VirginiaSB4292026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Health, Department of, and State Health Commissioner; nursing home oversight and accountability.

Sponsored By: Christopher T. Head (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Department of Health; State Health Commissioner; nursing homes; periodic medical visits and resident assessments; oversight and accountability. Requires all nursing homes to notify the resident of a nursing home, the resident's family, and the Department of Health if a federally required physician visit does not take place. The bill also requires each nursing home to conduct a comprehensive assessment on an annual basis to determine each resident's needs and describe each resident's capability to perform daily life functions. Such assessments must be reviewed at least once every 92 days, and more frequently in the event of a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. The bill directs the Department of Health and State Health Commissioner to take steps to improve care quality, protect residents, and strengthen oversight and accountability of nursing homes in the Commonwealth. The bill directs the Department to enhance recruitment efforts and expand workforce capacity in the Office of Licensure and Certification, accelerate training and onboarding initiatives, and explore measures to reduce administrative burdens. The bill requires the Commissioner to submit an annual report with recommendations for continuing improvement of nursing home quality and oversight. This bill incorporates SB 555.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Nursing home care plans and visit notices

Virginia nursing homes must fully assess each resident’s needs. A registered nurse coordinates, signs, and certifies the assessment. The home completes a full assessment within 14 days of admission, after any big change in condition, and at least once every 366 days. Staff review the assessment at least every 92 days and update the care plan as needed. The home must create a comprehensive care plan within seven days after the assessment, involve the resident and family, and include clear goals and timelines. On request, the resident and family get a copy or summary within seven days. If required doctor visits do not follow the federal schedule (42 C.F.R. 483.30(c)), the home must notify the resident, the family or legal representative, and the Virginia Department of Health.

More inspectors and training for oversight

The Virginia Department of Health and the State Health Commissioner take steps to improve nursing home quality and oversight statewide. The Department must grow the Office of Licensure and Certification workforce and fill all open medical facilities inspector jobs. It must run a public recruitment dashboard to track vacancies and use traditional and non‑traditional hiring across markets. The Department must also name a training manager, deliver comprehensive staff training, and create an onboarding plan to help hire and keep inspectors.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christopher T. Head

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 2

Senate vote 3/3/2026

House substitute agreed to by Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

House vote 2/27/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 95 • No: 1

House vote 2/24/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 1

House vote 2/19/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/10/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0944)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 944 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB429)

    3/9/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB429ER)

    3/9/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/9/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/9/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/9/2026House
  10. House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  11. Passed House with substitute (95-Y 1-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026House
  12. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/27/2026House
  13. committee substitute agreed to

    2/27/2026House
  14. Read third time

    2/27/2026House
  15. Read second time

    2/26/2026House
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB429)

    2/25/2026Senate
  17. Committee substitute printed 26108520D-H1

    2/24/2026House
  18. Reported from Health and Human Services with substitute (21-Y 1-N)

    2/24/2026House
  19. Incorporates SB555 (Sturtevant)

    2/24/2026Senate
  20. Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026House
  21. Assigned sub: Health Professions

    2/16/2026House
  22. Read first time

    2/13/2026House
  23. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

    2/13/2026House
  24. Placed on Calendar

    2/13/2026House
  25. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

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