Virginia’s long-term care system is in crisis — and our lawmakers have the power to fix it.

I’ve just sent an open message to every member of the Virginia General Assembly — House and Senate — urging them to take immediate emergency action to address the abuse, neglect, and chronic understaffing devastating nursing homes across our state.

This crisis affects every Virginian — including our elected officials. At some point, all of us will have a loved one, a friend, or even ourselves needing long-term care or rehab. And what we do now determines whether that care will be safe and dignified — or dangerous and deadly.

I’ve submitted a comprehensive legislative proposal titled The Virginia Long-Term Care Quality and Nursing Admissions Reform Act of 2025 (Dale’s Law). It offers real solutions:
 • Mandatory minimum staffing standards
 • Reform of the broken admissions pipeline
 • Tougher oversight and enforcement
 • And dignity for residents and those who care for them

Ladies and gentlemen — it doesn’t get much easier than this. The problem is documented. The solution has been written and handed directly to our lawmakers. All they have to do is their jobs — and do the right thing.

To those who sat on the committee that killed HB 1753 earlier this year: you should be ashamed. You ignored suffering Virginians. You failed to act. And we will not forget.

We are done accepting the excuse that “nothing can be done until next session.” That is false. Lawmakers have the power to act NOW — through emergency legislation, a special session, or executive pressure.

Thousands of Virginians are already speaking out — and you can, too.
Sign and share the petition here: [change.org/ProtectNursingHomeResidentsVA] (insert actual link)

We are watching. We are organizing. And we will remember who stood up — and who didn’t.

If you agree, share this post. Tag your lawmakers. Tell them to support Dale’s Law. The time is NOW.

– Victoria Jackson
CNA | Advocate | Author of Dale’s Law