2026 SESSION

SENATE SUBSTITUTE

26107437D

SENATE BILL NO. 555

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Education and Health

on February 12, 2026)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Senator Sturtevant)

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3, relating to nursing homes; periodic medical visits and resident assessments.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 sections numbered 32.1-138.5:2 and 32.1-138.5:3 as follows:

§ 32.1-138.5:2. Periodic medical visits.

If any required visits to a resident by a physician do not take place in accordance with the federal physician visit schedule described in 42 CFR § 483.30(c), any nursing home licensed under this chapter shall send notice to the resident, the resident's family or legal representative, and the Department.

§ 32.1-138.5:3. Resident assessment and plan of care.

A. All nursing homes licensed under this chapter shall conduct comprehensive assessments of each resident's needs pursuant to subsection B. Such assessments shall accurately describe the resident's capability to perform daily life functions and significant impairments in functional capacity, and shall include:

1. Medically defined conditions and prior medical history;

2. Medical status;

3. Physical and mental functional status;

4. Sensory and physical impairments;

5. Nutritional status and requirements;

6. Special treatments or procedures;

7. Psychosocial status;

8. Discharge potential;

9. Dental condition;

10. Activities potential;

11. Rehabilitative potential;

12. Cognitive status;

13. Drug therapy; and

14. Any known advance directives.

B. The nursing facility shall conduct a complete assessment as described in subsection A:

1. No later than 14 days after the date of admission;

2. Promptly after a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition; and

3. In all cases, at least once every 366 days.

C. The nursing home shall review each resident's assessment at least once every 92 days and shall update the plan of care as indicated.

D. Each assessment shall be coordinated by a registered nurse who signs, dates, and certifies completion of the assessment.

E. Each assessment shall be conducted or coordinated with the participation of health professionals. Each person completing a portion of the assessment shall sign and date such portion of the assessment.

F. The nursing home shall use the results of the assessment to develop, review, and revise the resident's comprehensive plan of care.

G. The nursing home shall develop a comprehensive plan of care for each resident within seven days of completion of the comprehensive assessment. Such plan shall include measurable objectives and timetables to meet the resident's medical, nursing, nutritional, and psychosocial needs identified in the comprehensive assessment. The plan shall also describe the services that are to be furnished to maintain or improve the resident's physical, mental, and psychosocial status. Upon request, a copy or summary of such comprehensive plan of care, as defined by the facility's established policy, shall be delivered to the resident and the resident's family or legal representative within seven days of completion.

H. The comprehensive plan of care required pursuant to subsection G shall be prepared by a multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team shall include a registered nurse, the attending physician, to the extent practicable, and other staff in disciplines as determined by the resident's needs. The resident and the resident's family or legal representative shall also be provided a meaningful opportunity to participate in developing the plan of care.