Assisted living in Virginia: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Virginia, and what to check before you choose.
What Virginia calls it
In Virginia, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Facility (ALF)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Virginia's Department of Medical Assistance Services lists the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver, which serves all ages with no waiting list, among its waivers; the page does not mention assisted living. Eligibility rules apply.
Checking a community
A search page that lets users view inspections and violations of assisted living facilities and other licensed programs.
Help and complaints
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Social Services lists a Disclosure Statement form and a Rights and Responsibilities of Residents of ALFs document on its assisted living facility page.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Virginia?
Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs.