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 18VAC90-30, Regulations Governing the Licensure of Nurse Practitioners and 18VAC90-40, Regulations for Prescriptive Authority for Nurse Practitioners. The purpose of the proposed action is to address the opioid abuse crisis in Virginia. Regulations for the management of acute pain include requirements for the evaluation of the patient, limitations on quantity and dosage, and medical recordkeeping. Regulations for management of chronic pain include requirements for evaluation and treatment, including a treatment plan, informed consent and agreement, consultation with other providers, and medical recordkeeping. Regulations for prescribing of buprenorphine include requirements for patient assessment and treatment planning, limitations on prescribing the buprenorphine mono-product (without naloxone), dosages, co-prescribing of other drugs, consultation, and medical records for opioid addiction treatment.

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: June 28, 2017.

Agency Contact: Jay P. Douglas, R.N., Executive Director, Board of Nursing, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4520, FAX (804) 527-4455, or email jay.douglas@dhp.virginia.gov.