Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB429: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3, relating to Department of Health and State Health Commissioner; nursing homes; oversight and accountability; periodic medical visits and resident assessments.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
Department of Health; State Health Commissioner; nursing homes; periodic medical visits and resident assessments; oversight and accountability. Requires all nursing homes to notify the resident of a nursing home, the resident's family, and the Department of Health if a federally required physician visit does not take place. The bill also requires each nursing home to conduct a comprehensive assessment on an annual basis to determine each resident's needs and describe each resident's capability to perform daily life functions. Such assessments must be reviewed at least once every 92 days, and more frequently in the event of a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. The bill directs the Department of Health and State Health Commissioner to take steps to improve care quality, protect residents, and strengthen oversight and accountability of nursing homes in the Commonwealth. The bill directs the Department to enhance recruitment efforts and expand workforce capacity in the Office of Licensure and Certification, accelerate training and onboarding initiatives, and explore measures to reduce administrative burdens. The bill requires the Commissioner to submit an annual report with recommendations for continuing improvement of nursing home quality and oversight. This bill incorporates SB 555.
What the bill says
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3, relating to Department of Health and State Health Commissioner; nursing homes; oversight and accountability; periodic medical visits and resident assessments. [S 429] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3 as follows: § 32.1-138.5:2. Periodic medical visits. If any required visits to a resident by a physician do not take place in accordanc.
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3, relating to Department of Health and State Health Commissioner; nursing homes; oversight and accountability; periodic medical visits and resident assessments. [S 429] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3 as follows: § 32.1-138.5:2. Periodic medical visits. If any required visits to a resident by a physician do not take place in accordance with the federal physician visit schedule described in 42 C.F.R. § 483.30(c), any nursing home licensed under this chapter shall send notice to the resident, the resident's family or legal representative, and the Department. § 32.1-138.5:3. Resident assessment and plan of care. A. All nursing homes licensed under this chapter shall conduct comprehensive assessments of each resident's needs pursuant to subsection B. Such assessments shall accurately describe the resident's capability to perform daily life functions and significant impairments in functional capacity, and shall 2. Medical status; 3. Physical and mental functional status; 4. Sensory and physical impairments; 5. Nutritional status and requirements; 6. Special treatments or procedures; 7. Psychosocial status; 8. Discharge potential; 9. Dental condition; 10. Activities potential; 11. Rehabilitative potential; 12. …