Virginia’s lawmakers are considering several measures aimed at strengthening oversight, staffing and support for nursing homes across the state.
Among the legislative proposals for SNFs is a state bill which would establish minimum staffing standards for certified nursing homes participating in Virginia’s Medicaid Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing program. The bill would require facilities to provide at least 3.08 hours of nursing care per resident per day through 2027, increasing to 3.25 hours by 2031.
Lawmakers are also seeking to address workforce shortages. Budget amendments would allocate $2 million over two years to provide no-cost certified nurse aide (CNA) training through the Virginia Community College System. The funding is intended to help fill widespread CNA vacancies in nursing homes statewide.
State senators also introduced bills that would tighten requirements around nursing home ownership disclosures. The measures would create clearer reporting standards for ownership, management and operational control, particularly during transitions, with the goal of improving transparency and accountability.
The state legislature is additionally considering several budget amendments that would increase state funding for Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which are public or private non-profit agencies designated by a state to address the needs of older adults and number 25 in the state. AAAs connect older adults and caregivers to long-term care planning and home- and community-based services.
Supporters say that extra funding for these AAAs is especially important right now.
“With looming federal funding cuts, additional state investments would allow AAAs, including several based in Southwest and Southern Virginia, to expand access to home-and community-based services, strengthen caregiver support, enhance preventive health and support workforce development,” William Lester, president and CEO at Warm Hearth Village, said in the Cardinal News.
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