Bickford of Spotsylvania was inspected 19 times between March 19, 2021 and December 11, 2025 by the Virginia Department of Social Services. 14 of those visits ended with violations cited and 5 with none. Across that history VDSS cited 44 violations under 31 distinct standards. 11 inspections were prompted by a complaint.
A violation is a licensing standard - a rule in the Virginia Administrative Code - that the inspector found the facility was not meeting. Each is shown with the evidence the inspector recorded and, where VDSS publishes it, the facility's own plan of correction.
VDSS publishes inspections on a rolling window. 17 of these 19 are still on the state's site; the other 2 have since dropped off it and are reproduced from Assisted Living Magazine's archive of the original VDSS reports.
Provider Information
Inspection History
19Select an inspection to read the areas reviewed, the inspector's comments and any violations cited.
December 11, 2025Inspection
- The facility submitted a self-report on 11/14/2025, stating that “an unlicensed employee administered medications to residents."
- The facility’s Med Pass Details indicated that staff 1 administered over two hundred medications to approximately thirty residents over the course of the following days: 05/31/2025, 09/21/2025, 10/19/2025, and 11/13/2025.
- Upon request the facility, 12/11/2025 was unable to provide a license by the Commonwealth of Virginia to administer medications or a registration with the Virginia Board of Nursing as a medication aide for staff 1.
- During the onsite inspection, 12/11/2025, staff 4 confirmed that staff 1 was suspended and was formerly under investigation for administering medications to residents without a license by the Commonwealth of Virginia to administer medications or a registration with the Virginia Board of Nursing as a medication aide.
- The licensing department received a self-report on 11/14/2025 stating, “an unlicensed employee administered medications to residents in an assisted living facility” on 05/31/2025, 09/21/2025, 10/19/2025, and 11/13/2025.
- The Medication Management Plan stated, “medication is only to be administered, supervised, or reminders given by qualified Bickford Family Members (BFMs). Qualified BFMs: BFMs who are licensed/certified/credentialed to administer medications and whose medications tasks have been successfully delegated by the nurse.
- During the onsite inspection, 12/11/2025, staff 4 confirmed that due to insufficient staffing of registered medication technicians an employee who did not meet the qualification requirements for administering medications documented that they administered over two hundred medications to approximately thirty residents over the course of the following days: 05/31/2025, 09/21/2025, 10/19/2025, and 11/13/2025.
- Upon request the facility did not provide a written plan that specified the number and type of direct care staff required to meet the day-to-day, routine direct care needs and any identified special needs for residents in care.
- During the onsite inspection, 12/11/2025, staff 4 provided the disclosure statement in lieu of the written plan. Staff 5 confirmed that the written plan was not provided upon request.
- During the onsite inspection, 12/11/2025, staff 4 provided a disclosure statement that detailed adequate staff and confirmed the staffing schedule to include both assisted living facility and the safe, secure environment: first shift (7 am – 3 pm) 2 registered medication aides (RMAs) and 3 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) were to be scheduled; second shift (3 pm – 11 pm) 2 RMAs and 3 CNAs; and third shift (11 pm – 7 am) 1 RMA and 2 CNAs.
- The May and October 2025 staffing schedules indicated that RMAs were not scheduled on the first shift: 05/31/2025, 10/12/2025, and 10/18/2025.
- The November 2025 staffing schedule indicated that one RMA was scheduled on the first shift: 11/09/2025, 11/10/2025, 11/14/2025, and 11/15/2025.
- The October and November 2025 staffing schedules indicated that RMAs were not scheduled on the second shift: 10/12/2/2025, and 11/13/2025.
- The May, October, and November 2025 staffing schedules indicated that one RMA was scheduled on the second shift: 05/26/2025, 05/31/2025, 10/13/2025, 10/14/2025, 10/15/2025, 10/16/2025, 10/17/2025, 10/18/2025, and 11/15/2025.
- The October 2025 staffing schedule indicated that RMAs were not scheduled on the third shift: 10/12/2025, 10/13/2025, and 10/18/2025.
- The October 2025 staffing schedule indicated that CNAs were not scheduled on the first and second shift on 10/12/2025.
- During the onsite inspection, 12/11/2025, staff 4 confirmed that the facility did not have staff sufficient in numbers to provide services to attain and maintain the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident as determined by resident assessments and individualized service plans.
- Upon request the facility did not provide the staff schedule for 09/21/2025 and 10/19/2025.
- During the onsite inspection 12/11/2025, staff 2 confirmed that the staff schedules for 09/21/2025 and 10/19/2025 were “not found” or provided to licensing inspector (LI).
December 11, 2025Complaint survey
September 24, 2025Complaint survey
- During an unannounced complaint inspection, 9/24/2024, the Licensing Inspector (LI) discovered resident 1 (date of admission 8/28/2024) eloped from the facility on 9/5/2024.
- Staff 1 confirmed the incident had not been reported to the RLO.
- Resident 1 was admitted 8/28/2024. A UAI was completed on 9/9/2024, 13 days after admission.
- Staff 3 confirmed the UAI was not completed prior to admission.
- Resident 1 preadmission health and physical (dated 8/26/2024) classified Resident 1 with dementia.
- Initial ISP (dated 8/29/2024) in wandering and elopement section describes behaviors of wandering and exit seeking behavior and intervention to provide redirection and exit seeking behavior. In Cognitive section of ISP listed needs included frequent help due to disorientation, memory loss, and difficulty completing tasks.
- A UAI dated 9/9/2024 lists behavior patterns as wandering. An admitting UAI was not available.
- The facility communication log documented exit seeking behavior, 8/29/2024, 9/1/2024. Resident 1 eloped on 9/5/2024.
- Staff 4 statement: On September 15, 2024, resident 1 tried to exit the doors in the dining room. Staff redirected him to the inside courtyard because resident 1 wanted to be outside. Staff 4 returned to check on resident 1 five minutes later and resident 1 was missing. The alarms to the exterior doors did not alarm.
- Staff 5 statement: Upon admission resident 1 was confused with location but was able to be independent with self- care, dressing, toileting and eating. On September 15, 2024, staff 5 was able to redirect resident 1 but they were trying to exit the building. Staff 5 checked on resident 1 in the courtyard to give them breakfast in the dining area but resident 1 was not there. The exterior door alarms did not go off and their family was not in the building that day. Family to other residents were in the building and some of them have FOBs to exit the building without staff assistance and without the alarms going off. When resident 1 was located in a neighborhood behind the facility. When resident 1 was found there were no signs of distress or injuries.
- Resident 1 (date of admission 8/28/2024) has an initial Individualized Service Plan (ISP) completed 8/29/2024. In section, Special Care Needs, the provider indicated safety checks are to be performed two times a shift.
- LI interviewed Staff 3 on 9/25/2024 who stated safety checks are listed on a task sheet for each resident. The task sheet does not include elements required in the standards.
- Staff 3 did not provide documentation safety checks were completed.
July 8, 2025Complaint survey
- The Licensing Inspector (LI) toured the building with Staff 1 on 7/8/2025. During the tour, LI and staff 1 observed that in the memory care area, a fan above the dining room tables had a buildup of dust on its blades, and a chair in the dining area was soiled.
- Staff 1 confirmed the fan and chair needed cleaned.
- Photo evidence
April 7, 2025Inspection
- Resident 1’s UAI, dated 4/3/2025, noted resident 1’s behavior pattern as appropriate. The admitting physical examination, dated 3/28/2025, identified resident 1 as needing memory care supervision as resident noted to wanders/leaves facility that is not secure, with proper supervision. The ISP dated 4/3/2025, identified the resident’s need for frequent redirection due to elopement risk.
- Resident 1’s UAI left blank the level of care needed for the resident as either residential living or assisted living. The admitting physical examination identified resident 1 needing memory care.
- Staff 4 and staff 5 confirmed the provided UAI was the UAI of record. Staff 7 confirmed the ISP was the comprehensive ISP.
