Henrico fire chief appointed to governor's newly created Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Board

Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard has been appointed to Virginia's newly established Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Sept. 4. The board was created under Executive Order 52 to strengthen nursing home safety, quality, and transparency throughout Virginia.

Baynard is among 20 appointees selected for their expertise in health care, advocacy, direct care, law and community service. His inclusion reflects the role that first responders often play in safeguarding nursing home residents, many of whom rely on local fire and EMS agencies during emergencies.

“Every Virginian deserves to know that their loved ones are safe, respected, and receiving the highest standard of care in our nursing homes,” Youngkin said in a statement. “This Advisory Board will strengthen oversight, promote transparency, and deliver solutions that protect our most vulnerable seniors.”

The board will advise the Virginia Department of Health on ways to improve long-term care and will recommend policies about budgetary, legislative, and administrative measures aimed at strengthening nursing home quality and oversight statewide. Virginia has nearly 300 licensed nursing homes serving about 33,000 residents, but the Office of Licensure and Certification currently reports a 42% vacancy rate among inspectors, creating delays in investigations and reviews.

The governor’s office said the board’s diverse membership will ensure broad perspectives in addressing those challenges. Other members include elder law attorneys, geriatric care professionals, nursing home administrators, advocates, and state officials.

Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly called the board’s creation a “significant commitment to improving long-term care in Virginia,” adding that lasting success will come only if patient care remains at the center of the state's efforts.

Other members of the board are:

• Sherrin Alsop – supervisor, King and Queen County;
• Peter Anderson – elder care litigation attorney, Rawls Law Group; 
• Jonathan Cook – president and CEO, LifeSpire of Virginia Senior Living Communities;
• James Dau – associate state director, American Association of Retired Persons;
• Laura Finch – gerontological nurse practitioner, Virginia Commonwealth University Center of Aging; 
• Amanda Gannon – nursing home administrator, Green Tree Healthcare; 
• Candace Gilliam – direct care provider, August Healthcare; 
• Emily Hardy, elder law attorney, Virginia Poverty Law Center; 
• Joanna Heiskill – advocate, Justice and Change for Victims of Nursing Facilities;
• Carla Hesseltine – chair, Commonwealth Council in Aging;
• Karen Kimsey – former director, Department of Medical Assistance Services;
• Sam Kukich – executive director, Dignity for the Aged;
• Joani Latimer – state long-term care ombudsman, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services;
• Paige McCleary – adult protective services division director, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services;
• Cheryl Roberts – director, Department of Medical Assistance Services;
• James Sherlock – retired U.S. Navy Captain;
• Dr. Karen Shelton – commissioner, Virginia Department of Health.

• Corie Tillman Wolf, JD, Board of Long-Term Care Administrators Executive Director, Department of Health Professions 

• Todd Barnes, NHA, MED, Administrator, Department of Veterans Services