Veterans Desk · Florida 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Independent & Veteran-Built

VA Community Education

How To Become Nursing Facilities & Intermediate Care Facilities

A Guide for Nursing Facilities & Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)

DCP Hub · Clinical Education

Long-Term Care · Residential Healthcare

Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted partner in helping healthcare organizations serve those who have served our nation. This guide is designed for Nursing Facilities (NFs) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) that wish to enroll in the VA Community Care Network (CCN). These facilities provide essential long-term care, rehabilitation, and daily living support to veterans with chronic medical or functional needs.

Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN

1

Verify Your Facility Credentials

• Maintain valid state licensure and certification as an NF or ICF
• Ensure compliance with CMS standards and any applicable federal/state regulations

2

Prepare Required Documents

  • Proof of facility licensure and CMS certification (if applicable)
  • Facility staffing plan, showing licensed RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and relevant support staff
  • W-9 form for reimbursement
  • Current proof of general liability or malpractice insurance
  •  Written documentation of compliance with health, safety, and patient care standards

3

Submit Your Application

Submit your application through the appropriate VA CCN portal for your region:

4

Complete Required Training

Facilities must complete training on:
• VA compliance requirements
• Documentation and care coordination protocols

Training materials are available  here

5

Credentialing & Facility Review

  • Your facility and staff credentials will be verified by the CCN administrator
  •  Additional reviews may assess accessibility, safety, and alignment with veteran care needs

6

Final Contract

  • Once credentialed, you will receive a contract outlining reimbursement policies and care expectations
  •  Upon signing, you may begin delivering authorized care to veterans in your facility

Why NFs and ICFs Matter to Veterans

About This Specialty

Many veterans live with complex health challenges such as chronic conditions, reduced mobility, cognitive impairments, or the need for post-acute rehabilitation. Nursing Facilities and ICFs offer structured environments with round-the-clock care, skilled nursing, and personalized support. These services are vital in preserving veterans’ dignity, safety, and quality of life.

As an NF or ICF, your role in the VA CCN includes:
  • Providing 24/7 nursing care and supervision for eligible veterans.
  • Supporting physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and rehabilitation needs
  •  Assisting with medication management, ADLs, and chronic condition monitoring
  • Coordinating care with VA case managers and social workers
  • Ensuring veterans transition safely from hospital to long-term care or intermediate settings

Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN

Expand Veteran Access to Skilled Care

Address the growing need for high-quality long-term and rehabilitative care for aging and medically complex veterans

Streamlined Reimbursement

Receive timely payment for approved services as outlined in the veteran’s individualized care plan

Collaborative Care Planning

Work alongside VA healthcare teams to ensure veterans receive coordinated, veteran-centric care

Participation in VA Programs

Join initiatives aimed at reducing institutionalization when appropriate and enhancing quality of life

Compliance & Quality Recognition

Be recognized for meeting high standards of care for a respected and deserving population

Meaningful Impact

Help veteran families navigate one of the most complex healthcare and service systems their children will encounter — with your expertise as the guide.

Career Support & Military Pathways

Educational Support & Professional Growth

Transitioning from Military Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Facilities deliver skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, assistance with ADLs, medication management, chronic disease monitoring, and cognitive support services.

Placement is authorized after a VA physician and care team assess medical necessity and document the need for facility-based care in the veteran’s treatment plan.

Yes. The VA will reimburse for any care that is medically necessary and explicitly approved in the veteran’s authorized care plan, including both short-term rehab and long-term residence.

Yes. Veterans may be referred via VA discharge planners or care coordination teams. However, care must be pre-authorized through the VA CCN before admission.

Ready to Join

Start Your VA CCN Enrollment Today

Licensed Nursing Facilities & Intermediate Care Facilities
can begin the enrollment process in the VA Community Care Network through Optum (Regions 1–3) or TriWest (Regions 4–5). Veterans Desk provides education. The VA’s administrators handle enrollment.
Disclaimer. Veterans Desk is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is not a HIPAA-covered entity and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any federal agency. All content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or clinical advice. Veterans Desk does not collect, store, or transmit Protected Health Information (PHI). Enrollment eligibility, reimbursement terms, and credentialing requirements are determined solely by the VA, Optum, and TriWest — verify current requirements directly with those organizations. Emergency: 911 | Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) | Text 838255.