Governor Youngkin sees improvement in nursing home oversight in recent months

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Governor Glenn Youngkin said the Commonwealth is making progress when it comes to nursing home oversight, after he signed Executive Order 52 last year.

He is pointing to an increase in the number of nursing home inspectors in the area.

Right now, the vacancy rate is at about 6%, but the Governor said it could be down to zero at the end of the month. Youngkin says there have been thousands of applications coming in to fill the 26 spots open.

There is also a new advisory board, a portal for complaints, and increased transparency requirements.

“You should be able to know what the profile of every single facility that is taking care of your loved ones. That is what accountability and transparency are all about,” Youngkin said.

As Youngkin prepares to leave office, he said the work must continue into the next administration.

“We have to bring the advice, counsel and recommendations that are coming from this advisory board, and now it’s time for us to move to stage two, stage three on a parallel basis. We have to expand the commissioner’s capabilities in order to hold those accountable who have been entrusted with their loved ones,” Youngkin said.

That means enforcing penalties for those who do not act properly.

The Governor is also hoping to see a bipartisan effort this upcoming legislative session to continue the progress.