TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF MEDICINE
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Medicine is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with the first enactment of Chapters 553 and 561 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, which exempts the actions of the board relating to the adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the act; however, the department is required to provide an opportunity for public comment on any such regulations prior to their adoption.
Title of Regulation: 18VAC85-80. Regulations Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy (amending 18VAC85-80-35; adding 18VAC85-80-36; repealing 18VAC85-80-60).
Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: December 3, 2025.
Agency Contact: Erin Barrett, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 750-3912, fax (804) 915-0382, or email erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapters 553 and 561 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, the amendments add a licensure by endorsement pathway for occupational therapists.
18VAC85-80-35. Application Initial licensure requirements.
An applicant for initial licensure shall submit the following on forms provided by the board:
1. A completed application and a fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-80-26.
2. Verification of professional education in occupational therapy as required in 18VAC85-80-40.
3. Documentation of passage of the national examination as required in 18VAC85-80-50.
4. If licensed or certified in any other jurisdiction, verification that there has been no disciplinary action taken or pending in that jurisdiction.
18VAC85-80-36. Licensure by endorsement requirements.
An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall submit the following:
1. Evidence of a current, active license in a United States jurisdiction or Canada that is in good standing;
2. A completed application and fee;
3. Verification of a professional credential in occupational therapy as required in 18VAC85-80-40; and
4. A current report from the National Practitioner Data Bank.
18VAC85-80-60. Practice requirements.
An applicant who has been practicing occupational therapy in another jurisdiction and has met the requirements for licensure in Virginia shall provide evidence that he has engaged in the active practice of occupational therapy as defined in 18VAC85-80-10. If the applicant has not engaged in active practice as defined in 18VAC85-80-10, he shall serve a board-approved practice of 160 hours, which is to be completed within 60 consecutive days, under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8403; Filed October 02, 2025