VIRGINIA ASSISTED LIVING ASSOCIA

WELCOME TO VALA!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Virginia Department of Social Services
Updated Technical Assistance for
Standards for ALFS

Updated Technical Assistance for
Regulation for Background Checks for ALFS

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Virginia Department of Social Services
have revised the
2009 Auxiliary Grant Certification Forms
The period covered is state fiscal year 2008
(July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008).
Completion and submission of this form will satisfy requirements for information due to the Department
by June 30, 2009.

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Legislative Updates

SB1032 & HB1986: Medication Aide Registration. These bills passed. VALA has worked very closely with the Virginia Department of Health Professions in easing the process of registering medication aides for the assisted living industry. Proposed amendments in these bills will allow several key aspects requested by assisted living providers:

Medication aide applicants "may act as a medication aide on a provisional basis for no more than 120 days before successfully completing any required competency evaluation."
the provisions that "require medication aides to be registered by the Board of Nursing shall not be enforced until August 1, 2009."

HJ792: Assisted Living Awareness Day. VALA has worked with Delegate Christopher Peace in designating September 15, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Assisted Living Awareness Day in Virginia.

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Licensed Assisted Living Facility Administrator
As of January 2, 2009, all assisted living administrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia must be licensed. Please refer to the Board of Long Term Care Administrators website for additional information and forms to become a licensed LALFA.

VALA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing advocacy, communication, education, and resources to the assisted living industry in Virginia. Formed in 1996, we are the unified voice of assisted living in Virginia and the official state affiliate of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). Our members represent the entire spectrum of the industry: providers of both non-profit and for-profit, and large and small assisted living homes. We also welcome Industry Partners - companies, government agencies and individuals that provide a service to, or have an interest in, assisted living in Virginia.

A Time of Change: Right now is a time of tremendous change for assisted living in Virginia. Many forces are influencing the future of the rapidly growing alternative for Virginia seniors:
- New regulations are being written
- New legislation is being proposed
- Healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems are evolving
- Consumer awareness and knowledge are on the rise

During this time of transformation, the assisted living industry in Virginia faces an enormous challenge: How can providers "stay ahead of the curve" on issues affecting the future of assisted living while maintaining a focus on what is important today - providing quality, affordable, home-like alternatives to current residents?

VALA is a state affiliate member of ALFA, the Assisted Living Federation of America. As an affiliate VALA works with ALFA on issues impacting our industry nationwide and follow their lead with the federal government. ALFA also keeps us updated on developments in others states. You can join ALFA directly, giving you access to all the benefits they have to offer, by going to their website at www.alfa.org.

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UPCOMING EVENTS....

Hospice Providers in Assisted Living Communities
Attendee Registration Form

September 8, 2009 ~ Richmond, VA
September 10, 2009 ~ Norfolk, VA
September 22, 2009 ~ Alexandria, VA
September 24, 2009 ~ Charlottesville, VA

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VALA Annual Fall Conference
October 19-21, 2009
DoubleTree Hotel
Charlottesville, VA
Attendee Registration Form
Sponsor Application Form

Special THANKS to our
2009 Annual Fall Conference Sponsors...

Reception Sponsor
Mast LTC Pharmacy

Exhibition Sponsors
American Data; Dynamic Mobile Imaging

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VALA Annual Spring Conference
April 20-21, 2010
The Homestead
Hot Springs, VA

Check back often for more information!

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