Virginia Law

A. The provider shall provide care that does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, or impairment.

B. Supervision requirements include:

1. The provider shall have a plan for seeking assistance from police, the fire department, and medical professionals in an emergency.

2. A responsible adult or an approved assistant shall always be available to provide appropriate care for the adult in case of an emergency.

3. The adult foster care provider shall inform the local department prior to an extended absence. An extended absence shall be defined as greater than one calendar day. Each adult foster care provider shall identify to the local department a substitute provider who will provide care during the adult foster care provider's extended absence. Each substitute provider shall also meet the standards set forth in this chapter.

4. The provider shall ensure that adequate care and supervision are provided to each adult and that the adult's health, safety, and well-being are protected.

5. The provider shall notify the local department within 24 hours of any significant changes in the adult's mental or physical condition.

C. The following standards apply to food provided to adults by adult foster care providers:

1. Adults shall receive nutritionally balanced meals and snacks appropriate to the length of time in care each day, the daily nutritional needs of each adult, and the time of day care is provided.

2. Adults shall receive special diets if prescribed by a health care professional or in accordance with religious or ethnic requirements, the adult's preferences, or other special needs.

3. Adequate drinking water shall be available at all times.

D. Requirements for transportation of adults include:

1. As part of the service, only the approved provider or assistant shall provide transportation for the adult and shall have a valid driver's license and automobile liability insurance. When the approved provider or assistant is unable to provide transportation for the adult, the approved provider shall coordinate and assist the adult in obtaining backup transportation.

2. The vehicle used to transport adults shall have a valid license and inspection sticker.

3. The vehicle operator shall ensure that all passengers use safety belts in accordance with Virginia law.

E. Requirements for medical care include:

1. The provider shall have the name, address, and telephone number of each adult's health care professional and responsible person easily accessible.

2. The provider shall be able to meet the identified needs of the adult as assessed by the local department before providing services or continuing to provide services to the adult.

3. The adult foster care provider shall not administer medications. The adult foster care provider shall:

a. Ensure that the adult receives prescription medications only in accordance with the prescription label and with the adult's responsible person's written consent, as applicable;

b. Document all medications taken by adults, including over-the-counter medications;

c. Ensure that the adult receives over-the-counter medications only with the adult's or the adult's responsible person's written consent, as applicable;

d. Keep medications separate from food except those items that must be refrigerated;

e. Report all major injuries to and accidents experienced by the adult to the local department and the adult's responsible person immediately;

f. Have authorization for emergency medical care for each adult; and

g. Have first aid supplies easily accessible in case of accidents.

4. Admission or continued residence of adults in an adult foster care home is prohibited when the adult's care needs cannot be met by the provider as determined by the assessment by the local department or by the adult's health care professional.

F. The adult foster care provider shall provide recreational and other planned activities appropriate to the needs, interests, and abilities of the adults.

G. All providers shall immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any adult in care to the local department or to the 24-hour toll-free hotline (hotline number: 888-83-ADULT). Providers covered by this chapter are mandatory reporters in accordance with § 63.2-1606 of the Code of Virginia. Failure to report could result in the imposition of civil penalties.

H. The adult foster care provider shall ensure that adults in care have adequate, properly fitting, and seasonal clothing and that all clothing is properly laundered or cleaned and altered or repaired as necessary.