Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-450. Pertaining to the Taking of Bluefish (amending 4VAC20-450-30).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email betty.warren@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This amendment establishes the 2010 commercial bluefish quota as 1,213,280 pounds.

4VAC20-450-30. Commercial landings quota.

A. During the period of January 1 through December 31, commercial landings of bluefish shall be limited to 1,155,945 1,213,280 pounds.

B. When it is projected that 95% of the commercial landings quota has been realized, a notice will be posted to close commercial harvest and landings from the bluefish fishery within five days of posting.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest or land bluefish for commercial purposes after the closure date set forth in the notice described in subsection B of this section.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-752. Pertaining to Blue Crab Sanctuaries (amending 4VAC20-752-20).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: June 25, 2010.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email betty.warren@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This amendment removes the latitude-longitude coordinates associated with physical markers, such as lights and buoys, that already define the blue crab sanctuaries.

4VAC20-752-20. Definitions.

"COLREGS Line" means the COLREGS Demarcation lines, as specified in Coastal Pilot, 35th and 36th editions by Lighthouse Press.

"Three Nautical Mile Limit Line" means the outer limit of the area extending three miles out to sea from the coast as depicted on NOAA nautical charts.

"Virginia Blue Crab Sanctuary" means two distinct sanctuary areas, Area 1 and Area 2, with Area 1 consisting of all tidal waters that are bounded by a line beginning at a point, near the western shore of Fisherman's Island, being on a line from the Cape Charles Lighthouse to the Thimble Shoal Light, having NAD83 geographic coordinates of 37° 05' 58.00" N, 75° 58' 45.95" W; thence southwesterly to Thimble Shoal Light, 37° 00' 52.19" N, 76° 14' 24.63" W; thence southwesterly to the offshore end of Harrison's Fishing Pier, 36° 57' 44.98" N, 76° 15' 31.76" W Ocean View Fishing Pier (formerly Harrison’s Fishing Pier); thence north to Flashing Green Buoy "9" on the York River Entrance Channel, 37° 11' 30.99" N, 76° 15' 16.85" W; thence northeasterly to Wolf Trap Light, 37° 23' 27.15" N, 76° 11' 46.01" W; thence northwesterly to a point, northeast of Windmill Point, 37° 38' 23.13" N, 76° 15' 59.54" W; thence northerly to a point due east of Great Wicomico Light at 37° 48' 15.72" N, 76° 14' 33.15" W; thence northeasterly to a point, 37° 49' 18.10" N, 76° 13' 06.00" W; thence northerly to a point on the Virginia-Maryland state line, 37° 54' 04.00" N, 76° 11' 49.15" W; thence northeasterly to a point on the Virginia-Maryland state line, 37° 55' 44.82" N, 76° 07' 13.41" W; thence southeasterly to a point, southwest of Tangier Island, 37° 44' 59.85" N, 76° 01' 34.31" W; thence southeasterly to a point, southeast of Tangier Island, 37° 43' 41.05" N, 75° 57' 51.84" W; thence northeasterly to a point, south of Watts Island, 37° 45' 36.95" N, 75° 52' 53.87" W; thence southeasterly to a point, 37° 44' 56.15" N, 75° 51' 33.18" W; thence southwesterly to a point, west of Parkers Marsh, 37° 42' 41.49" N, 75° 55' 06.31" W; thence southwesterly to a point, west of Cape Charles Harbor, 37° 15' 37.23" N, 76° 04' 13.79" W; thence southeasterly to a point near the western shore of Fisherman's Island, on the line from Cape Charles Lighthouse to Thimble Shoal Light, said point being the point of beginning, and a continuation of Area 1, consisting of all tidal waters that are bounded by a line beginning at Cape Charles Lighthouse, having NAD83 geographic coordinates of 37° 07' 31.63" N, 75° 53' 58.36" W; thence southwesterly to Cape Henry Lighthouse, 36° 55' 42.02" N, 76° 00' 18.44" W; thence southeasterly to a point, 36° 54' 42.39" N, 75° 56' 44.23" W; thence northeasterly to a point, east of Cape Charles Lighthouse 37° 06' 45" N, 75° 52' 05" W; thence westerly to the Cape Charles Lighthouse, said point being the point of beginning and a second area, Area 2, beginning at a point, 37° 06' 45.00" N, 75° 52' 05.00" W; thence southwesterly to a point, 37° 03' 11.49" N, 75° 53' 27.02" W, said point being a point on the Three Nautical Mile Limit Line; thence southerly following the Three Nautical Mile Limit Line to a point on the Virginia – North Carolina state boundary, 36° 33' 02.59" N, 75° 48' 16.21" W; thence westerly to a point, along the Virginia – North Carolina state boundary to its intersection with the mean low water line, 36° 33' 01.34" N, 75° 52' 03.06" W; thence northerly, following the mean low water line to the Rudee Inlet weir; thence easterly along the weir to the stone breakwater; thence following the stone breakwater to its northernmost point; thence northerly to the mean low water line at the easternmost point of the stone jetty; thence northerly following the mean low water line to its intersection with the COLREG Line, 36° 55' 38.50" N, 76° 00' 20.32" W; thence southeasterly to a point, 36° 54' 42.39" N, 75° 56' 44.23" W, thence northeasterly to a point, 37° 06' 45.00" N, 75° 52' 05.00" W, said point being the point of beginning of this second area.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-950. Pertaining to Black Sea Bass (amending 4VAC20-950-45).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email betty.warren@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This amendment establishes the black sea bass recreational open season from May 22 through October 11 and from November 1 through December 31.

