Virginia Law

Article 1. Registration of Continuing Care Providers.

As used in this article and Article 3 (§ 38.2-4924 et seq.):

"Continuing care" means providing or committing to provide board, lodging and nursing services to an individual, other than an individual related by blood or marriage, (i) pursuant to an agreement effective for the life of the individual or for a period in excess of one year, including mutually terminable contracts, and (ii) in consideration of the payment of an entrance fee. A contract shall be deemed to be one offering nursing services, irrespective of whether such services are provided under such contract, if nursing services are offered to the resident entering such contract either at the facility in question or pursuant to arrangements specifically offered to residents of the facility.

"Continuing care" also means providing or committing to provide lodging to an individual, other than an individual related by blood or marriage, (i) pursuant to an agreement effective for the life of the individual or for a period in excess of one year, including mutually terminable contracts, (ii) in consideration of the payment of an entrance fee, and (iii) where board and nursing services are made available to the resident by the provider, either directly or indirectly through affiliated persons, or through contractual arrangements, whether or not such services are specifically offered in the agreement for lodging.

"Entrance fee" means an initial or deferred transfer to a provider of a sum of money or other property made or promised to be made in advance or at some future time as full or partial consideration for acceptance of a specified individual as a resident in a facility. A fee which in the aggregate is less than the sum of the regular periodic charges for one year of residency shall not be considered to be an entrance fee except as provided in subsection A of § 38.2-4904.1.

"Facility" means the place or places in which a person undertakes to provide continuing care to an individual.

"Provider" means any person, corporation, partnership or other entity that provides or offers to provide continuing care to any individual in an existing or proposed facility in this Commonwealth. Two or more related individuals, corporations, partnerships or other entities may be treated as a single provider if they cooperate in offering services to the residents of a facility.

"Resident" means an individual entitled to receive continuing care in a facility.

"Solicit" means all actions of a provider or his agent in seeking to have individuals enter into a continuing care agreement by any means such as, but not limited to, personal, telephone or mail communication or any other communication directed to and received by any individual, and any advertisements in any media distributed or communicated by any means to individuals.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-955; 1986, cc. 562, 598; 1993, c. 683; 2012, cc. 208, 303.

A. Except as provided in § 38.2-4912, no provider shall engage in the business of providing or offering to provide continuing care at a facility in this Commonwealth unless the provider has registered with the Commission with respect to such facility.

B. A registration statement shall be filed with the Commission by the provider on forms prescribed by the Commission and shall include:

1. All information required by the Commission pursuant to its enforcement of this chapter; and

2. The initial disclosure statement required by § 38.2-4902.

C. Registration shall be approved or disapproved in writing by the Commission within ninety days of the filing.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-956; 1986, c. 562.

A. The disclosure statement of each facility shall contain all of the following information unless such information is contained in the continuing care contract and a copy of that contract is attached to and made a part of the initial disclosure statement:

1. The name and business address of the provider and a statement of whether the provider is a partnership, foundation, association, corporation or other type of business or legal entity.

2. Full information regarding ownership of the property on which the facility is or will be operated and of the buildings in which it is or will be operated.

3. The names and business addresses of the officers, directors, trustees, managing or general partners, and any person having a ten percent or greater equity or beneficial interest in the provider, and a description of such person's interest in or occupation with the provider.

4. For (i) the provider, (ii) any person named in response to subdivision 3 of this subsection or (iii) the proposed management, if the facility will be managed on a day-to-day basis by a person other than an individual directly employed by the provider:

a. A description of any business experience in the operation or management of similar facilities.

b. The name and address of any professional service, firm, association, foundation, trust, partnership or corporation or any other business or legal entity in which such person has, or which has in such person, a 10 percent or greater interest and which it is presently intended will or may provide goods, leases or services to the provider of a value of $500 or more, within any year, including:

(1) A description of the goods, leases or services and the probable or anticipated cost thereof to the provider;

(2) The process by which the contract was awarded;

(3) Any additional offers that were received; and

(4) Any additional information requested by the Commission detailing how and why a contract was awarded.

c. A description of any matter in which such person:

(1) Has been convicted of a felony or pleaded nolo contendere to a criminal charge, or been held liable or enjoined in a civil action by final judgment, if the crime or civil action involved fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, misappropriation of property or moral turpitude; or

(2) Is subject to an injunctive or restrictive order of a court of record, or within the past five years had any state or federal license or permit suspended or revoked as a result of an action brought by a governmental agency or department, arising out of or relating to business activity or health care, including without limitation actions affecting a license to operate a foster care facility, nursing home, retirement home, home for the aged or facility registered under this chapter or similar laws in another state; or

(3) Is currently the subject of any state or federal prosecution, or administrative investigation involving allegations of fraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, or misappropriation of property.

