A. Assisted living facilities may provide safe, secure environments for residents with serious cognitive impairments due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia if they comply with the Board's regulations governing such placement. The Board's regulations shall define (i) serious cognitive impairment, which shall include, but not be limited to, an assessment by a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in the Commonwealth or by a physician and (ii) safe, secure environment.

B. Prior to placing a resident with a serious cognitive impairment due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia in a safe, secure environment, an assisted living facility shall obtain the written approval of one of the following persons, in the specified order of priority: (i) the resident, if capable of making an informed decision; (ii) a guardian or legal representative for the resident; however, such an appointment shall not be required in order that written approval may be obtained; (iii) a relative authorized pursuant to the Board's regulations to act as the resident's representative; or (iv) an independent physician who is skilled and knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, if a guardian, legal representative or relative is unavailable. Such written approval shall be retained in the resident's file.

C. The Board of Social Services shall amend 22VAC40-73-1130 governing staffing of units of assisted living facilities with residents who have serious cognitive impairment due to a primary psychiatric diagnosis of dementia and are unable to recognize danger or protect their own safety and welfare to require that the following number of direct care staff members be awake and on duty and responsible for the care and supervision of the residents at all times during night hours:

1. When 22 or fewer residents are present, at least two direct care staff members;

2. When 23 to 32 residents are present, at least three direct care staff members;

3. When 33 to 40 residents are present, at least four direct care staff members; and

4. When more than 40 residents are present, at least four direct care staff members plus at least one additional direct care staff member for every 10 residents or portion thereof in excess of 40 residents.

Nothing in this subsection shall apply to the provisions of 22VAC40-73-280.

Code 1950, § 63-223; 1954, c. 259; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-174; 1973, c. 227; 1991, c. 532; 1993, cc. 957, 993; 1995, c. 649; 1997, c. 397; 2000, cc. 804, 808, 845; 2001, c. 161; 2002, cc. 332, 747; 2003, c. 467; 2019, cc. 97, 294.