Youngkin signs executive order to strengthen oversight of nursing homes
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order on Monday, calling for the hiring of more nursing home inspectors in order to strengthen oversight in the state.
According to the governor's office, Executive Order 52 aims to ensure nursing homes meet high standards for safety, targeting the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Licensure and Certification to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
The executive order, which the governor signed on Monday, Aug. 11, directs the VDH and State Health Commissioner to implement these actions:
- Increase the workforce capacity of nursing homes
- Strengthen oversight with the creation of a new advisory board
- Modernize operations by using artificial intelligence for licensing and inspection processes
- Increase transparency by creating a new information portal
Per the executive order, the governor directs State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton to convene an advisory board for nursing home oversight and accountability by Sept. 12.
Youngkin said health officials should develop and maintain a publicly accessible nursing home information portal, which would include inspection and survey results, disciplinary actions and key performance metrics by Nov. 15.
The Office of Licensure is currently experiencing a 42% vacancy, with long-term care complaints increasing by over 300 from 2024 to 2025, from 730 to 1,079 complaints, according to the executive order.
With nearly 300 licensed nursing homes with nearly 33,000 beds, all but eight nursing homes are reportedly certified to receive federal reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, per the executive order.
The Office of Licensure and Certification works to ensure that healthcare is safe, cost-effective and follows all state and federal laws, according to VDH.
