Legislative Conference Recap & Thank You to our Pledge Partners

Brent Poff, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D-Chesterfield), and William Coleman meet during the 2023 Legislative Conference.

Over 130 attendees of this week’s Legislative Conference heard from nine state agency leaders, met with the legislators, and networked.

A common theme addressed by all speakers was how to address workforce challenges impacting providers.
Agency leaders also thanked members for their leadership and commitment to residents during the pandemic and beyond.

What we heard:

DSS leaders including Commissioner Danny Avula, MD and Division of Licensing Programs Director Tara Ragland discussed the agencies on-going regulatory review, the forthcoming involuntary discharge regulations, and the new Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application system.
State Health Commissioner Colin Greene had attendees reflect on what the state and providers could have done differently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VDH OLC Director Kim Beasley and Long Term Care Division Director Kesia Gwaltney, PhD discussed the top 10 most cited deficiencies, survey issues, and training for state surveyors to improve the writing in 2567s.
Department of Health Professions Director Arne Owens outlined the Youngkin Administrations health care workforce development priorities, including efforts to address behavioral health needs.
Board of Nursing Director Jay Douglas reviewed information from the latest DHP Health Care Workforce Data Center reports on RN, LPN, and CNAs.
AHCA/NCAL’s Clif Porter discussed Biden Administration initiatives to establish a federal minimum staffing standard and the association’s plan to advocate against a rigid, one-size fits all standard.
Political commentator Bob Holsworth described the current political environment, and the impact redistricting will have on the 2023 primaries and general elections in Virginia when all 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for election.

Thank you to our Pledge Partners for supporting VHCA-VCAL in 2023:

Title Pledge Partner and Legislative Reception Sponsor

Platinum Pledge Partners

Gold Pledge Partners

Silver Pledge Partners

January 26, 2023