HOUSE BILL NO. 231 Offered January 11, 2006 Prefiled January 3, 2006 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-1701.1, relating to emergency preparedness training. ---------- Patron-- Jones, D.C. ---------- Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-1701.1 as follows:

§ 63.2-1701.1. Emergency preparedness training.

As a condition of licensure, all operators of assisted living facilities, adult day centers, and child welfare agencies shall undergo an emergency preparedness training program as described in this section. The Board, in consultation with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, shall develop such a program, which shall include the essential procedures, operations, and assignments required to prevent, manage, and respond to a critical event or emergency, including natural disasters involving fire, flood, tornadoes, or other severe weather; loss or disruption of power, water, communications, or shelter; medical emergencies; explosions; bomb threats; gun, knife, or other weapons threats; spills or exposures to hazardous substances; the presence of unauthorized persons or trespassers; the loss, disappearance, or kidnapping of a resident; hostage situations; violence on the facility property; incidents involving acts of terrorism; and other incidents posing a serious threat of harm to residents, personnel, or facilities.