Bill > SB1383

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the State Health Commissioner to impose sanctions on nursing homes that violate state healthcare regulations. The bill creates a new section of law that allows the Commissioner to impose sanctions on nursing homes for specific violations, such as refusing to comply with Board orders or permitting illegal acts during healthcare service delivery. These sanctions include placing a license on probation and imposing civil penalties up to $500 per violation per day, with a maximum of $10,000 for related incidents. Importantly, sanctions will only be applied for violations deemed less severe than a level 2 deficiency by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The bill ensures due process by requiring the nursing home to be notified and given an opportunity to be heard, and it mandates that the nursing home remains responsible for the health and safety of its residents during the sanction process. If a nursing home is already sanctioned by CMS for the same conduct, the state will not impose additional sanctions. Any civil penalties collected will be directed to a Nursing Scholarship and Loan Repayment Fund to support nurses working in long-term care facilities. The bill also provides a mechanism for a nursing home to be re-licensed after a revocation by demonstrating that previous conditions have been corrected. The State Board of Health is required to develop detailed regulations for implementing these provisions, with the earliest implementation date being July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1383