TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

VIRGINIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board intends to consider amending 4VAC50-85, Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to respond to comments received during the recent periodic review of the regulation and further support Department of Conservation and Recreation initiatives. Specifically, the board authorized this regulatory action to consider concerns related to (i) the need to more quickly and proactively update the Virginia Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria and other documents incorporated by reference into the regulation; (ii) the use of outdated or unnecessary definitions; (iii) incorporating the use of precision agriculture practices and plans; (iv) updating the fees required for training and certification; (v) increasing the flexibility in reporting mechanisms for certified nutrient management planners; and (vi) clarifying recommendations versus requirements in the regulation. The Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations (4VAC50-85) establish the minimum qualifications for individuals who prepare nutrient management plans and the minimum components and content of a nutrient management plan. Nutrient management plans address nutrient applications to both urban landscape and agricultural operations; these plans improve and protect water quality using best management practices such as timing, rate, and placement of fertilizer, manure, and biosolids for agricultural and urban purposes.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 10.1-104.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Lisa McGee, Policy and Planning Director, Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board, 600 East Main Street, 24th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-4378, fax (804) 786-6141, or email lisa.mcgee@dcr.virginia.gov.

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider repealing 12VAC5-408, Regulation for the Certificate of Quality Assurance of Managed Care Health Insurance Plan Licensees, and promulgating 12VAC5-409, Managed Care Health Insurance Plan Quality Assurance Regulation. The purpose of the proposed action is to repeal the chapter governing certificates of quality assurance for licensed managed care health insurance plan (MCHIP) carriers and replace it with a new chapter because the current chapter is outdated and in need of significant style and structure updates. The new chapter will conform to statute, Virginia Administrative Code style, and changes in the regulated industry. Further, the new chapter will be easier to administer by the Virginia Department of Health, will be more easily understood by regulated entities, and will address standards for network adequacy. The state board is considering the development of more specific standards for continuity of care and network accessibility and adequacy. All regulatory language will be reviewed and assessed to ensure that it meets department responsibilities under Article 1.1 (§ 32.1-137.1 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-137.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Peter North, Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 814-4079, or email regulatorycomment@vdh.virginia.gov.

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider repealing 12VAC5-408, Regulation for the Certificate of Quality Assurance of Managed Care Health Insurance Plan Licensees, and promulgating 12VAC5-409, Managed Care Health Insurance Plan Quality Assurance Regulation. The purpose of the proposed action is to repeal the chapter governing certificates of quality assurance for licensed managed care health insurance plan (MCHIP) carriers and replace it with a new chapter because the current chapter is outdated and in need of significant style and structure updates. The new chapter will conform to statute, Virginia Administrative Code style, and changes in the regulated industry. Further, the new chapter will be easier to administer by the Virginia Department of Health, will be more easily understood by regulated entities, and will address standards for network adequacy. The state board is considering the development of more specific standards for continuity of care and network accessibility and adequacy. All regulatory language will be reviewed and assessed to ensure that it meets department responsibilities under Article 1.1 (§ 32.1-137.1 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-137.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Peter North, Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 814-4079, or email regulatorycomment@vdh.virginia.gov.

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider repealing 12VAC5-481, Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations, and promulgating 12VAC5-482, Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to repeal the current regulation and replace it with a new regulation. Section 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the State Board of Health to establish a program of effective regulation of sources of radiation for the protection of public health and safety. After a periodic review in 2022, Virginia Department of Health Office of Radiological Health (ORH) determined that significant changes are required to update the regulation. ORH determined that repealing and replacing this chapter is necessary for several reasons, including the extent of reorganization required to incorporate the Radiation Safety Requirements for Non-healing Arts Radiation Generating Devices (RGD) suggested state regulations developed by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors containing new requirements on RGDs used for security screenings.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Cameron Rose, Policy Analyst, Office of Radiological Health, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-7090, or email cameron.rose@vdh.virginia.gov.

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Health intends to consider repealing 12VAC5-481, Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations, and promulgating 12VAC5-482, Virginia Radiation Protection Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to repeal the current regulation and replace it with a new regulation. Section 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the State Board of Health to establish a program of effective regulation of sources of radiation for the protection of public health and safety. After a periodic review in 2022, Virginia Department of Health Office of Radiological Health (ORH) determined that significant changes are required to update the regulation. ORH determined that repealing and replacing this chapter is necessary for several reasons, including the extent of reorganization required to incorporate the Radiation Safety Requirements for Non-healing Arts Radiation Generating Devices (RGD) suggested state regulations developed by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors containing new requirements on RGDs used for security screenings.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Cameron Rose, Policy Analyst, Office of Radiological Health, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-7090, or email cameron.rose@vdh.virginia.gov.

TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Social Work intends to consider amending 18VAC140-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement the provisions of Chapter 146 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly by (i) combining requirements for a licensed masters social worker and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) supervisee and creating a clear pathway to obtain licensure as a LCSW and (ii) allowing masters social workers to engage in clinical services under supervision.

The agency does not intend 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 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Social Work, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4406, fax (804) 527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.

TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Social Work intends to consider amending 18VAC140-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapters 690 and 704 of the 2024 Acts of Assembly, which entered Virginia into the Social Work Compact. The amendments being considered would make changes consistent with the language and rules of the compact once they are determined, which could include (i) setting a fee to practice in Virginia, (ii) setting forth the requirements to obtain a privilege to practice under the compact, (iii) specifying that renewal of the privilege is based upon adherence to compact rules for continued competency, and (iv) making changes to incorporate individuals practicing in Virginia under a compact privilege into disciplinary and practice provisions.

The agency does not intend 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 14, 2026.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Social Work, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4406, fax (804) 527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.