Virginia Assisted Living Complaint Resources
How to report a Virginia assisted living facility (ALF). Immediate reporting tools, residents' rights, and legal advocacy for residents and families.
Reviewed by Nick Kassatly, Esq. · Published June 30, 2026 · Updated July 23, 2026
Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Licensing Programs
Virginia Adult Protective Services
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Serving as an advocacy program to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities.
To report an assisted living facility in Virginia, contact Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Licensing Programs at 1-800-543-7545 or file a complaint online. Complaints can be filed anonymously. For advocacy help, the Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman can be reached at 804-565-1600.
If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving in a Virginia assisted living facility, you have the right to file a complaint with the state — and you can do so anonymously. In Virginia, assisted living facilities are licensed as Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and are regulated separately from skilled nursing homes.
Who Regulates Assisted Living Facilities in Virginia
Assisted Living Facilities are licensed and investigated by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. Unlike nursing homes — which are overseen by the Virginia Department of Health — assisted living facilities are not federally certified by Medicare, so the state is the primary authority for complaints, inspections, and enforcement.
How to File an Assisted Living Complaint in Virginia
You can report a suspected violation to the Division of Licensing Programs at 1-800-543-7545 or through the online complaint form on the Department of Social Services website. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation can also be reported to the 24-hour Adult Protective Services hotline at 1-888-832-3858. Complaints can be made orally or in writing, and you may remain anonymous. Provide as much detail as possible — resident names, dates, times, and what you observed — so investigators can act quickly.
Memory Care and Dementia Care in Virginia
Many Virginia assisted living facilities serve residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Facilities that operate a safe, secure environment for residents with serious cognitive impairment must meet additional staffing, training, and program standards under state regulations. Complaints about a memory care unit follow the same process and go to the same Division of Licensing Programs hotline above.
VirginiaAssisted Living Regulations & Resources
How Virginia Licenses Assisted Living
Virginia licenses assisted living facilities as Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) under the Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. Facilities that serve residents with serious cognitive impairment must meet additional safe, secure environment and staffing requirements. Memory care is provided within licensed ALFs that meet these added dementia-care standards.
Statute of Limitations
2 years
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for assisted living negligence claims is generally 2 years. Claims may fall under either personal injury or medical malpractice statutes, depending on the specific circumstances. A discovery rule may apply, meaning the clock may not start until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. It is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case, as missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Resident Bill of Rights
Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities — Resident Rights
View Full StatuteComplaint Types Investigated
Abuse and neglect, medication errors, inadequate staffing, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, financial exploitation, improper evictions or transfers, and violations of residents' rights.
What Happens After You File
Investigation Timeline
After receiving a complaint, the Division of Licensing Programs reviews and prioritizes it based on the seriousness of the allegations. Complaints alleging an immediate threat to resident health or safety are prioritized and investigated more quickly, while other complaints are scheduled for review in due course.
Unannounced Inspections
Complaint investigations of assisted living facilities are conducted unannounced so licensing inspectors can observe conditions as they normally are.
Complainant Notification
If you provide your contact information, the Division of Licensing Programs will notify you of the outcome of the investigation. Anonymous complainants will not receive a follow-up.
Enforcement Actions
If violations are substantiated, the Department of Social Services can require a plan of correction, place the facility on a provisional license, and in serious cases impose administrative sanctions, deny renewal, or revoke the facility's license.
Anonymous Complaints
Yes, you can file an assisted living complaint anonymously in Virginia. The Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs accepts anonymous complaints, and your identity as a complainant is protected. Providing your contact information allows investigators to follow up for additional details, which can strengthen the investigation.
Official Sources
- Complaint filing — Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Licensing Programs: dss.virginia.gov
- Resident rights — 22VAC40-73-550: law.lis.virginia.gov
- Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman: dars.virginia.gov
- Mailing address — Virginia Department of Social Services — Division of Licensing Programs: Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an assisted living complaint in Virginia anonymously?expand_more
How do I report an assisted living problem in Virginia and how fast is it investigated?expand_more
What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living complaint in Virginia?expand_more
Not Sure Where to Start?
Speak with an advocate who can guide you through the reporting process and help evaluate your family's legal options.