- During review of the ISP, dated 4/3/2025, for resident 1, the LI noted that safety checks were to be completed four times per shift.
- LI requested documentation of the safety checks for resident 1 as noted on the ISP.
- Staff 4 and staff 5 confirmed that a round log was not completed documenting the safety checks for resident 1.
- During record review on 4/7/2025, the LI noted resident 1 was admitted 3/27/2025 to the electronic system, and staff 7 confirmed a physical move in date of 3/31/2025. The UAI had an initial assessment date of 4/3/2025.
- During interview on 4/7/2025 staff 4 confirmed resident 1 was admitted 3/27/2025 to their system with a physical move in date of 3/31/2025.
- LI requested to see the last two resident emergency exercises. Staff 4 provided a resident emergency exercise conducted on 4/3/2025.
- LI requested a resident emergency exercise conducted six months prior to 4/3/2025. Staff 4 confirmed a resident emergency exercise had not been completed prior to 4/3/2025.
- Resident 1 was admitted on 3/27/2025 with a physical move in date on 3/31/2025.
- Staff 7 confirmed, 5/21/2025, the ISP, dated 4/3/2025, provided to the LI during the on-site inspection conducted on 4/7/2025, was the Comprehensive ISP and not the Preliminary ISP.
- On 4/7/2025, the Licensing Inspector (LI) reviewed resident 1’s admitting history and physical dated 3/28/2025 which identified resident 1 as having wandering and exit seeking behaviors and required placement in a secure unit to reduce risk of elopement.
- Resident 1’s Individual Service Plan (ISP), dated 4/3/2025, under the wandering and elopement section, stated the facility will provide redirection for exit seeking behaviors.
- During an interview on 4/7/2025, staff 3 stated she was called by law enforcement asking if she knew [resident 1]. The officer informed staff 3 he had found resident 1 outside. Staff 3 assisted resident 1 back to the secure care unit.
- During an interview on 4/7/2025, staff 2 stated they were unaware resident 1 was missing until the police called and brought resident 1 back to the facility. Staff 2 also stated that resident 1 was “always actively trying to get out and goes to the same door often.”
- On 4/7/2025, LI requested door monitoring/audit records for resident 1. Facility provided Quantum Safety and Security Daily Event reports showing dates/times resident 1 would approach secured doors and whether doors alarmed. a. On 4/2/2025 at 5:47 p.m. (42 seconds) resident 1 was at the rear entrance of the secure unit. b. On 4/2/2025 at 5:47 p.m. (59 seconds) resident 1 activated the alarm at the rear entrance of the secure unit. c. On 4/2/2025 at 5:48 p.m. (15 seconds) resident 1 left the rear entrance of the secure unit. d. On 4/2/2025 at 6:53 p.m. (33 seconds) resident 1 activated the front door alarm of the facility upon return with law enforcement.
- Resident 1 was out of the facility for 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Resident 1 was admitted to the secure care unit on 3/31/2025.
- The Licensing Inspector (LI) received an incident report from the facility advising that resident 1 had eloped from the secure care unit on 4/2/2025 and was returned to the facility by law enforcement. No injuries noted. Facility also noted on the incident report that resident 1’s wander guard would be set to a higher signal and there was a glitch in the system. New wander guards would be ordered.
- Staff 2 provided a written statement to the facility on 4/4/2025 which indicated resident 1 “was able to get through the door without the alarm going off due to improperly {sic} working alarm system again this year”
- On 4/7/2025, staff 1 demonstrated for the LI how the exit doors would alarm for 15 seconds when pushed prior to opening.
- During lunch preparation, the LI stood in the middle of the dining room amongst staff and residents to listen for the door alarm following activation by staff 1. The LI was able to faintly hear the door alarm.
- At 12:00 p.m. on 4/7/2025, the LI approached the main door of the secure unit which opened into the dining room of the unit. The LI activated the door alarm and entered the secure unit and observed staff 1 and staff 2 assisting residents with lunch preparations. Neither staff member responded to the door alarm.
- Staff 1 confirmed to the LI that staff did not respond to the door alarm when activated.
