI: DSS issued a memo on November 3, 2023 informing providers that the barrier crimes list in § 19.2-392.02 for licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and Adult...
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DSS issued a memo on November 3, 2023 informing providers that the barrier crimes list in § 19.2-392.02 for licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and...
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Mark your calendar for the November 9 webinar, Strategies for Outbreak Prevention & Management and Staff Retention offered by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) in partnership...
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What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT), in partnership with Health Quality Innovators (HQI), will offer an educational webinar on October 24...
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What’s new: DSS has revised the Direct Care Staff Curriculum, Chapter 2 Infection Control, to reflect the most updated information regarding infection prevention and control...
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What’s happening: DSS announced that it has shifted its approach to developing the new involuntary discharge regulations from a fast-track action to a standard three-stage...
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It’s time to roll up our sleeves. As we gear up for cold and flu season, the importance of vaccination has never been more evident....
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What’s new: DSS sent a memo to ALFs and other licensed providers on August 29 reminding them to plan and be prepared for hurricane season to ensure the...
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What’s happening: In late August, DSS issued proposed fast-track changes the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities addressing involuntary discharge of assisted living facilities (ALF) residents....
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What’s happening: DSS has issued the proposed changes to the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities addressing involuntary discharge of ALF residents. The changes have...
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DSS is hosting an educational webinar geared towards residents of assisted living facilities and participants in adult day care centers The webinar leaders will discuss...
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DSS shared the most frequently cited deficiencies for Q2 of 2023 during the recent Assisted Living Symposium. Of note, there was no change in the most...
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Share the news: DSS is hosting a webinar geared towards family members to discuss how vaccines work, the importance of vaccines, and important vaccines to...
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ICYMI: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs developed a model Infection Control Plan Manual template for use by assisted living facilities (ALFs). This template allows...
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Unhealthy air conditions are affecting Virginia and large swaths of the U.S. because of Canadian wildfires. DSS has shared a memo noting that VDH, the...
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Starting today: University of Virginia (UVA) Health will offer the Virginia IMPACT (Infection Mitigation, Prevention, and Control through Technology) webinar series. The first webinar in...
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What to know: A May 11 DSS memo advises ALFs on legislation passed in the 2023 General Assembly session affecting them. The memo reviews three bills covering...
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DSS recently updated its Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) licensing offices contact information document noting changes to fax numbers and the importance of using mailing...
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What’s new: VDH updated the Virginia Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Risk Assessment Tool used to screen staff and residents. For assisted living facilities: DSS explained...
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What’s new: DSS issued a memo announcing that VDH updated the Virginia Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Risk Assessment Tool used to screen staff and residents....
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The most frequently cited deficiencies during assisted living facility inspections for Q1 of 2023 continue to be related to individualized service plans and medication administration....
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Mark your calendar for the return of the DSS Lunch & Learn Series on April 12, 19, and 26 at 11:00 am. This series will present three different...
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DSS announced the next installment of the comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program through its partnership with VCU Gerontology CCE. The Developing...
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Responses needed: DSS is asking assisted living facilities and adult day care centers to complete an anonymous and voluntary survey. Questions cover registered medication aides...
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DSS has extended the deadline to complete the survey on assisted living facilities’ educational and training needs on infection prevention and control (IPC). Providers have...
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What’s happening: The VCAL Committee is reviewing the standards for assisted living facilities in advance of DSS issuing a formal request for public comments on...
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What’s happening: Effective immediately, assisted living facilities (ALFs) are no longer required to report individual cases of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to their licensing representative as major...
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What's happening: DSS and VCU Gerontology have kicked off a new Lunch & Learn Series: Mentoring and Oversight of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Practices....
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What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities (ALFs) complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
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What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
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What’s new: DSS issued an update on December 2 to a prior memo about VDH tuberculosis risk assessment screening. As of December 5, 2022, DSS inspectors will not...
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What’s new: DSS issued an update to a prior memo about VDH tuberculosis risk assessment screening. DSS inspectors will not inspect for the VDH guidance...
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Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
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Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
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Catch up on the latest notices DSS issued in the last month. Updated CDC COVID-19 Guidance DSS receives second IPC grant Upcoming updates to the...
