May 2, 2022
Briana Bill
Program Manager, Tourist Establishments & General Environmental Health Services
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
RE: Virginia Department of Health Periodic Review of Sanitary Regulations for Hotels
Ms. Bill:
On behalf of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, I want to take this opportunity to share our organization’s comments regarding the periodic review of Sanitary Regulations for Hotels by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
After examining the Sanitary Regulations for Hotels, we would like to request the following adjustments be considered by VDH.
D. When order effective. All orders issued pursuant to this section shall become effective not less than 15 days after mailing a copy thereof by certified mail to the last known address of the owner or person violating these regulations or the applicant on his application to operate a hotel.
Whenever a permit is suspended, the holder of the permit or the person in charge shall be notified in writing by certified mail or by hand delivery. Upon service of notice that the permit is immediately suspended, the former permit holder shall be given an opportunity to request an informal hearing. If a permit holder wants to request an informal hearing, he must submit a request in writing to the director within 10 working days after he receives notice of the suspension. The written request shall be filed with the local department by the former holder of the permit. If a written request for an informal hearing is not filed within 10 working days, the suspension is sustained. Each holder of a suspended permit shall be afforded an opportunity for an informal hearing within three working days of receipt of a request for an informal hearing. The director may end the suspension at any time if the reasons for suspension no longer exist.
The inspection report shall state any failure to comply with any time limit for corrections and may result in the closing of the hotel. An opportunity for an informal conference on the inspection findings, a time limit, or both, shall be granted provided that a written request is filed with local health department within 10 days following the inspection or the cessation of operations. When a request for a hearing is received, the procedures outlined in 12VAC5-431-120 shall be followed.
B. Conventional mattress covers or pads shall be used for the protection of mattresses and shall be kept clean and in good repair.
3. Utensils and equipment, if supplied, that are easily cleanable, durable, and kept in good repair. Utensils supplied in lodging units shall be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each occupancy and have a notice stating: "For your convenience, dishes and utensils have been washed and sanitized. If you would like to further sanitize these items, please contact the manager." The sanitizing agent shall be available in the office.
B. Solid waste shall be collected daily from rooms and areas used by guests.
D. The presence of any rodent, such as mice and rats, reptiles or any insect infestation shall be evidence that sufficient vector control measures have not been implemented at the hotel and shall be considered a violation of these regulations.
All operators shall post conspicuously in each lodging unit occupied by transient guests the rates for the room together with §§ 8.01-42.2, 35.1-27 and 35.1-28 of the Code of Virginia in which are prescribed the duties, liability of guests for hotel damage, and limitation of liability of guests for hotel damage from innkeepers.
We strongly suggest incorporating these changes to the Sanitary Regulations for Hotels. Thank you for your time and consideration of our request.
We are happy to discuss these recommendations with you should you have any questions or concerns related to them.
Sincerely,
Robert Melvin
Director, Government Affairs
Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association