Hello, my name is Marcus Omar Squires a resident of Petersburg, Virginia where many licensed assisted care facilities are located. One facility in Petersburg has many residents who do not know what rights they have, and are being abused, but they do not know what to do and are afraid of retaliation if they do speak up. Over the summer of 2020 the residents did not have AC, adequate food, or even lighting. When I reported this issue to the state, their response was that the state relies on the faith and good will of the building administrator. 

 I would propose an amendment to section 22VAC40-73-130. Reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

C. A facility will lose their licence if found to retaliate against residents who report abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

D. Require a telephone in each facility to allow residents to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

E. Require tri-annually unannounced welfare checks to facilities with more than 15 residents where buildings are inspected and residents can report issues to an agent. 

I believe that these two amendments would aid in keeping facilities up to par and allowing disenfranchised residents to maintain their quality of life in these facilities.