4VAC20-950-45. Recreational possession limits and seasons.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing with hook and line, rod and reel, spear, gig or other recreational gear to possess more than 25 black sea bass. When fishing is from a boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit shall be for that boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish, multiplied by 25. The captain or operator of the boat or vessel shall be responsible for that boat or vessel possession limit. Any black sea bass taken after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately.

B. Possession of any quantity of black sea bass that exceeds the possession limit described in subsection A of this section shall be presumed to be for commercial purposes.

C. The open recreational fishing season shall be from May 22 through August 8 October 11 and from September 4 November 1 through October 4 December 31.

Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-40. Regulations Governing Educational Services for Gifted Students (amending 8VAC20-40-10, 8VAC20-40-20, 8VAC20-40-40, 8VAC20-40-60, 8VAC20-40-70; adding 8VAC20-40-55; repealing 8VAC20-40-30, 8VAC20-40-50).

Statutory Authority: § 22.1-16 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Dr. Margaret N. Roberts, Office of Policy & Communications, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, 101 North 14th Street, 25th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2540, FAX (804) 225-2524, or email margaret.roberts@doe.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) require that school divisions with identification in general intellectual aptitude provide service options "continuously and sequentially" from kindergarten through twelfth grade; (ii) stipulate that identification in a specific academic aptitude area may occur as assessment instruments exist to support identification; (iii) require that school divisions that elect to identify students in one or more specific academic aptitude areas shall provide continuous and sequential service options through twelfth grade; (iv) require that school divisions post their plan for the education of gifted students on their websites and have printed copies of the plan available for citizens who do not have online access; (v) require that the identification and placement committee determine the eligibility status of each student referred for the division's gifted education program and notify the parent or guardian of its decision within 90 instructional days of the receipt of a parent's or legal guardian's consent for assessment; (vi) require that requests filed by parents or legal guardians to appeal any action of the identification and placement committee shall be filed within 10 instructional days of receipt of notification of the action by the division; (vii) reduce the minimum number of criteria used for the identification of gifted students from four to three; (viii) require that school divisions must assure that the selected and administered testing and assessment materials have been evaluated by the developers for cultural, racial, and linguistic biases; (ix) explicitly state that specific academic aptitude areas include English, history and social science, mathematics, or science; (x) require that school divisions provide professional development for instructional personnel who deliver services within the gifted education program based on the competencies specified for the gifted education add-on endorsement; (xi) require that each school board approve a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students that includes the components identified in the regulations; (xii) require that each school board submit a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students to the Department of Education for technical review on a schedule determined by the department; and (xiii) clarify that current funding for the education of gifted students is governed by the appropriation act.

Final regulations were published the Virginia Register of Regulations on February 1, 2010 (26:11 VA.R. 1636-1642 February 1, 2010). A notice of suspension of the regulatory process was published on March 29, 2010 (26:15 VA.R 2291-2292 March 29, 2010). The notice included an announcement of an extended 30-day comment period.

The majority of comments from the extended 30-day comment period addressed disproportionate representation of minority and low socioeconomic groups in gifted programs throughout the Commonwealth. The following changes in 8VAC20-40-60 are the result of public comments during the suspension period. School divisions shall (i) provide an operational definition of giftedness that is applicable to their local program for gifted education, (ii) use information from the review of program effectiveness to develop a statement of program goals and objectives intended to support the achievement of equitable representation of students in gifted education programs, and (iii) provide professional development based on the teacher competencies outlined in 8VAC20-542-310 related to gifted education. In addition, the annual review of program effectiveness shall include the review of program procedures toward the achievement of equitable representation of students.

