Part I. Definitions and General Information and Procedures
Article 1
Definitions
12VAC5-410-10. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board" means the State Board of Health.
"Chief executive officer" means a job descriptive term used to identify the individual appointed by the governing body to act in its behalf in the overall management of the hospital. Job titles may include administrator, superintendent, director, executive director, president, vice-president, and executive vice-president.
"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner.
"Consultant" means one who provides services or advice upon request.
"Department" means an organized section of the hospital.
"Designated support person" means a person who is knowledgeable about the needs of a person with a disability and who is designated, orally or in writing, by the individual with a disability, the individual's guardian, or the individual's care provider to provide support and assistance, including physical assistance, emotional support, assistance with communication or decision-making, or any other assistance necessary as a result of the person's disability, to the person with a disability at any time during which health care services are provided.
"Direction" means authoritative policy or procedural guidance for the accomplishment of a function or activity.
"Facilities" means building(s), equipment, and supplies necessary for implementation of services by personnel.
"Full-time" means a 37-1/2 to 40 hour work week.
"General hospital" means institutions as defined by § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia with an organized medical staff; with permanent facilities that include inpatient beds; and with medical services, including physician services, dentist services and continuous nursing services, to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients who have a variety of medical and dental conditions that may require various types of care, such as medical, surgical, and maternity.
"Home health care department/service/program" means a formally structured organizational unit of the hospital that is designed to provide health services to patients in their place of residence and meets Part II (12VAC5-381-150 et seq.) of the regulations adopted by the board for the licensure of home care organizations in Virginia.
"Medical" means pertaining to or dealing with the healing art and the science of medicine.
"Nursing care unit" means an organized jurisdiction of nursing service in which nursing services are provided on a continuous basis.
"Nursing home" means an institution or any identifiable component of any institution as defined by § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia with permanent facilities that include inpatient beds and whose primary function is the provision, on a continuing basis, of nursing and health related services for the treatment of patients who may require various types of long term care, such as skilled care and intermediate care.
"Nursing services" means patient care services pertaining to the curative, palliative, restorative, or preventive aspects of nursing that are prepared or supervised by a registered nurse.
"Office of Licensure and Certification" or "OLC" means the Office of Licensure and Certification of the Virginia Department of Health.
"Organized" means administratively and functionally structured.
"Organized medical staff" means a formal organization of physicians and dentists with the delegated responsibility and authority to maintain proper standards of medical care and to plan for continued betterment of that care.
"Outpatient hospital" means institutions as defined by § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia that primarily provide facilities for the performance of surgical procedures on outpatients. Such patients may require treatment in a medical environment exceeding the normal capability found in a physician's office, but do not require inpatient hospitalization.
"Ownership/person" means any individual, partnership, association, trust, corporation, municipality, county, governmental agency, or any other legal or commercial entity that owns or controls the physical facilities and/or manages or operates a hospital.
"Rural hospital" means any general hospital in a county classified by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as rural, any hospital designated as a critical access hospital, any general hospital that is eligible to receive funds under the federal Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant Program, or any general hospital that notifies the commissioner of its desire to retain its rural status when that hospital is in a county reclassified by the OMB as a metropolitan statistical area as of June 6, 2003.
"Service" means a functional division of the hospital. Also used to indicate the delivery of care.
"Special hospital" means institutions as defined by § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia that provide care for a specialized group of patients or limit admissions to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients who have specific conditions (e.g., tuberculosis, orthopedic, pediatric, maternity).
"Special care unit" means an appropriately equipped area of the hospital where there is a concentration of physicians, nurses, and others who have special skills and experience to provide optimal medical care for patients assigned to the unit.
"Staff privileges" means authority to render medical care in the granting institution within well-defined limits, based on the individual's professional license and the individual's experience, competence, ability, and judgment.
"Unit" means a functional division or facility of the hospital.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.1, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 21, Issue 12, eff. May 9, 2005; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007; Volume 29, Issue 19, eff. June 20, 2013; Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. March 31, 2021.
Article 2
General Information
12VAC5-410-20. Exceptions; variances.
