The Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) is accepting comments on proposed new regulations for assisted living facilities through November 6.  The Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VCAL) encourages you to submit comments by next week.  With the help of LeadingAge Virginia, we have prepared a list of issues for you to review in preparing your comments.  DSS has also provided a summary of some of the major changes for you to review.

Comments can be submitted on-line through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.

According to DSS, the comprehensive new regulations are intended to (1) improve clarity, (2) incorporate improvements in the language and reflect current federal and state law, (3) relieve intrusive and burdensome requirements that are not necessary, (4) provide greater protection for residents in care, and (5) reflect current standards of care.

DSS will repeal the existing regulations and adopt new regulations to have greater flexibility to adjust the structure, format, and language, which will offer providers increased consistency and clarity about the regulatory framework.