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Catch up on the latest notices from DSS. The agency recently released four memos relevant to assisted living facilities: November 2: Infection Prevention Control (IPC)...
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Since CMS updated the COVID-19-related guidelines for infection prevention and control in late September, DSS issued a memo on October 26 changing the recommendations for...
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Sign up for the next session of the DSS and VCU Gerontology the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. The November 2, 11:00 am session will...
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Get ready for flu season: DSS announced registration for an October 7 VDH webinar on the 2022 flu outlook, surveillance, data, infection control, treatment, and...
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Sign up for the upcoming Lunch & Learn hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology as part of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program....
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DSS issued a memo on September 12 with important health care updates covering: VDH resources for health care professionals and workers; updated CDC guidance; updated COVID-19 booster...
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DSS issued a memo on September 12 with important health care updates covering: VDH resources for health care professionals and workers; updated CDC guidance; updated...
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The next installment of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is September 7 at 11:00 am. The webinar...
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DSS updated the barrier crimes list for assisted living facilities and adult day care centers. Only technical edits were made to the list. No new...
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DSS has shared data on the top 10 deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities the agency conducted from Jan 2022 – March 2022...
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DSS updated the barrier crimes list for assisted living facilities and adult day care centers. What you need to know: Only technical edits were made...
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The second personal protective equipment (PPE) webinar of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is August 4. This...
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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...
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The latest modules of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program cover Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The PPE Part...
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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...
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In case you missed it, per a May 23 memo, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has stopped using its VERSA Mobile application that inspectors...
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DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE announced a new comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. Register to access the training platform and enroll...
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Per a May 23 memo, the DSS Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) has stopped using its VERSA Mobile application that inspectors use to enter inspection information...
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Medication management continues to be a top-cited deficiency in assisted living inspections. With staffing and supply chain issues affecting so many communities, be sure you...
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The DSS Division of Licensing Programs invites you to join a jointly sponsored training event presented by VCU Gerontology. The event is today, May 18...
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Review the April 15 DSS memo about recent updates made to the publication order process as the Division of Licensing Programs transitions to becoming more...
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The Department of Social Services shared in a memo on April 15 recent updates made to the publication order process as the Division transitions to...
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The DSS Division of Licensing Programs announced that the provider portal for applications for initial licensure for assisted living facilities is live in the new Virginia Enterprise...
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The DSS Division of Licensing Programs announced that the provider portal for applications for initial licensure for assisted living facilities is live in the new...
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The State Board of Social Services is conducting a required periodic review of fees charged for processing applications for licenses. Public comment is sought on...
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DSS has shared recent updates to its one-page Department of Licensing Program (DOLP) Licensing Offices Contact Information document. Updates include information on physical office and...
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DSS has asked VHCA-VCAL to pass along updated contact information including new Fax/E-FAX information for the regional licensing offices. DSS is also seeking volunteers to...
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed Danny TK Avula, MD, MPH as the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS). Avula comes to the...
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DSS has shared data on the top 10 deficiencies cited during inspections of assisted living facilities the agency conducted from July 2021 – September 2021...
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DSS has extended the deadline for assisted living providers to respond to its survey on the educational and training needs of ALF employees on infection...
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In a January 7 memo, DSS shared the COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance issued by VDH. Per the guidance, all healthcare staff, including long term...
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In a January 7 memo, DSS shared the COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance issued by VDH. Per the guidance, all healthcare staff, including long-term care...
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DSS has extended the deadline for assisted living providers to respond to its survey on the educational and training needs of ALF employees on infection...
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As part of a grant DSS received in partnership with VDH, DSS will provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult providers throughout...
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The DSS Division of Licensing Programs issued a COVID-19 update on December 17. The update addresses COVID-19 immunization and boosters, the Omicron variant, widespread flu...
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The DSS Division of Licensing Programs has announced the agency has resumed conducting full, onsite field inspections, effective immediately. As part of the reinstatement of...
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In a September 21 memo to assisted living facilities, DSS has provided links to the VDH Vaccine Confidence Toolkit, which was made live earlier this...
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DSS issued a memo to inform assisted living facilities that the barrier crimes list was recently updated to reflect changes to the Code of Virginia. No substantial changes...
