Assisted Living Facility Administrator Licensure FAQs

What are the qualifications for licensure as an Assisted Living Facility Administrator?

There are three routes for licensure:

1. Education: Administrator in Training (AIT) program; a certificate program; or a degree and practical experience;
2. Endorsement, or
3. Credentials (see Regulation 18 VAC 95-30-100)

Applicants must also hold a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) and a passing grade on the national examination administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

A current, Virginia licensed Nursing Home Administrator may engage in the administration of an assisted living facility. See Regulation 18 VAC 95-30-50.

What are the steps for licensure?

For applicants who are applying by credentials or who already completed an (AIT) Program:

Step 1: Submit the Assisted Living Facility Administrator application, non-refundable fee, and any additional required documentation. You are notified by the Board when this step is complete.

Step 2: After receiving notification from the Board, register with (NAB) to take the National Exam.

Step 3: The Board notifies NAB when you submit your application and that you are eligible to take the exam. The NAB then contacts you to pick a testing location and date.

Step 4: Take the national exam. NAB reports national exam test results to the Board on a regular basis. Your results are released after the Board records them. The NAB notifies you how to obtain the scores.

Step 5: Once you pass the exam, a license is issued and mailed to you by the Board within thirty (30) days. You can also find real-time verification of your license on the DHP License Lookup page.

Do you offer licensure by endorsement?

Yes. The Board may issue a license to any person who holds a current, unrestricted license from any state or the District of Columbia, is engaged in active practice as an Assisted Living Administrator or has the education and experience for an initial licensure and passes the national exam.

How long does my licensure application remain on file?

All application expire after one year. A new application and non-refundable fee are required to obtain your licensure.

What are the qualifications to apply for an (AIT) program?

The following requirements must be met for approval as an Administrator-in-Training: 

• meet the requirements of Regulation 18 VAC 95-30-100 (A)(1);
• obtain a preceptor to provide training in a licensed facility;
• submit an application and the non-refundable, required fee; and;
• submit additional documentation as necessary to determine eligibility of the applicant and the number of hours required for the AIT program. A Proposed AIT Training Plan/Domains of Practice form must be included with the application that includes the total proposed program hours.

What are the requirements for temporary practice of an out-of-state practitioner in an assisted living facility in Virginia?

Effective July 1, 2024, House Bill 511 amends and reenacts § 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia, adding assisted living facilities to the list of eligible employers allowing ALF administrators licensed, certified, or registered in another state or the District of Columbia to temporarily practice for one 90-day period, provided that the ALF administrator is contracted by or has received an offer of employment in Virginia and certain other conditions are met.

The ALF and ALF facility administrator shall adhere to the following requirements outlined in § 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia to be eligible for the temporary practice period: 

1. The out-of-state ALF administrator shall be contracted by or have received an offer of employment in the Commonwealth from an assisted living facility;
2. The assisted living facility shall verify that the out-of-state ALF administrator possesses an active and unencumbered license, certification, or registration in another state or the District of Columbia;
3. The assisted living facility shall obtain a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank if the applicant is subject to reporting; and
4. Prior to the out-of-state ALF administrator practicing, the assisted living facility shall notify the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators that the out-of-state ALF administrator is employed or under contract and will practice under the temporary authorization. This notice shall include the out-of-state ALF administrator's out-of-state license, certification, or registration number and a statement that such ALF administrator meets all of the requirements set forth in 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia.

The Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrator’s Out-of-State Temporary Practitioner Reporting form can be accessed here.

Out-of-state ALF administrators practicing under a temporary authorization pursuant to § 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia shall be subject to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth and shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators.

This legislation is effective July 1, 2024.