VHCA-VCAL encourages all member assisted living facilities (ALFs) to respond to a short (nine questions) questionnaire distributed by the Department of Social Services (DSS) on the availability of generators. Your confidential responses to the questionnaire will help demonstrate the efforts ALFs in Virginia have already undertaken to prepare for emergencies.

Complete the questionnaire by 5:00 pm on May 31.

About the Questionnaire
The Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC), a standing commission of the Virginia General Assembly, is conducting a study to evaluate the availability of temporary emergency electrical power sources via generators in assisted living communities. DSS is assisting in this study by distributing the questionnaire.

During the 2018 General Assembly session, Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) introduced HJ 123, a study resolution directing the JCHC to learn more about emergency preparedness and temporary emergency electrical power sources in ALFs. Although this measure was passed by indefinitely, the JCHC has subsequently added a study of generators in ALFs to its 2018 work plan. April Payne, LNHA, Director of VCAL, has been an active participant in meetings with JCHC and other assisted living stakeholders.