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DSS has updated contact information for three licensing offices. The changes affect the Fairfax, Northern and Valley licensing offices. For the Fairfax, Northern, and Valley...
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DSS issued an update to assisted living facilities on September 7 with reminders about COVID-19-related issues. In the coming weeks, the Division of Licensing Programs...
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DSS has updated the licensing pages of its website to improve licensing content and accessibility and as a result of the transition of childcare programs...
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Over the last month DSS has issued several memos for assisted living providers. Memos have covered a range of topics including: the end of COVID-related...
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DSS has shared data on the top 10 deficiencies cited during the 710 inspections of assisted living facilities the agency conducted from January 1 –...
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DSS announced in a June 29 memo that when Virginia’s COVID-19 state of emergency ends on June 30, 2021, so will the DSS regulatory leniencies....
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DSS issued a memo providing two updates on legislation passed by the General Assembly earlier this year. Legislation on visitation by clergy and processing and...
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DSS has shared a list of resources to assist assisted living communities in preparing for hurricane season. As a reminder, ALFs should review and update...
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If you were unable to attend the May 27 DSS/VDH Lunch and Learn, a recording of the webinar and presentation slides are now available. The...
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In a June 14, 2021 memo, DSS announced the agency will resume on-site field inspections effective June 15, 2021. The decision to do so was...
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Episode two of the DSS and VDH COVID-19 Lunch and Learn Webinar Series will cover COVID-19 testing issues. COVID-19 Lunch & Learn Webinar Series Episode...
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DSS and VDH are partnering to launch a Lunch & Learn webinar series for ALFs running from March through June. The first episode focused on...
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The DSS ALF Outbreak Toolkit issued in late December is designed to provide easy access to the various tools and documents from different agencies to...
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A January 4 DSS memo on COVID-19 Vaccination Updates and Frequently Asked Questions discusses the implementation of the Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Facilities....
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DSS issued a memo announcing its newest resource, the ALF Outbreak Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to provide easy access to the various tools and...
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DSS’s Division of Licensing Programs announced that the Northam Administration has provided funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) “Push Packs” for ALFs. These supplies should...
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On December 9, DSS issued a memo outlining the safety expectations for onsite inspections along with its onsite inspection safety protocol, and a related screening form. This...
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On December 9, DSS issued a memo outlining the safety expectations for onsite inspections along with its onsite inspection safety protocol, and a related screening...
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DSS’s Division of Licensing Programs announced that the Northam Administration has provided funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) “Push Packs” for all assisted living facilities...
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The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccinating by the end of October can be an important step with the...
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DSS issued a memo on October 14 on changes to the individualized service plans (ISP) section of the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities as well as...
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DSS has published a letter and timeline with additional information about the $20 million in funding for assisted living facilities (ALFs) announced by Gov. Ralph...
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DSS has issued a new memo to assisted living facilities about the system for an ALF to initiate an urgent PPE need request. “Urgent need”...
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Beginning May 11, 2020, DSS is asking all assisted living facilities to report their total PPE inventory and their burn rate, on a weekly basis...
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In a special message to assited living faciltiy directors and staff, DSS Director of Licensing Programs Tara Ragland thanks providers for their “hard work, dedication,...
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Effective immediately, the DSS Division of Licensing will adopt waivers and modifications for some licensing requirements in response to COVID-19. Leniency is granted in areas...
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As a reminder, on March 27, 2020, DSS has issued a memo to ALF licensees and administrators. It covers: ALF Assessments or Reassessments Adult Protective...
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In a March 17, 2020 letter to adult program licensees, DSS noted it had reviewed guidance from the CDC in conjunction with AHCA/NCAL resources and...
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DSS has published a new model form for Approval for Placement in Special Care Unit (see 22 VAC 40-73-1100). DSS advises that while the form...
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The Department of Social Services (DSS) has previously issued guidance to assisted living facilities related to equipment or supplies that could be considered a physical...
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Although Gov. Terry McAuliffe has approved the comprehensive overhaul of the standards for assisted living facilities (ALFs), the Department of Social Services (DSS) must still...
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Although Gov. Terry McAuliffe has approved the comprehensive overhaul of the standards for assisted living facilities (ALFs), the Department of Social Services (DSS) must still...
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