5. A statement as to:

a. Whether the provider is or ever has been affiliated with a religious, charitable or other nonprofit organization, the nature of any such affiliation, and the extent to which the affiliate organization is or will be responsible for the financial and contractual obligations of the provider.

b. Any provision of the federal Internal Revenue Code under which the provider is exempt from the payment of income tax.

6. The location and description of the real property of the facility, existing or proposed, and to the extent proposed, the estimated completion date or dates of improvements, whether or not construction has begun and the contingencies under which construction may be deferred.

7. The services provided or proposed to be provided under continuing care contracts, including the extent to which medical care is furnished or is available pursuant to any arrangement. The disclosure statement shall clearly state which services are included in basic continuing care contracts and which services are made available by the provider at extra charge.

8. A description of all fees required of residents, including any entrance fee and periodic charges. The description shall include (i) a description of all proposed uses of any funds or property required to be transferred to the provider or any other person prior to the resident's occupancy of the facility and of any entrance fee, (ii) a description of provisions for the escrowing and return of any such funds, assets or entrance fee, the manner and any conditions of return and to whom earnings on escrowed funds are payable and (iii) a description of the manner by which the provider may adjust periodic charges or other recurring fees and any limitations on such adjustments. If the facility is already in operation, or if the provider operates one or more similar facilities within this Commonwealth, there shall be included tables showing the frequency and average dollar amount of each increase in periodic rates at each facility for the previous five years or such shorter period that the facility has been operated by the provider.

9. Any provisions that have been made or will be made to provide reserve funding or security to enable the provider to fully perform its obligations under continuing care contracts, including the establishment of escrow accounts, trusts or reserve funds, together with the manner in which such funds will be invested and the names and experience of persons who will make the investment decisions. The disclosure statement shall clearly state whether or not reserve funds are maintained.

10. Certified financial statements of the provider, including (i) a balance sheet as of the end of the two most recent fiscal years and (ii) income statements of the provider for the two most recent fiscal years or such shorter period that the provider has been in existence.

11. A pro forma income statement for the current fiscal year.

12. If operation of the facility has not yet commenced, a statement of the anticipated source and application of the funds used or to be used in the purchase or construction of the facility, including:

a. An estimate of the cost of purchasing or constructing and equipping the facility including such related costs as financing expense, legal expense, land costs, occupancy development costs and all other similar costs that the provider expects to incur or become obligated for prior to the commencement of operations.

b. A description of any mortgage loan or other long-term financing intended to be used for any purpose in the financing of the facility and of the anticipated terms and costs of such financing, including without limitation, all payments of the proceeds of such financing to the provider, management or any related person.

c. An estimate of the percentage of entrance fees that will be used or pledged for the construction or purchase of the facility, as security for long-term financing or for any other use in connection with the commencement of operation of the facility.

d. An estimate of the total entrance fees to be received from or on behalf of residents at or prior to commencement of operation of the facility.

e. An estimate of the funds, if any, which are anticipated to be necessary to fund start-up losses and provide reserve funds to assure full performance of the obligations of the provider under continuing care contracts.

f. A projection of estimated income from fees and charges other than entrance fees, showing individual rates presently anticipated to be charged and including a description of the assumptions used for calculating the estimated occupancy rate of the facility and the effect on the income of the facility of any government subsidies for health care services to be provided pursuant to the continuing care contracts.

g. A projection of estimated operating expenses of the facility, including (i) a description of the assumptions used in calculating any expenses and separate allowances for the replacement of equipment and furnishings and anticipated major structural repairs or additions and (ii) an estimate of the percentage of occupancy required for continued operation of the facility.

h. Identification of any assets pledged as collateral for any purpose.

i. An estimate of annual payments of principal and interest required by any mortgage loan or other long-term financing.

13. A description of the provider's criteria for admission of new residents.

14. A description of the provider's policies regarding access to the facility and its services for nonresidents.

15. Any other material information concerning the facility or the provider that may be required by the Commission or included by the provider.

16. The procedure by which a resident may file a complaint or disclose any concern.

B. The disclosure statement shall state on its cover that the filing of the disclosure statement with the Commission does not constitute recommendation or endorsement of the facility by the Commission.

C. A copy of the standard form or forms for continuing care contracts used by the provider shall be attached as an exhibit to each disclosure statement.

D. If the Commission determines that the disclosure statement does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, it shall have the right to take action pursuant to § 38.2-4931.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-957; 1986, cc. 562, 598; 1992, c. 139; 2012, cc. 208, 303.

At least three days prior to the execution of a continuing care contract or the transfer of any money or other property to a provider by or on behalf of a prospective resident, whichever first occurs, the provider shall deliver to the person with whom the contract is to be entered into a copy of a disclosure statement with respect to the facility in question meeting all requirements of this chapter as of the date of its delivery.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-958; 1986, c. 562.