Article 2
General Information
A. In accordance with the § 32.1-124 of the Code of Virginia the provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to:
1. A dispensary or first aid facility maintained by any commercial or industrial plant, educational institution or convent;
2. An institution licensed by the State Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Board;
3. An institution or portion thereof licensed by the State Board of Social Services;
4. A hospital owned or operated by an agency of the Commonwealth or of the United States government; or
5. An office of one or more physicians or surgeons unless such office is used principally for performing surgery as defined in 12VAC5-410-10 of this chapter.
B. In accordance with § 32.1-128 of the Code of Virginia nothing in these rules and regulations shall be construed to authorize or require the interference with the supervision, regulation, or treatment of residents, patients, or personnel of any institution operated by and for the adherents of any well-recognized church or denomination who rely upon treatment by mental or spiritual means without the use of any drug or material remedy, provided such institution complies with applicable statutes and regulations on sanitation, life safety and construction design.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.2, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.
12VAC5-410-30. Allowable variances.
A. Upon the finding that the enforcement of one or more of these regulations would be clearly impractical, the commissioner shall have the authority to waive, either temporarily or permanently, the enforcement of one or more of these regulations, provided safety and patient care and services are not adversely affected.
B. Modification of any individual standard herein, for experimental or demonstrative purposes, or any other purposes, shall require advance written approval from the OLC.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.3, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
Article 3
Procedures for Licensure or License Renewal
12VAC5-410-40. General.
Article 3
Procedures for Licensure or License Renewal
No person, as defined in 12VAC5-410-10, shall establish, conduct, maintain, or operate in this State any hospital as defined and included within provisions of this chapter without having obtained a license. Any person establishing, conducting, maintaining, or operating a hospital without a license shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.4, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.
12VAC5-410-50. Classification.
Hospitals to be licensed shall be classified as general hospitals, special hospitals or outpatient hospitals defined by 12VAC5-410-10.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.5, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.
12VAC5-410-60. Separate license.
A. A separate license shall be required by hospitals maintained on separate premises even though they are operated under the same management. Separate license is not required for separate buildings on the same grounds or within the same complex of buildings.
B. Hospitals which have separate organized sections, units, or buildings to provide services of a classification covered by provisions of other state statutes or regulations may be required to have an additional applicable license for that type or classification of service (e.g., psychiatric, nursing home, home health services, and outpatient surgery).
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.6, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 29, Issue 19, eff. June 20, 2013.
12VAC5-410-70. Request for issuance.
A. Hospital licenses shall be issued by the commissioner, but all requests for licensing shall be submitted initially to the OLC. The procedure for obtaining the license shall include the following steps:
1. Request for application forms shall be made in writing to the OLC;
2. Application for license or license renewal to establish or maintain a hospital shall be made and submitted to the OLC;
3. All categories of inpatient beds shall be included on the hospital application for licensure in order for the OLC to have an accurate and complete record of the total bed capacity of the facility;
4. Application for initial license, change in license, or license renewal shall be accompanied by a check or money order for the service charge, payable to the OLC; and
5. Application for initial license of a hospital or for additions to an existing licensed hospital must be accompanied by evidence of approval from a representative of the State Fire Marshal and a copy of the occupancy permit issued by the local building official.
6. Application for initial license of a hospital shall include a statement of any agreement made with the commissioner as a condition for Certificate of Public Need approval to provide a level of care at a reduced rate to indigents or accept patients requiring specialized care.
Any initial license issued to any hospital that made such agreement as a condition of its Certificate of Public Need approval shall not be renewed without demonstrating prior to or at the time of applying for license renewal that it is substantially complying with its agreement.
B. The renewal of a hospital license shall be conditioned upon the up-to-date payment of any civil penalties owed as a result of willful refusal, failure, or neglect to honor certain conditions established in their award of a Certificate of Public Need pursuant to § 32.1-102.4 F of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.7, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. February 28, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
12VAC5-410-80. Service charge.
