 On September 7, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the formation of the Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board, established under Executive Order 52. This new initiative aims to enhance the quality, safety, and transparency of Virginia’s nearly 300 licensed nursing homes, which serve approximately 33,000 residents. The Board comprises a diverse group of experts, including healthcare providers, geriatricians, advocates, and legal professionals, all committed to improving long-term care for Virginia’s seniors.
A Commitment to Senior Care “Every Virginian deserves to know that their loved ones are safe, respected, and receiving the highest standard of care in our nursing homes,” said Governor Youngkin. “This Advisory Board will strengthen oversight, promote transparency, and deliver solutions that protect our most vulnerable seniors.” The Governor emphasized that supporting older adults is a top priority for his administration, with the Board tasked to address care deficiencies and improve access to quality care. The Advisory Board was created in response to Executive Order 52, which directs the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to convene a group to advise on policies and practices that enhance resident well-being. The Board’s responsibilities include recommending quality initiatives, budgetary measures, and legislative actions to strengthen nursing home oversight across the Commonwealth. Addressing Oversight Challenges Virginia’s nursing homes, most of which are certified to receive federal funding, are overseen by the VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC). The OLC is responsible for inspecting facilities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and investigating complaints. However, the office currently faces a 42% vacancy rate among inspectors, leading to delays in addressing the increasing volume of complaints. To tackle these challenges, the Commonwealth has enacted legislation to fully fund inspector positions and grant the State Health Commissioner greater enforcement authority. The VDH is also launching a comprehensive plan to recruit and train inspectors, adopt new technologies to streamline complaint handling, and develop a public nursing home information portal to enhance transparency. A Diverse and Experienced Board The Advisory Board includes leaders with expertise in healthcare, advocacy, law, and community service. Notable members include:
A Step Toward Lasting Change “The establishment of this advisory board represents a significant commitment to improving long-term care in Virginia,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “In order to attain lasting success with these efforts, we must keep patient care at the center of our collective efforts.” State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton echoed this sentiment, stating, “Caring for and protecting our elderly population is a responsibility that we take seriously. We are committed to communities where every Virginian can receive care with dignity, safety, and respect.” The Advisory Board’s work will focus on creating well-rounded solutions to address caregiving challenges, ensuring that Virginia’s seniors are protected and supported. With a combination of legislative support, technological advancements, and expert guidance, the Commonwealth is taking significant steps to strengthen its long-term care system. For more information on Virginia’s nursing home oversight initiatives, visit https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/september/name-1057990-en.html |
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