Part I
Applicability and Definitions

8VAC20-40-10. Applicability.

This chapter shall apply to all local school divisions in the Commonwealth, regarding their gifted education services for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

8VAC20-40-20. Definitions.

The words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the content context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Appropriately differentiated curricula" for gifted students refer to curricula designed in response to their cognitive and effective needs. Such curricula provide emphasis on both accelerative and enrichment opportunities for curriculum and instruction" means curriculum and instruction adapted or modified to accommodate the accelerated learning aptitudes of eligible or identified students in their areas of strength. Such curriculum and instructional strategies provide accelerated and enrichment opportunities that recognize gifted students' needs for (i) advanced content and pacing of instruction,; (ii) original research or production,; (iii) problem finding and solving,; (iv) higher level thinking that leads to the generation of products,; and (v) a focus on issues, themes, and ideas within and across areas of study. Such curriculum and instruction are offered continuously and sequentially to support the achievement of student outcomes, and provide support necessary for these students to work at increasing levels of complexity that differ significantly from those of their age-level peers.

"Eligible student" means a student who has been identified as gifted by the identification and placement committee for the school division's gifted education program.

"Gifted students" means those students in public elementary, middle, and secondary schools beginning with kindergarten through graduation twelfth grade whose abilities who demonstrate high levels of accomplishment or who show the potential for higher levels of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment. Their aptitudes and potential for accomplishment are so outstanding that they require special programs to meet their educational needs. These students will be identified by professionally qualified persons through the use of multiple criteria as having potential or demonstrated abilities and who have evidence of high performance capabilities, which may include leadership, aptitudes in one or more of the following areas:

1. Intellectual General intellectual aptitude or aptitudes. Students with advanced aptitude or conceptualization whose development is accelerated beyond their age peers as demonstrated by advanced skills, concepts, and creative expression in multiple general intellectual ability or in specific intellectual abilities. Such students demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate superior reasoning; persistent intellectual curiosity; advanced use of language; exceptional problem solving; rapid acquisition and mastery of facts, concepts, and principles; and creative and imaginative expression across a broad range of intellectual disciplines beyond their age-level peers.

2. Specific academic aptitude. Students with specific aptitudes in selected academic areas: mathematics; the sciences; or the humanities as demonstrated by advanced skills, concepts, and creative expression in those areas. Such students demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate superior reasoning; persistent intellectual curiosity; advanced use of language; exceptional problem solving; rapid acquisition and mastery of facts, concepts, and principles; and creative and imaginative expression beyond their age-level peers in selected academic areas that include English, history and social science, mathematics, and or science.

3. Technical and practical arts Career and technical aptitude. Students with specific aptitudes in selected technical or practical arts as demonstrated by advanced skills and creative expression in those areas to the extent they need and can benefit from specifically planned educational services differentiated from those provided by the general program experience. Such students demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate superior reasoning; persistent technical curiosity; advanced use of technical language; exceptional problem solving; rapid acquisition and mastery of facts, concepts, and principles; and creative and imaginative expression beyond their age-level peers in career and technical fields.

4. Visual or performing arts aptitude. Students with specific aptitudes in selected visual or performing arts as demonstrated by advanced skills and creative expression who excel consistently in the development of a product or performance in any of the visual and performing arts to the extent that they need and can benefit from specifically planned educational services differentiated from those generally provided by the general program experience. Such students demonstrate or have the potential to demonstrate superior creative reasoning and imaginative expression; persistent artistic curiosity; and advanced acquisition and mastery of techniques, perspectives, concepts, and principles beyond their age-level peers in visual or performing arts.

"Identification" is means the multistaged process of reviewing student data collected at the screening level and conducting further evaluation of student potential to determine the most qualified students for the specific gifted program available. finding students who are eligible for service options offered through the division's gifted education program. The identification process begins with a divisionwide screening component that is followed by a referral component, and that concludes with the determination of eligibility by the school division's identification and placement committee or committees. The identification process includes the review of valid and reliable student data based on criteria established and applied consistently by the school division. The process shall include the review of information or data from multiple sources to determine whether a student's aptitudes and learning needs are most appropriately served through the school division's gifted education program.

"Identification/Placement Committee" "Identification and placement committee" means a standing committee which is composed of a professional who knows the child, classroom teacher or teachers, others representing assessment specialists, gifted program staff and school administration, and others deemed appropriate. This committee may operate at the school or division level. In either case, consistent criteria must be established for the division. the building-level or division-level committee that shall determine a student's eligibility for the division's gifted education program, based on the student's assessed aptitude and learning needs. The identification and placement committee shall determine which of the school division's service options are appropriate for meeting the learning needs of the eligible student.

