Nursing Home License Legislation Advances to Virginia Governor’s Desk

April 8, 2026

The Virginia General Assembly has passed House Bill 717 (HB 717), legislation that expands licensing requirements for nursing home operators after a change of ownership. Once signed, HB 717 will require operators of nursing homes undergoing an ownership change to apply for a change of operator license from the state’s Commissioner of Health. The legislation has been sent to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for signature.

Although proponents of the legislation may hope to improve the care of Virginians living in nursing homes, the new law creates complex new requirements for nursing home operators in the midst of an ownership change.

At the LLF National Law Firm, we understand that any interaction with state licensing boards may be inherently stressful and overwhelming. If you are a licensed nursing home administrator or other professional navigating ever-evolving licensure requirements in Virginia, our Professional License Defense Team can help.

If you need to apply for a change of operator license in Virginia, the experienced attorneys of our Professional License Defense Team can answer your professional licensing questions and develop a comprehensive licensing strategy. Call our offices at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your professional license.

Virginia’s HB 717

If signed by Governor Spanberger, HB 717 creates requirements and disclosures for nursing home operators during a change of ownership. Under the legislation, a nursing home operator taking over the daily operations of a nursing home will have to meet application timelines, disclosure requirements, and make additional attestations.

Timelines

The change of operator license must be applied for no later than 45 days before the proposed effective date of the change of ownership if nursing home residents will not be relocated.

If residents will be relocated, the application must be made no later than 90 days before the proposed effective date. In emergencies, the Commissioner of Health may waive the timeline requirements.

Disclosure Requirements

Under HB 717, a change  of operator license application must include the disclosure of direct or indirect owners with at least a five percent ownership in:

  • The new operator.
  • The building(s) in which the nursing home is housed.
  • The legal rights associated with nursing home beds.
  • Related parties providing contracted services.

Additionally, the application requires that disclosed owners report their involvement with nursing homes in Virginia or in other states during the five years preceding the change of operator application. The application will also collect information on whether the disclosed owners were involved with a nursing home involved with a closure, bankruptcy proceedings, receivership proceedings, any license suspensions, denials, or revocations, or other enumerated event.

HB 717 also contains additional requirements for applicants for a change of operator license, including:

  • New operators must have at least five years of relevant operational experience.
  • Applicants must attest to having risk management, quality assurance, staffing, and insurance plans.

The LLF National Law Firm can help you understand, implement, and comply with all of HB 717’s requirements.

Your License Is Our Priority

You don’t have to navigate the complexities of modern licensing alone. Let the LLF National Law Firm help protect your professional license.

To discuss HB 717 or any professional licensing questions, contact our Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online consultation form.

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