Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Nursing intends to consider amending 18VAC90-19, Regulations Governing the Practice of Nursing. The purpose of the proposed action is to specify that the standard of practice prohibits a nurse from engaging in conversion therapy with a patient. The amendments will define conversion therapy and specify that it does not include counseling or therapy that provides assistance to a person undergoing gender transition or counseling or therapy that provides acceptance, support, and understanding. The goal is to align regulations of the board with the stated policies and ethics for the profession.

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: September 30, 2020.

Agency Contact: Jay P. Douglas, R.N., Executive Director, Board of Nursing, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4520, FAX (804) 527-4455, or email jay.douglas@dhp.virginia.gov.