April 7, 2025Inspection
- During a previous inspection on 9/20/2024, the Licensing Inspector (LI) determined that staff 5 was the acting administrator for the facility.
- LI received an email from staff 7 on 10/17/2024 which stated staff 6 would assume the role as acting administrator for the facility beginning 10/17/2024. Staff 6 was acting through 11/20/2024.
- LI received an email from staff 7 on 2/10/2025 which stated staff 3 would now be the acting administrator effective 2/10/2025.
- LI emailed staff 7 on 2/10/2025, seeking confirmation of compliance with Standard 150-B, Part Six: allowable duration of an acting administrator, and Part Nine: a limit of no more than two acting administrators within a two-year period. No response was received.
- Staff 7 did not request to assign a third acting administrator within a two-year period of time.
January 16, 2025Inspection
- During an interview with staff 1 and staff 2 on 1/16/2025, LI requested the orientation and semi- annual review of the emergency preparedness and response plan. A Disaster Preparedness and Tornado Training course was provided.
- Staff 1 and staff 2 confirmed the semiannual review were not completed; documentation was not available and could not be provided.
- During document review on 1/16/2025, LI observed the medication reviews were completed on 2/29/2024, 5/31/2024, and 11/30/2024.
- During interview with staff 1 on 1/16/2025, LI asked if the medication reviews were Completed quarterly or every six months? Staff 1 stated they were completed quarterly. LI requested the facility policy stating medication reviews would be completed quarterly.
- Staff 1 provided Pharmacy Coordination Policy which stated, “A quarterly medication audit is completed at the Branch by an independent pharmacist.”
- LI requested documentation of an August 2024 medication review to complete the quarterly medication review sequence. Staff 1 confirmed the August 2024 medication review could not be located and documentation was not available from the independent pharmacist.
- LI requested to review documentation of resident emergency exercises every six months.
- Staff 1 and staff 2 confirmed the resident emergency exercises were not completed; documentation was not available and could not be provided.
- During tour of the facility on 1/16/2025, LI requested to view the posted list of staff who were first aid and CPR certified.
- Staff 1 confirmed the list had not been kept current and posted in the facility and the information was not readily available to all staff at all times.
- During interview with staff 3 on 1/17/2025, LI requested if the resident agreement included information that residents would be informed of the facility policy on weapons along with formation of a resident council.
- Staff 3 reviewed resident agreement and confirmed the facility policy on weapons and formation of resident council was not included in the resident agreement.
- Licensing Inspector (LI), during a tour of the facility on 1/16/2025, observed the fire and emergency evacuation drawing did not include the identification and location of telephone.
- During an interview with LI on January 16, 2025, staff 1 confirmed that the fire and emergency drawing did not include the location of telephones.
- Photo evidence taken and labelled P1.
- LI reviewed staff 2, (date of hire (DOH) 9/12/2024), staff 4 (DOH 8/5/2024), staff 5 (DOH 3/25/2024), and staff 6 (DOH 9/19/2024) employee records on 1/17/2025.
- Each orientation record contained a company document stating it must be completed within 10 days of hire. The company orientation document did not include orientation criteria in this subsection.
- Staff 1 reviewed the orientation document and the standards with the LI. Staff 1 confirmed the company orientation form did not meet criteria within this subsection.
- During document review on 1/16/2025, LI observed a medication review, dated 2/29/2024, which did not include certification by the consulting pharmacist that requirements of subdivision E1 through E11 of this standard were met.
- Staff 1 reviewed the medication review and confirmed the certification was not included on the form.
- LI requested the review of resident emergencies with all staff every six months including staff signatures and date.
- Staff 1 and staff 2 confirmed the reviews were not completed every six months; documentation was not completed and could not be provided.
- During interview with staff 1 and staff 2 on 1/17/2025, LI asked if the emergency evacuation plan had been approved by the appropriate fire official.
- Staff 1 and staff 2 confirmed the plan had not been approved by the appropriate fire official.
- During document review, LI observed fire drills were not completed for May 2024, June 2024, July 2024, and August 2024.
