Governor Glenn Youngkin announced progress on efforts to improve oversight of Virginia’s nursing homes, following the signing of Executive Order 52 in August 2025. The order directed the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and its Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC) to increase workforce capacity, modernize operations, and enhance transparency for nearly 33,000 nursing home residents in the state.
“Every Virginian deserves confidence that their loved ones in nursing homes are safe, respected, and receiving the care they deserve,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We are taking decisive steps to strengthen oversight, reinforce accountability, and ensure a system worthy of the families who rely on it. I’m grateful to the dedicated teams who are moving quickly and purposefully to deliver these improvements for Virginia.”
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly stated: “Families place profound trust in the people who care for their loved ones. Our focus is on honoring that trust by strengthening the conditions for consistent, respectful care, and this progress reflects a system moving in the right direction for the people who depend on it.”
The OLC launched a targeted recruitment campaign over recent months to fill Long-Term Care Medical Facility Inspector positions as well as other key roles. Since August, more than 2,000 applications were received—most for inspector positions—and 13 new inspectors have been hired so far. This reduced vacancy rates from over 40 percent to 9 percent. Additional leadership positions within OLC have also been filled.
A new regional office was established in Northern Virginia to support inspection teams locally and reduce travel requirements. The agency aims to fill all open medical facility inspector positions by December 31, 2025.
To improve reporting processes and transparency, OLC introduced a digital Complaint Portal accessible through its website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/licensure-and-certification/. The portal allows patients, families, staff, and stakeholders to submit complaints online instead of via fax or email; mail, phone, and in-person submissions remain available. Complainants receive a reference number upon submission.
Additionally, OLC’s website now includes an easy-to-find link directing users to federal resources with information about nursing home inspections and performance metrics across Virginia.
State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton commented: “VDH takes its responsibility to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents in the Commonwealth very seriously. They may be our parents, spouses, siblings, or children, and it’s our job to ensure they’re healthy, safe, and in an environment where they can thrive.”
R. Christopher Lindsay, VDH Chief Operating Officer added: “This is a prime example of what a team running together in the right direction for the right reason—guaranteeing that there is proper oversight by professionals dedicated to ensuring Virginia’s nursing homes are providing safe and high-quality care—can accomplish in a short amount of time. I’m so proud of our HR team, these OLC leaders, our IT team, and VDH for coming together to make this happen.”
The Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board has met three times since September with members including providers, geriatricians, advocates and other stakeholders discussing policy recommendations aimed at improving quality standards.
OLC oversees licensing for nearly 300 nursing homes statewide along with other health facilities such as hospitals and hospice services.
