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 18VAC90-40, Regulations for Prescriptive Authority for Nurse Practitioners. The purpose of the proposed action is to add a section to 18VAC90-40 to (i) include in regulation the statutory requirement that takes effect on July 1, 2020, that a prescription for a controlled substance that contains an opioid must be issued as an electronic prescription and (ii) provide for a one-year waiver from the requirement if a practitioner can demonstrate economic hardship or technological limitations beyond the practitioner's control or for other exceptional circumstances.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3408.02 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: February 5, 2020.

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.