- Drills were also completed on the first shift 9/23/2024 at 10:40 a.m. and 10/18/2024 at 10:50 a.m.
December 5, 2024Complaint survey
- Licensing Inspector (LI) requested the most recent physician order sheet (POS) and Medication Administration Record (MAR) for resident 1 from staff 2 to complete a medication cart review on 12/5/2024. Staff 2 provided POS dated 12/5/2024 and the December MAR. During the cart review the LI and staff 3 observed Tramadol 50mg in the med cart that was not on the POS or the MAR.
- During an interview with staff 2 on 12/5/2024, the LI asked if there was an order to discontinue or add the Tramadol 50mg to resident 1’s medication list. Staff 2 stated the Tramadol 50mg was discontinued and staff 2 provided a physician order dated 11/20/2024 to discontinue the Tramadol 50mg.
- LI requested the facility medication management plan. The facility medication management plan, PP-61050-Medication management, section #6 Disposal states, following a resident change in medication all unused medications will be returned to the pharmacy or destroyed. The plan further states controlled substances shall be destroyed in a timely manner. Staff 3 stated during an interview on 12/5/2024, the controlled medications are to be destroyed immediately.
- LI, during an interview with Staff 2 on 12/5/2024, asked when are medications to be destroyed? Staff 2 responded they are destroyed the same day with two nurses, medication technicians are not allowed to destroy medications. The Tramadol 50mg count log was compared to the Tramadol 50mg in the cart with no discrepancies noted.
- Staff 2 and staff 3 observed the Tramadol 50mg in the medication cart, on 12/5/2024, 15 days after the order to discontinue the medication had been given by the physician on 11/20/2024.
- Photo evidence taken.
December 5, 2024Complaint survey
September 24, 2024Complaint survey
- Resident 1 (date of admission 8/28/2024) has an initial Individualized Service Plan (ISP) completed 8/29/2024. In section, Special Care Needs, the provider indicated safety checks are to be performed two times a shift.
- LI interviewed Staff 3 on 9/25/2024 who stated safety checks are listed on a task sheet for each resident. The task sheet does not include elements required in the standards.
- Staff 3 did not provide documentation safety checks were completed.
- During an unannounced complaint inspection, 9/24/2024, the Licensing Inspector (LI) discovered resident 1 (date of admission 8/28/2024) eloped from the facility on 9/5/2024.
- Staff 1 confirmed the incident had not been reported to the RLO.
- Resident 1 was admitted 8/28/2024. A UAI was completed on 9/9/2024, 13 days after admission.
- Staff 3 confirmed the UAI was not completed prior to admission.
- Resident 1 preadmission health and physical (dated 8/26/2024) classified resident 1 with dementia.
- Initial ISP (dated 8/29/2024) in wandering and elopement section describes behaviors of wandering and exit seeking behavior and intervention to provide redirection and exit seeking behavior. In Cognitive section of ISP listed needs included frequent help due to disorientation, memory loss, and difficulty completing tasks.
- A UAI dated 9/9/2024 lists behavior patterns as wandering. An admitting UAI was not available.
- The facility communication log documented exit seeking behavior, 8/29/2024, 9/1/2024. resident 1 eloped on 9/5/2024.
- Staff 4 statement: On September 15, 2024, resident 1 tried to exit the doors in the dining room. Staff redirected him to the inside courtyard because resident 1 wanted to be outside. Staff 4 returned to check on resident 1 five minutes later and resident 1 was missing. The alarms to the exterior doors did not alarm.
- Staff 5 statement: Upon admission resident 1 was confused with location but was able to be independent with self-care, dressing, toileting and eating. On September 15, 2024, staff 5 was able to redirect resident 1 but they were trying to exit the building. Staff 5 checked on resident 1 in the courtyard to give them breakfast in the dining area but resident 1 was not there. The exterior door alarms did not go off and their family was not in the building that day. Family to other residents were in the building and some of them have FOBs to exit the building without staff assistance and without the alarms going off. When resident 1 was located in a neighborhood behind the facility. When resident 1 was found there were no signs of distress or injuries.