Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Medicine intends to consider amending the following regulation: 18VAC85-50, Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants. The purpose of the proposed action is to consider changes to the "fourth visit rule" and also review language in all of Part IV on Practice Requirements to include the use of and requirements for a protocol.

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

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

Public Comment Deadline: January 5, 2011.

Agency Contact: William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director, Board of Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4621, FAX (804) 527-4429, or email william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov.