My name is Carla Hesseltine, an elder advocate and Va Beach Human Rights Commissioner and I strongly support House Bill 2255.
Virginia ranks 50th nationally in completing required recertification surveys on time. Currently, 33% of our nursing homes are overdue for state licensure inspections, and 71% are overdue for federal certification surveys. Complaints have surged by 59%, and our nursing homes rank 32nd in the nation for health deficiencies. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for action.
Despite worsening conditions, licensure fees have remained stagnant, leaving the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) underfunded and unable to adequately enforce regulations or ensure nursing home safety. The current fee, set at $1.50 per bed with a $500 cap, hasn’t increased in nearly 50 years. This outdated rate no longer covers program costs.
HB2255 authorizes the State Board of Health to establish a fee schedule that reflects the actual costs of operating the Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection Program. This would ensure inspections are completed on time, reduce complaints, address health deficiencies, and strengthen regulatory enforcement.
Passing this bill is essential to improving the quality of care in Virginia’s nursing homes. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
My name is Carla Hesseltine, an elder advocate and Va Beach Human Rights Commissioner and I strongly support House Bill 2255. Virginia ranks 50th nationally in completing required recertification surveys on time. Currently, 33% of our nursing homes are overdue for state licensure inspections, and 71% are overdue for federal certification surveys. Complaints have surged by 59%, and our nursing homes rank 32nd in the nation for health deficiencies. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for action. Despite worsening conditions, licensure fees have remained stagnant, leaving the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) underfunded and unable to adequately enforce regulations or ensure nursing home safety. The current fee, set at $1.50 per bed with a $500 cap, hasn’t increased in nearly 50 years. This outdated rate no longer covers program costs. HB2255 authorizes the State Board of Health to establish a fee schedule that reflects the actual costs of operating the Hospital and Nursing Home Licensure and Inspection Program. This would ensure inspections are completed on time, reduce complaints, address health deficiencies, and strengthen regulatory enforcement. Passing this bill is essential to improving the quality of care in Virginia’s nursing homes. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.