TASK FORCES AT WORK TO DEVELOP REGULATIONS

VCAL (12/9/05)

Currently, the two task forces involved in developing regulations to implement assisted living legislation passed this year to require administrator licensure and regulation of medication aides are close to finalizing their work. 

To date, the Board of Long Term Care Administrators Task Force on Licensing Assisted Living Administrators has held a series of meetings to write their regulations.  (The requirement for a licensed administrator will not affect assisted living facilities licensed only to provide residential care.)  The Task Force appointed to develop the regulations for licensure consists of assisted living administrators, consumers and Board members.  Ed Owen, Administrator of Dunlop House, represents VCAL.  Martha Hunt, an active member of VCAL and Administrator at Magnolia Manor as well as a member of the Board of Long Term Care Administrators, also serves on the Task Force. 

Following several lengthy meetings, the Task Force has adopted a set of draft regulations to be considered by the Board of Long Term Administrators at their meeting in January.  However, prior to forwarding the proposed regulations to the Board, the Task Force has distributed the draft proposal to interested parties for comment.  The comments will be considered by the Task Force before a final version is sent to the Board.  An e-mail notice was sent to all VCAL  members notifying them of the opportunity to comment on the draft by the December 8th deadline.

Comments should be sent to Elaine Yeatts at the Department of Health Professions (DHP), 6603 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230 or by e-mail to elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.  In addition, there is an opportunity to give public comment at the beginning of the Task Force meeting scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at the DHP.