A. In accordance with § 32.1-130 of the Code of Virginia, the following service charge shall be made:
0 to 50 beds -- $75
51 to 333 beds -- $1.50 per bed
334 or more -- $500
B. The hospital shall not be required to pay a service charge on hospital beds in a category that requires separate license by the OLC or another state agency (i.e., psychiatric, nursing home).
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.8, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
12VAC5-410-90. License expiration.
Licenses shall expire as specified or at midnight December 31 following date of issue, whichever is first, and shall be renewable annually, upon filing of application and payment of service charge, unless cause appears to the contrary.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.9, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.
12VAC5-410-100. Name.
Every hospital shall be designated by a permanent and appropriate name which shall appear on the application for license. Any change of name shall be reported to the OLC within 30 days.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.10, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
12VAC5-410-110. Bed capacity.
A. Each license issued by the commissioner shall specify the maximum allowable number of beds. The number of beds allowed shall be determined by the OLC and shall so appear on the license issued by the OLC.
B. Request for licensed bed increase or decrease shall be made in writing to the OLC. No increase will be granted without an approved Certificate of Public Need.
C. Hospitals shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a license to add temporary beds, for a period of no more than 30 days, when the commissioner has determined that a natural or man-made disaster has caused the evacuation of a hospital or nursing home and that a public health emergency exists due to a shortage of hospital or nursing home beds.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.11, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007; Volume 35, Issue 24, eff. August 23, 2019.
12VAC5-410-120. Posting of license.
The hospital license issued by the commissioner shall be framed and posted conspicuously on the premises either in the main entrance to the hospital or in a place visible from that main entrance.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.12, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.
12VAC5-410-130. Return of license.
The OLC shall be notified in writing at least within 30 working days in advance of any proposed change in location or ownership of the facility. A license shall not be transferred from one owner to another or from one location to another. The license issued by the commissioner shall be returned to the OLC for correction or reissuance when any of the following changes occur during the licensing year:
1. Revocation;
2. Change of location;
3. Change of ownership;
4. Change of name;
5. Change of bed capacity, except as provided in 12VAC5-410-110 C; or
6. Voluntary closure.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.13, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007; Volume 35, Issue 24, eff. August 23, 2019.
12VAC5-410-140. Inspection procedure.
A. The OLC may presume that a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and certified for participation in Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) generally meets the requirements of Part II (12VAC5-410-170 et seq.) of this chapter provided the following conditions are met:
1. The hospital provides to the OLC, upon request, a copy of the most current accreditation survey findings made by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; and
2. The hospital notifies the OLC within 10 days after receipt of any notice of revocation or denial of accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
B. The OLC may presume that a unit or part of a hospital licensed or certified by another state agency, or another section, bureau or division of the OLC meets the requirements of Part II of this chapter for that specific unit or part provided the following conditions are met:
1. The hospital provides the OLC, upon request, a copy of the most current inspection report made by the other state agency; and
2. The hospital notifies the OLC within 10 days after receipt of any notice of revocation or suspension by the other state agency.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, if the licensing agency finds, after inspection, violations pertaining to environmental health or life safety, the hospital shall receive a written licensing report of such findings. The hospital shall be required to submit a plan of correction in accordance with provisions of 12VAC5-410-150.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.14, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
12VAC5-410-150. Plan of correction.
A. Upon receipt of a written licensing report each hospital shall prepare a plan for correcting any licensing violations cited at the time of inspection. The plan of correction shall be to the OLC within the specified time limit set forth in the licensing report. The plan of correction shall contain at least the following information:
1. The methods implemented to correct any violations of this chapter; and
2. The date on which such corrections are expected to be completed.
B. The OLC shall notify the hospital, in writing, whenever any item in the plan of correction is determined to be unacceptable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.15, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2007.
12VAC5-410-160. Revocation of license.
The commissioner may revoke or suspend the license to operate a hospital in accordance with § 32.1-135 of the Code of Virginia for the following reasons:
1. Violation of any provision of these rules and regulations. Violations which in the judgment of the commissioner jeopardize the health or safety of patients shall be sufficient cause for immediate revocation or suspension; or
2. Willfully permitting, aiding, or abetting the commission of any illegal act in the hospital.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR355-33-500 § 1.16, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995.