"Learning needs of gifted students" means gifted students' needs for advanced and complex content that is paced and sequenced to respond to their persistent intellectual, artistic, or technical curiosity; exceptional problem-solving abilities; rapid acquisition and mastery of information; conceptual thinking processes; and imaginative expression across a broad range of disciplines.

"Placement" means the determination of the appropriate educational option options for each eligible student.

"Referral" means the formal and direct process that parents or legal guardians, teachers, professionals, or students, peers, self, or others use to request that a kindergarten through twelfth-grade student be assessed for gifted education program services.

"Screening" is the process of creating the pool of potential candidates using multiple criteria through the referral process, review of test data, or from other sources. Screening is the active search for students who should be evaluated for identification means the divisionwide search each school division conducts at least once annually across all its students to determine which students should be referred for identification and service in the gifted education program. The annual screening shall, at a minimum, consist of a review of current assessment data for all kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. Students selected through the school division's screening process are then referred for formal identification annual process of creating a pool for candidates from kindergarten through twelfth grade using multiple criteria through the referral process, the review of current assessment data, or other information from other sources. Screening is the active search for students who are then referred for the formal identification process.

"Service options" include means the instructional approach or approaches, setting or settings, and staffing selected for the delivery of appropriate service or services that are based on student needs programs service or services provided to eligible students based on their assessed needs in their areas of strength.

"Student outcomes" are specified expectations based on the assessment of student cognitive and affective needs. Such outcomes should articulate expectations for advanced levels of performance for gifted learners means the advanced achievement and performance expectations established for each gifted student, through the review of the student's assessed learning needs and the goals of the program of study, that are reviewed and reported to parents or legal guardians.

Part II
Responsibilities of the Local School Divisions

8VAC20-40-30. Applicability. (Repealed.)

The requirements set forth in this part are applicable to local school divisions providing educational services for gifted students in elementary and secondary schools from kindergarten through graduation.

8VAC20-40-40. Identification Screening, referral, identification, and placement service.

A. Each school division shall establish a uniform procedure with common criteria procedures for screening, referral, and identification of gifted students. referring, identifying, and serving students in kindergarten through twelfth grade who are gifted in general intellectual or specific academic aptitude. If the school division elects to identify students with specific academic aptitudes in general intellectual aptitude, they it shall include procedures for identification and service in, at a minimum, English, history and social science, mathematics, and science, and humanities provide service options from kindergarten through twelfth grade. These procedures will permit referrals from school personnel, parents or legal guardians, other persons of related expertise, peer referral and self-referral of those students believed to be gifted. Pertinent information, records, and other performance evidence of referred students will be examined by a building level or division level identification committee. Further, the committee or committees will determine the eligibility of the referred students for differentiated programs. Students who are found to be eligible by the Identification/Placement Committee shall be offered a differentiated program by the school division. Identification in a specific academic aptitude area may occur as assessment instruments exist to support identification. If the school division elects to identify students in one or more selected academic aptitude areas, it shall provide service options through twelfth grade. School divisions may identify and serve gifted students in career and technical aptitude or visual and or performing arts aptitude, or both, at their discretion.

B. Each school division shall maintain a division review procedure for students whose cases are appealed. This procedure shall involve individuals, the majority of whom did not serve on the Identification/Placement Committee. These uniform procedures shall include a screening process that requires instructional personnel to review, at a minimum, current assessment data on each kindergarten through twelfth-grade student annually. Some data used in the screening process may be incorporated into multiple criteria reviewed by the designated identification and placement committee to determine eligibility, but those data shall not replace norm-referenced aptitude test data.

C. These uniform procedures shall permit referrals from school personnel, parents or legal guardians, or other persons of related expertise, as well as peer or self-referral teachers, professionals, students, peers, self, or others. Such referrals shall be accepted for kindergarten through twelfth-grade students.

D. An identification and placement committee shall review pertinent information, records, and other performance evidence for referred students. The committee shall consider input from a professional who knows the child. The committee shall include a professional who knows the child, as well as classroom teachers, assessment specialists, gifted program staff, school administrators, or others with credentials or experience in gifted education. The committee shall (i) review data from multiple sources selected and used consistently within the division to assess students' aptitudes in the areas of giftedness the school division serves, (ii) determine whether a student is eligible for the division's services, and (iii) determine which of the school division's service options match the learning needs of the eligible student. The committee may review valid and reliable data administered by another division for a transfer student who has been identified previously.

