One week into the 2020 General Assembly session, VHCA-VCAL is closely monitoring numerous bills affecting assisted living facilities. Among them are bills to direct DSS to amend the regulations for individualized service plans and to develop regulations related to audiovisual recording of residents. Legislators have also introduced various employment-related bills. 

VHCA-VCAL is still assessing the impact of the following bills and meeting with bill patrons and key committee members that will consider the proposals. We will provide additional details on these measures as the session continues.

Assisted Living Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) – SB 686/Mason would require the Board of Social Services to amend its regulations governing assisted living facility ISPs. The bill would direct when ISPs would need to be reviewed and updated and how deviations from the ISP are to be documented.  

Regulations to allow audio-visual recording of ALF residents –  SB 355/Cosgrove and SB 425/DeSteph would direct the Board of Social Services to promulgate regulations by July 1, 2021, governing audio-visual recording of residents in ALFs and requires DSS to convene a workgroup of stakeholders to make recommendations on such regulations by December 1, 2020.

Administration of cannabidioil or THC-A – SB 185/Dunnavant is intended to allow nursing home and ALF staff members who are authorized to possess, distribute, or administer medications to residents to store, dispense, or administer cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil to a resident who has been issued a valid written certification for such medication. (VHCA-VCAL is still evaluating whether other state or federal regulations may need to be modified to achieve the bill’s intent.)

Legislators have also introduced legislation affecting labor and employment issues including:

• repeal of Virginia’s right to work statute,
• an increase in the minimum wage, and
• paid family and medical leave.

It is urgent that we have a strong member presence for the legislator visits during the Legislative Conference on February 4-5. Register now to attend and use the “Who’s My Legislator?” tool to find contact information to set up appointments with your delegate and senator.