Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Veterinary Medicine intends to consider amending 18VAC150-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine. The purpose of the proposed action is to address the opioid abuse crisis in Virginia by adopting regulations for veterinarians prescribing controlled substances containing opioids. The proposed regulations for the management of acute pain include requirements for the evaluation of the patient, limitations on quantity and dosage, and recordkeeping. The proposed regulations provide requirements for prescribing an opioid beyond 14 days for chronic pain and certain chronic conditions and allow for prescribing of buprenorphine in a dosage, quantity, and formulation appropriate for an animal species and size. Finally, the proposed regulations include requirements for continuation of treatment and for the content of the medical record.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 9, 2017.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Veterinary Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4468, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.