The Assisted Living Federation of America, a national organization representing companies that operate professionally managed assisted living communities for seniors (and headquartered in Alexandria, VA), is opposed to Virginia’s requirement of a national examination for licensure of assisted living administrators (executive directors).  We are writing in support of the petition to eliminate this requirement.   

When the idea of a national examination for assisted living administrators, was moving too hastily down the track in 2007, Governor Kaine wrote a letter to Secretary Marilyn Tavenner requesting a review of the proposed regulations emanating from the Department of Health and Human Resources. 

Unfortunately, the Governor’s letter was largely ignored and today Virginia is one of only three states that require a national examination for licensure of assisted living administrators.  Had they listened to the Governor, Virginia would be one of 41 states that more sensibly requires 1) a state examination (on state regulations), 2) a state approved training for certification or licensure of assisted living administrators, or 3) a combination of experience, education and training required to excel as an assisted living executive director. 

While studying for the exam (or any exam about assisted living) may have some inherent educational value, there is no evidence that the national examination required by Virginia for licensure has any effect on the care of residents of assisted living.  That is, Virginia is requiring a costly examination with no evidence that one who takes the examination is any better prepared to oversee assisted living residents than one who does not.  

Seniors in the care of assisted living providers would be better served by executive directors who demonstrated through testing, that they knew, understood, and could apply  the 100+  pages of Virginia state regulations that have been promulgated over time to ensure the safety, security and well-being of the seniors in their care.    

Richard P. Grimes

President/CEO

Assisted Living Federation of America