Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Medicine intends to consider promulgating 18VAC85-21, Regulations Governing Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine. The purpose of the proposed action is to respond to a public health emergency in deaths from overdoses and Chapter 291 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly, which mandates promulgation of regulations for prescribing of opioids and buprenorphine.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2928.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: May 3, 2017.

Agency Contact: William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director, Board of Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4558, FAX (804) 527-4429, or email william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov.