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 Chapters 553 and 561 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, which exempt the actions of the board relating to the initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the acts; however, the board is required to provide an opportunity for public comment on regulations prior to their adoption.
Title of Regulation: 18VAC85-50. Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants (amending 18VAC85-50-50; adding 18VAC85-50-51).
Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
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 physician assistants.
18VAC85-50-50. Licensure: entry requirements and application Initial licensure.
A. The applicant seeking initial licensure as a physician assistant shall submit:
1. A completed application and fee as prescribed by the board.
2. Documentation of successful completion of an educational program as prescribed in § 54.1-2951.1 of the Code of Virginia.
3. Documentation of passage of the certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
4. If licensed or certified in any other jurisdiction, verification that there has been no disciplinary action taken or pending in that jurisdiction.
B. The board may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant for licensure if the applicant (i) is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Commonwealth, (ii) holds current certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and (iii) holds a license as a physician assistant that is in good standing, or that is eligible for reinstatement if lapsed, under the laws of another state.
18VAC85-50-51. 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. Evidence of current certification issued by the NCCPA; and
4. A current report from the National Practitioner Data Bank.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8595; Filed May 12, 2026