Agency
Virginia Department of Health
 
Board
State Board of Health
 
Guidance Document Change: This guidance document summarizes how the State Health Commissioner (“The Commissioner”) of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), through the Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC), may consider imposing administrative sanctions for nursing facilities under 12VAC5-371-90 and Va. Code §§ 32.1-27, 27.1, and 135. This guidance document does not create new requirements or mandatory enforcement levels. Decisions regarding sanctions will always be fact specific. This guidance document does not limit VDH's or the Commissioner’s authority to take any action authorized by law.
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8/22/26  7:27 am
Commenter: Theresa L Blanchfield

Staffing is the problem
 

I was certified as a Medication Technician back in 2011 and began working at a new facility in Stafford County. What I witnessed during my short 8 months was tragic and ended a career before it had barely started. Staffing was the issue. CNA's that sleep during their shift, LPNs that leave controled substances on nightstands. Med Techs that sabotage med charts to deflect blame for improper dosing of patients. Memory care patients that fall out of bed multiple times on the same shift with the same staff members in charge. Stealing from patients, workers that come in late or not at all. All under the noses of so called directors whos only worry is filling the shift at the most cost effective method possible. Nursing homes and Assisted Living facilities need to hold their staff to higher standards and concequences must be severe when infractions are made. I lived it, I watched it happen and I left the field. If you have good qualified staff, you don't have issues. Hold your staff to a higher standard and your facility will run efficently.

CommentID: 240839