New Inspection Protocol for ALFS

VHCA (8/15/2008)

The Virginia Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Division of Licensing Programs implemented a new inspection protocol effective July 31, 2008 for assisted living facilities.  The Department’s goal is to increase consistency in inspection methods across the state.  The process defines minimum requirements for each inspection and provides structure and standardization of documents that support the inspection process.  DSS describes the protocol as a “resident centered” approach to determining the facility’s compliance with regulations.  There are six basic components of an inspection:  entrance conference, tour, interviews, observations, documentation review and an exit meeting.

Because the focus of the inspection process is designed to assess actual delivery of care and services to residents, investigative techniques are outlined in the “Interview Guidelines” which describe procedures for conducting the interviews during the course of an inspection.  A sample selection for interviews and record reviews are incorporated in the protocol.  Guidance is additionally presented for medication pass observation, reviewing the record for medication errors, and medication storage inspection.  VCAL members are encouraged to access a copy of the protocol by clicking here.