McClellan Demands Answers from Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Following Reports of Substandard Care

Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) sent a letter to the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center to express deep concern over a growing number of reports describing troubling conditions at the facility:

“The deeply concerning and persistent reports emerging from Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center warrant a thorough investigation. Federal and state officials have a responsibility to uphold the dignity and well-being of every Virginian, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of care. These individuals are parents, grandparents and loved ones whose voices often go unheard.

“Families across Virginia place their trust in nursing and rehabilitation centers to provide their loved ones with the care and attention they deserve. They should never have to question whether that trust is misplaced. Virginians deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are safe, valued, and treated with the utmost dignity. 

“The disturbing reports about conditions at the Colonial Heights Rehabilitation Center demand answers. Both federal and state authorities must ensure Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center remedies this concerning situation immediately, so nursing home residents can get the quality care they deserve.”

Multiple reports indicate persistent staffing issues that management has failed to resolve. A Virginia Department of Health inspection report published in February 2025 found that staff did not promptly respond to requests for assistance from residents, failed to check on residents at regular intervals, and did not help residents maintain proper hygiene. 

It was also reported that insufficient staffing forced nursing personnel into unsafe situations, such as a single assistant being responsible for caring for over 30 residents.

McClellan demanded answers to a series of questions, including:

• What process does your leadership use to identify and correct deficiencies in resident care?
• What concrete actions are you taking to resolve staffing shortages and ensure adequate nursing coverage at Colonial Heights?
• How many compliance surveys have been conducted at your facility in the past five years for state and federal requirements? Have any of these surveys been related to allegations of abuse or neglect? If so, were any deficiencies in those areas substantiated?
• What corrective actions have been imposed on your facility in the past five years? Are there any ongoing corrective actions currently in place while your facility works to resolve deficiencies identified during surveys?
• Did the most recent survey result in any corrective actions related to your license to operate issued by the Virginia Department of Health?
• Moving forward, what steps will you take to provide greater transparency and accountability around the quality of care provided at the facility?

Read the full letter here.

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