Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensure:
What are the qualifications for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator?
There is licensure by (1) Degree and practical experience (2) Certificate program or (3) Administrator-in-training program. Refer to Regulation 18 VAC 95-20-220.
Applicant needs to determine how they are applying by completing the application. Applicants also need to receive a passing grade on the state examination and the national examination.
Do you have licensure by endorsement?
Applicant needs to hold a current, unrestricted license from any state or D.C., practiced nursing home administration for one year or has education and experience equivalent to qualifications for initial licensure and pass the state exam.
How long does can the licensure applications remain on file?
With the exception of school transcripts, examination scores and verification from other state boards, all parts of the application package shall be submitted at the same time. An incomplete package shall be retained by the board for one year, after which time, the application shall be destroyed and a new application and fee required.
What are the qualifications to apply for an AIT program?
To be approved as an administrator-in-training, a person shall: (1) have received a passing grade on a total of 60 semester hours of education from an accredited college or university, (2) obtain a preceptor to provide training; (3) application (4) and fee (5) submit additional documentation as may be necessary to determined eligibility of the applicant and the number of hours required for the AIT program.
Training Facilities:
AIT training shall be only conducted in facilities listed under 18 VAC 95-20-330 of the regulations.
How many hours are required for an AIT program?
The AIT program shall consist of 2,000 hours of continuous training in a facility as prescribed in 18 VAC 95-20-330 to be completed within 24 months.
The board may reduce the required hours for applicants with certain qualifications as prescribed in Regulation 18 VAC 95-20-310.B.C.
How do I obtain a preceptor?
You may go to www.dhp.virginia.gov, click on License Lookup, occupation (Nursing Home Preceptor). To find a preceptor in your area, a zip code can be entered.
What are the qualifications of preceptors?
To be a preceptor, individual needs to hold a current, unrestricted license and be employed full-time as an administrator in a training facility for a minimum of two of the past three years immediately prior to registration.
What do I do when the AIT program is terminated?
If the AIT program is terminated prior to completion, the trainee and the preceptor shall each submit a written explanation of the causes of program termination to the board with five working days.
The preceptor shall also submit all required monthly progress reports completed prior to termination.
What happens when an AIT program is interrupted because the preceptor is unable to serve?
If the preceptor cannot serve, the AIT shall notify the board within five working days and shall obtain a new preceptor who is registered with the board within 60 days.
Credit for training shall resume when a new preceptor is obtained and approved by the board.
If an alternate training plan is developed, it shall be submitted to the board for approval before the AIT resumes training.
Exams:
What is required to be scheduled for the national examination?
A completed Nursing Home Administrator Licensure application is required before an applicant can be approved to take NAB.
What is required to be scheduled for the state exam?
A completed Nursing Home Administrator Licensure application is required before an applicant can be approved to take the state exam. Once the application is approved, the applicant needs to notify the Bd. Office that he/she wishes to be scheduled. The Bd. Office will notify the testing agency, which in turn will contact the applicant regarding the fee and exam date.
Renewal:
When are licenses renewed?
A person who desires to renew their license needs to renew by March 31 of each year. Licensee may renew their license by going to “Online Licensing”
Continuing Education:
How many hours of continuing education is required to renew?
20 hours of approved education is required for each renewal year. Up to five of the 20 hours may be obtained through internet or self-study courses and up to ten continuing education hours in excess of the number required may be transferred or credited to the next renewal year.
What continuing education courses are acceptable?
In order for a continuing education course to be approved by the board, it shall be related to health care administration and shall be approved by the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB) or by an accredited institution.
How long do licensees maintain their continuing education documentation?
Licensees shall retain in their personal files for a period of three renewal years complete documentation of continuing education including evidence of attendance or participation as provided by the approved sponsor for each course taken. For further information, refer to 18 VAC 95-20-175 of the regulations.
Are there any exemptions or extensions in obtaining continuing education?
The board may grant an extension of up to one year or an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements due to circumstances beyond the control of the administrator, such as certified illness, temporary disability, mandatory military service, or official disasters.
Reinstatement:
How do you reinstate a nursing home administrator’s license?
An applicant for nursing home administrator license reinstatement shall apply on a reinstatement form provided by the board, submit the reinstatement fee ($315), and provide one of the following:
(1) Evidence of the
equivalent of 20 hours of continuing education for each year since he last
renewal, not to exceed a total of 60 hours
(2) Evidence of active practice in another or U.S. jurisdiction or in the
U.S. armed services during the period licensure in Virginia was lapsed.
(3) Evidence of requalifying for licensure by meeting the requirements
prescribed in 18 VAC 95-20-220 or 18 VAC 95-20-225.
How do you reinstate a preceptor’s license?
An applicant for preceptor reinstatement shall apply on a reinstatement form provided by the board, submit the reinstatement fee ($95) and meet the current requirements for a preceptor in effect at the time of application for reinstatement.
Name/Address Change:
How do you notify the board office of an address change and/or name change?
All address changes must in writing. The request should include name, license number, and/or social security number, old and new address. The address change may be faxed, E-mail, or mailed to the board office. Address changes can also be made on line by going to “Online Licensing”.
Names changes need to be submitted to the Board office with documentation indicating the name change.
How do I obtain a duplicate copy of my license?
To obtain a duplicate license, submit a written request and a $15 check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Licensees may also obtain a duplicate license by going to Online Licensing.
Verification of License:
How can I have my license verified to another state?
Submit a written request to the board office with a $25 fee. Check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.