Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed Executive Order 52, introducing new measures to strengthen oversight of nursing homes in Virginia. The order instructs the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC) to take several steps aimed at improving safety, quality, and transparency in long-term care facilities across the state.
Key initiatives outlined in the order include increasing workforce capacity by launching a recruitment campaign for Long-Term Care Medical Facility Inspectors. This effort aims to fill all current vacancies, establish a regional OLC office in Northern Virginia with its own inspection team, and use both traditional and non-traditional recruiting methods.
Oversight will be further enhanced through the creation of an Advisory Board on Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability. This board will propose policy recommendations intended to improve resident well-being and raise standards throughout Virginia’s nursing homes.
The executive order also calls for modernizing operations by automating licensing and inspection processes, expanding digital tools, and exploring artificial intelligence solutions to reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, a new public information portal will be developed to display inspection results, disciplinary actions, and key performance metrics for each facility.
On August 8, Governor Youngkin visited the OLC to receive updates on ongoing improvements that align with this executive order. These improvements include more efficient scheduling of inspections, faster resolution of complaints, expanded digital licensing tools, and increased public access to compliance data.
“Virginia’s seniors and families deserve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving the highest quality care,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This Executive Order reinforces our commitment to safety, transparency, and excellence in long-term care. I commend the OLC team for embracing innovation and working tirelessly to support caregivers and protect residents.”
“This Executive Order puts a strong foundation under the progress we’ve already made and gives us the tools to go further, faster,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “We are committed to building a long-term care system that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of the trust Virginia families place in it.”
“The OLC team is ready to meet this challenge,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These initiatives will allow us to attract and retain top talent, modernize the way we work, and strengthen partnerships to better protect residents. It’s a clear signal that quality and safety come first in Virginia’s nursing homes.”
“Right now, too many of our most vulnerable Virginians are getting substandard care and the nursing homes are getting away with it. I thank Governor Youngkin for this strong action today to bring needed oversight, accountability, and enforcement. Together, we will keep working to improve oversight and protect Virginians,” said Delegate Mike Cherry.
The OLC currently oversees nearly 300 nursing homes statewide with about 33,000 beds. Facilities undergo regular inspections for compliance with state laws as well as federal requirements if they participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs. The OLC staff includes healthcare professionals such as physicians, registered nurses, dietitians, and social workers who conduct inspections and investigate consumer complaints.
These actions follow bipartisan legislation signed earlier this year that provided full funding for nursing home inspectors while expanding enforcement authority—highlighting continued efforts toward maintaining high standards within Virginia’s long-term care system.
