Safe, Humane Assisted-Living Facilities: The Steps Virginia Is Taking

The Virginia Department of Social Services is responsible for licensing more than 650 assisted-living facilities; at any given time they can be home to nearly 35,000 vulnerable adults.

Often, those who live in assisted-living facilities have no family, or their families can no longer provide appropriate care, or they suffer from mental health problems. Their needs and the care they require vary widely, but what they have in common is that they cannot live on their own.

I am heartbroken by the suffering depicted in The Post's May 23-26 front-page series on Virginia's assisted-living facilities. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have suffered.

It's important to note, however, that the overwhelming majority of staff members at assisted-living facilities make the best interests of their patients their top priority.

It also is important to note that the state has made important strides in recent years in the licensing of assisted-living facilities. Virginia has:

• Increased the number of inspectors. Nearly half are now nurses and mental health professionals.

• Implemented civil penalties.

• Installed a new information system that is improving the efficiency of inspectors.

• Developed mandatory pre-licensing training. Training also is provided to assisted-living facilities management and staff.

• Updated the protocol for facility closure and the curriculum for medication administration.

• Used the recently strengthened Adult Protective Services Act to increase the number of professions required to report suspected adult abuse, neglect or exploitation and to allow for an adult fatality-review team.

• Implemented a statewide 24-hour toll-free hotline to report suspected adult abuse.

We have made progress, but we continue to look for ways to improve our oversight.

Our department has been investigating best practices and developing recommendations to strengthen licensing requirements. A first draft will be ready in 30 to 45 days.