A. Within four months following the end of the provider's fiscal year, each provider shall file with the Commission and make available by written notice to each resident at no cost an annual disclosure statement which shall contain the information required for the initial disclosure statement set forth in § 38.2-4902.

B. The annual disclosure statement shall also be accompanied by a narrative describing any material differences between:

1. The prior fiscal year's pro forma income statement, and

2. The actual results of operations during that fiscal year.

C. The annual disclosure statement shall describe the disposition of any real property acquired by the provider from residents of the facility.

D. In addition to filing the annual disclosure statement, the provider shall amend its currently filed disclosure statement at any other time if, in the opinion of the provider, an amendment is necessary to prevent the disclosure statement from containing any material misstatement of fact or failing to state any material fact required to be stated therein. Any such amendment or amended disclosure statement shall be filed with the Commission before it is delivered to any resident or prospective resident and is subject to all the requirements of this chapter, and the provider shall notify each resident of the existence of such amendment or amended disclosure statement.

E. If the Commission determines that the disclosure statement does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, it shall have the right to take action pursuant to § 38.2-4931.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-959; 1986, c. 562; 2012, cc. 208, 303.

A. A provider shall maintain in escrow with a bank or trust company, or other escrow agent approved by the Commission, all entrance fees or portions thereof in excess of $1,000 per person received by the provider prior to the date the resident is permitted to occupy a unit in the facility. Funds or assets deposited therein shall be kept and maintained in an account separate and apart from the provider's business accounts. For the purposes of this section only, the term "entrance fee" shall include within its meaning any advanced payment or series of advanced payments totaling $5,000 or more and the term "provider" shall include any person or entity that would be included in the definition thereof in § 38.2-4900 if such fee of $5,000 or more constituted an entrance fee for the purposes of the definition of "continuing care" in § 38.2-4900.

B. All funds or assets deposited in the escrow account shall remain the property of the prospective resident until released to the provider in accordance with this section. The funds or assets shall not be subject to any liens, judgments, garnishments or creditor's claims against the provider or facility. The escrow agreement may provide that charges by the escrow agent may be deducted from the funds or assets if such provision is disclosed in the disclosure statement.

C. All funds or assets deposited in escrow pursuant to this section shall be released to the provider when the provider presents to the escrow agent evidence that a unit has been occupied by the resident or a unit of the type reserved is available for immediate occupancy by the resident or prospective resident on whose behalf the fee was received.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, all funds or assets deposited in escrow pursuant to this section shall be released according to the terms of the escrow agreement to the prospective resident from whom it was received (i) if such funds or assets have not been released within three years after placement in escrow or within three years after construction has started, whichever is later (but in any event within six years after placement in escrow unless specifically approved by the Commission), or within such longer period as determined appropriate by the Commission in writing, (ii) if the prospective resident dies before occupying a unit, (iii) if the construction of a facility, not yet operating is stopped indefinitely before the facility is completed or (iv) upon rescission of the contract pursuant to provisions in the contract or in this chapter. If construction of the unit to be reserved has not started within three years after the deposit of funds or assets into an escrow account, the prospective resident may require the return of such funds or assets unless the Commission determines that construction will begin in a reasonable period of time and the extension of such three-year period is appropriate. However, funds or assets subject to release under item (i) of this subsection or under subsection C of this section may be held in escrow for an additional period at the mutual consent of the provider and the prospective resident; however, the prospective resident may consent to such additional period only after his deposit has been held in escrow for at least two years. Item (i) above shall not apply if fees are refundable within thirty days of request for refund.

E. Unless otherwise specified in the escrow agreement, funds or assets in an escrow account pursuant to this section may be held in the form received or if invested shall be invested in instruments authorized for the investment of public funds as set forth in Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2 and not in default as to principal or interest.

F. This section shall not apply to entrance fees for initial occupancy of units under construction on June 30, 1986.

G. This section shall not apply to application or reservation fees whether or not such fees are considered to be a portion of the entrance fee, provided such application or reservation fees are not in excess of $1,000 per person.

1986, c. 598, § 38.1-959.1.

A. In addition to other provisions considered proper to effect the purpose of any continuing care contract, each contract executed on or after July 1, 1985, shall:

1. Provide for the continuing care of only one resident, or for two or more persons occupying space designed for multiple occupancy, under appropriate regulations established by the provider.

2. Show the value of all property transferred, including donations, subscriptions, fees and any other amounts paid or payable by, or on behalf of, the resident or residents.

