Virginia Nursing Home Laws and Regulations
Many states are taking proactive and somewhat aggressive steps in order to quell the problem of nursing home neglect. This is certainly the case in Virginia, which is a state that has taken federal nursing home laws and expanded on them extensively. The purpose of these Virginia nursing home laws and regulations is to do everything possible to ensure nursing home abuse and neglect do not continue to be an issue. Anyone who has a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or anyone who is living in one of these facilities themselves, will need to understand the laws that the state of Virginia has put into place. That’s because if abuse or neglect does occur, it is vital that it is investigated and stopped as soon as possible.
Required Reporting
One thing that Virginia nursing home laws and regulations covers specifically is required reporting. That means certain people are required by law to report any suspicion or case of nursing home abuse or neglect. If they know of a problem and they do not report it, then they could face legal action. The parties who are required to report include:
The whole purpose of this requirement is to ensure cases of abuse are not being ignored. And, this should assist in assuring that nursing home abuse doesn’t run rampant. However, that doesn’t mean you should not be watching out for your loved one. Virginia nursing home laws and regulations give you methods of reporting abuse so that this does not continue.
Laws and Regulations
The Virginia nursing home laws and regulations are managed by the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators. These laws and statutes are constantly changing and evolving in order to ensure nursing home abuse does not continue happening. If you would like to read all of the actual details that Virginia nursing home laws and regulations cover, you can go here and research through the Division of Long-Term Care.
Reporting Abuse
If you believe that abuse is taking place, then you will want to report this whether you are legally bound to or not. You can contact the Adult Protective Services Agency at 804-692-1206. There are a couple of other ways to report as well:
Nursing home abuse, neglect, and exploitation happens all too often, but the state of Virginia is doing its best to put a stop to it. The Virginia nursing home laws and regulations cover the issue extensively, even going so far as to require certain people to always report suspected abuse. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important that you pay attention to their care. You need to know that they are being properly cared for, and report the problem if you have any reason to believe there is abuse. Additionally, it may be wise to contact an attorney for advice as well.
Resources:
https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nha/nha_laws_regs.htm