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TextLicensing and Legislation
The Office of Licensure and Certification
(OLC) regulates nursing facilities and
the Department
of Social Services regulates assisted living facilities. State
inspectors visit facilities at least once a year to determine their
compliance with state standards and their qualifications to receive
Medicare and Medicaid program participants. Long-term care insurance,
private pay, Medicare and Medicaid (www.cms.hhs.gov) are the ways that
residents pay for long-term care. Medicare also provides information
through
Nursing Home Compare to help consumers research nursing home
facilities.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs all over the country have long
voiced concern over poor staffing in nursing homes. If you have concerns
about short staffing, we encourage you to participate in the political process and contact your
legislators to let them know your experiences and suggestions to
improve long-term care.
While in a long-term care facility, most problems can be worked out with
the administration. If they cannot, assistance may be obtained through
the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. We are designated
to investigate concerns and to try to
resolve conflicts. Again, if we can be of any further assistance, please
do not hesitate to contact our office at 703-324-5861, TTY 711.
To File a Complaint to the Appropriate Regulatory Licensing Agency
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Nursing facilities are licensed in Virginia by The Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC).
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Assisted Living Facilities are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
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Health professionals are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (doctors, nurses, administrators, etc.).
To Contact Your Legislator About Long Term Care Issues
You may call and find out the name of your Representative or Senator at 202-224-3121 or by visiting the U.S. House of Representatives website or the U.S. Senate website.
You may also write or e-mail your Representative or Senator at:
Representatives:
Representative (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
E-mail your U.S.
Representatives
Senators:
Senator (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
E-mail your U.S.
Senators
For a sample letter to your Representative or
Senator, please visit: http://virginiageneralassembly.gov
To Research Current and Proposed Legislation
Long-term care facilities are regulated by the Code of Virginia. Current
and past legislation can be accessed using the Legislative
Information System (Virginia Administrative Code).
Website Survey 