3. Specify all services which are to be provided by the provider to each resident including, in detail, all items that each resident will receive and whether the items will be provided for a designated time period or for life. Such items may include, but are not limited to, food, shelter, nursing care, drugs, burial and incidentals.

4. Describe the physical and mental health and financial conditions upon which the provider may require the resident to relinquish his space in the designated facility.

5. Describe the physical and mental health and financial conditions required for a person to continue as a resident.

6. Describe the circumstances under which the resident will be permitted to remain in the facility in the event of financial difficulties of the resident.

7. State (i) the current fees that would be charged if the resident marries while at the designated facility, (ii) the terms concerning the entry of a spouse to the facility and (iii) the consequences if the spouse does not meet the requirements for entry.

8. Provide that the provider shall not cancel any continuing care contract with any resident without good cause. Good cause shall be limited to: (i) proof that the resident is a danger to himself or others; (ii) nonpayment by the resident of a monthly or periodic fee; (iii) repeated conduct by the resident that interferes with other residents' quiet enjoyment of the facility; (iv) persistent refusal to comply with reasonable written rules and regulations of the facility; (v) a material misrepresentation made intentionally or recklessly by the resident in his application for residency, or related materials, regarding information which, if accurately provided, would have resulted in either a failure of the resident to qualify for residency or a material increase in the cost of providing to the resident the care and services provided under the contract; or (vi) material breach by the resident of the terms and conditions of the continuing care contract. If a provider seeks to cancel a contract and terminate a resident's occupancy, the provider shall give the resident written notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure within a reasonable period, whatever conduct is alleged to warrant the cancellation of the agreement. Nothing herein shall operate to relieve the provider from duties under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 55.1-1200 et seq.) when seeking to terminate a resident's occupancy.

9. Provide in clear and understandable language, in print no smaller than the largest type used in the body of the contract, the terms governing the refund of any portion of the entrance fee and the terms under which such fee can be used by the provider.

10. State the terms under which a contract is cancelled by the death of the resident. The contract may contain a provision to the effect that, upon the death of the resident, the money paid for the continuing care of such resident shall be considered earned and become the property of the provider.

11. Provide for at least 30 days' advance notice to the resident, before any change in fees, charges or the scope of care or services may be effective, except for changes required by state or federal assistance programs.

12. Provide that charges for care paid in one lump sum shall not be increased or changed during the duration of the agreed upon care, except for changes required by state or federal assistance programs.

B. A resident shall have the right to rescind a continuing care contract, without penalty or forfeiture, within seven days after making an initial deposit or executing the contract. A resident shall not be required to move into the facility designated in the contract before the expiration of the seven-day period.

C. If a resident dies before occupying the facility, or is precluded through illness, injury or incapacity from becoming a resident under the terms of the continuing care contract, the contract is automatically rescinded and the resident or his legal representative shall receive a full refund of all money paid to the provider, except those costs specifically incurred by the provider at the request of the resident and set forth in writing in a separate addendum, signed by both parties to the contract.

D. No standard continuing care contract form shall be used in this Commonwealth until it has been submitted to the Commission. If the Commission determines that the contract does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, it shall have the right to take action pursuant to § 38.2-4931 to prevent its use. The failure of the Commission to object to or disapprove of any contract shall not be evidence that the contract does or does not comply with the provisions of this chapter. However, individualized amendments to any standard form need not be filed with the Commission.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-960; 1986, cc. 562, 598; 2012, cc. 208, 303.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 208 and 303, cl. 2.

A. Residents shall have the right of self-organization. No retaliatory conduct shall be permitted against any resident for membership or participation in a residents' organization or for filing any complaint. The provider shall be required to provide to the organization a copy of all submissions to the Commission.

B. The board of directors, its designated representative or other such governing body of a continuing care facility shall hold meetings at least quarterly with the residents or representatives elected by the residents of the continuing care facility for the purpose of free discussion of issues relating to the facility. These issues may include income, expenditures and financial matters as they apply to the facility and proposed changes in policies, programs, facilities and services. Residents shall be entitled to seven days' notice of each meeting.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-965; 1986, c. 562; 1992, c. 139.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 208 and 303, cl. 2.

A. Providers existing prior to July 1, 1986, shall comply with its provisions within six months of July 1, 1986. However, the Commission may extend the period within which an existing facility shall comply with this chapter for an additional six months with good cause shown.

B. Continuing care contracts entered into prior to the effective date of this chapter or prior to registration of the provider shall be valid and binding upon both parties in accordance with their terms.

1985, c. 554, § 38.1-967; 1986, c. 562.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 208 and 303, cl. 2.

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, this chapter shall not apply to providers that do not charge an entrance fee and which only accept assignments of government transfer payments, contributions from charitable organizations and third-party health care coverages as their regular periodic charges.

1986, c. 265, § 38.1-972.