Virginia Code Title 36. Housing § 36-99.5:1. Smoke alarms and other fire detection and suppression systems in assisted living facilities, adult day centers and nursing homes and facilities

A. Battery operated or AC powered smoke alarm devices shall be installed in all assisted living facilities and adult day centers licensed by the Department of Social Services, regardless of when the building was constructed.  The location and installation of the smoke alarms shall be determined by the Building Code.

The licensee shall obtain a certificate of compliance from the building official of the locality in which the facility or center is located, or in the case of state-owned buildings, from the Department of General Services.

The licensee shall maintain the smoke alarm devices in good working order.

B. The Board of Housing and Community Development shall promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) establishing standards for requiring (i) smoke alarms and (ii) such other fire detection and suppression systems as deemed necessary by the Board to increase the safety of persons in assisted living facilities, residential dwelling units designed or developed and marketed to senior citizens, nursing homes, and nursing facilities.  All nursing homes and nursing facilities that are already equipped with sprinkler systems shall comply with regulations relating to smoke alarms.