(The Center Square) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed an executive order directing the Virginia Department of Health to expand inspections, increase staffing and add new technology to strengthen oversight of nursing homes across the commonwealth.
Executive Order 52 instructs the department’s Office of Licensure and Certification to launch a recruitment campaign for Long-Term Care Medical Facility Inspectors, create a Northern Virginia regional office and use multiple hiring methods to fill vacant positions.
The order also creates an advisory board on nursing home oversight and accountability to recommend policies and practices to improve resident well-being and care quality.
The directive calls for modernizing inspection operations by automating licensing and inspection processes, expanding digital tools, and assessing the use of artificial intelligence to reduce administrative work.
It also requires the launch of a public online portal that will display inspection and survey results, disciplinary actions and performance metrics for facilities.
“Virginia’s seniors and families deserve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving the highest quality care,” Youngkin said in a statement. “This Executive Order reinforces our commitment to safety, transparency, and excellence in long-term care. I commend the OLC team for embracing innovation and working tirelessly to support caregivers and protect residents.”
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton said the department is prepared to meet the goals by recruiting inspectors, modernizing systems and strengthening partnerships to better protect residents.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly said the goal is to build a system that is transparent, accountable and worthy of the trust of Virginia families.
The executive order follows two new laws passed earlier this year.
House Bill 2253 authorizes the health commissioner to impose sanctions on nursing homes for violations, including probation and civil penalties of up to $500 per violation per day, capped at $10,000 for related incidents.
House Bill 2255 created the Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection Program Fund, which establishes license fees to pay for inspections and ensures funding is dedicated to oversight.
Virginia’s Office of Licensure and Certification oversees the licensing and monitoring of nearly 300 nursing homes with close to 33,000 beds, according to the department’s most recent licensure data. Facilities undergo regular inspections to meet state and federal requirements for Medicare and Medicaid certification.
A 2024 report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission cited staffing shortages among inspectors and overdue inspections at the Office of Licensure and Certification.
The Department of Health will carry out the actions outlined in the executive order.