1. Identification of students for the gifted education program shall be based on multiple criteria established by the school division and designed to seek out those students with superior aptitudes, including students for whom accurate identification may be affected because they are economically disadvantaged, have limited English proficiency, or have a disability. Data shall include scores from valid and reliable instruments that assess students' potential for advanced achievement, as well as instruments that assess demonstrated advanced skills, conceptual knowledge, and problem-solving aptitudes.

2. Valid and reliable data for each referred student shall be examined by the building-level or division-level identification and placement committee. The committee shall determine the eligibility of each referred student for the school division's gifted education program services. Students who are found eligible by the identification and placement committee shall be offered programs or courses service options with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction by the school division.

3. The identification process used by each school division must ensure that no single criterion is used to determine a student's eligibility. The identification process shall include at least three measures from the following categories:

a. Assessment of appropriate student products, performance, or portfolio;

b. Record of observation of in-classroom behavior;

c. Appropriate rating scales, checklists, or questionnaires;

d. Individual interview;

e. Individually administered or group-administered, nationally norm-referenced aptitude or achievement tests;

f. Record of previous accomplishments (such as awards, honors, grades, etc.); or

g. Additional valid and reliable measures or procedures.

4. If a program is designed to address general intellectual aptitude or specific academic aptitude, an individually administered or group-administered, nationally norm-referenced aptitude test shall be included as one of the three measures used in the school division's identification procedure.

5. If a program is designed to address either the visual and performing arts or career and technical specific academic aptitude, a portfolio or other performance assessment measure in the specific aptitude area shall be included as part of the data reviewed by the identification and placement committee an individually administered or group-administered, nationally norm-referenced aptitude or achievement test shall be included as one of the three measures used in the school division's identification procedures.

6. If a program is designed to address either the visual or performing arts or career and technical aptitude, a portfolio or other performance assessment measure in the specific aptitude area shall be included as a part of the data reviewed by the identification and placement committee.

E. Within 60 business 90 instructional days of, beginning with the receipt of a referral parent's or legal guardian's consent for assessment, the identification and placement committee shall determine the eligibility status of each student referred for the division's gifted education program and notify the parent or guardian of its decision. If a student is identified as gifted and eligible for services, the identification and placement committee shall determine which service options most effectively meet the assessed learning needs of the student. Identified gifted students shall be offered placement in a classroom or program an instructional setting that provides:

1. Appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction provided by professional instructional personnel trained to work with gifted students; and

2. Monitored and assessed student outcomes that are reported to the parents and legal guardians.

8VAC20-40-50. Criteria for screening and identification. (Repealed.)

Eligibility of students for programs for the gifted shall be based on multiple criteria for screening and identification established by the school division, and designed to seek out high aptitude in all populations. Multiple criteria shall include four or more of the following categories:

1. Assessment of appropriate student products, performance, or portfolio;

2. Record of observation of in-classroom behavior;

3. Appropriate rating scales, checklists, or questionnaires;

4. Individual interview;

5. Individual or group aptitude tests;

6. Individual or group achievement tests;

7. Record of previous accomplishments (such as awards, honors, grades, etc.);

8. Additional valid and reliable measures or procedures.

If a program is designed to address general intellectual aptitude, aptitude measures must be included as one of the categories in the division identification plan. If a program is designed to address specific academic aptitude, an achievement or an aptitude measure in the specific academic area must be included as one of the categories in the division identification plan. If a program is designed to address either the visual/performing arts or technical/practical arts aptitude, a performance measure in the specific aptitude area must be used. Inclusion of a test score in a division identification plan does not indicate that an individual student must score at a prescribed level on the test or tests to be admitted to the program. No single criterion shall be used in determining students who qualify for, or are denied access to, programs for the gifted.

8VAC20-40-55. Parental rights for notification, consent, and appeal.

A. School divisions shall provide written notification to and seek written consent from parents and legal guardians to:

1. Conduct any required assessment to determine a referred student's eligibility for the school division's gifted education program;

2. Announce the decision of the identification and placement committee regarding a referred student's eligibility for and placement in the school division's gifted education program; and

3. Provide services for an identified gifted student in the school division's gifted education program.

B. Each school division shall adopt a review procedure for students whose cases are appealed. This procedure shall involve a committee, the majority of whose members did not serve on the initial identification and placement committee, and shall inform parents or legal guardians, in writing, of the appeal process. Requests filed by parents or legal guardians to appeal any action of the identification and placement committee shall be filed within 10 business instructional days of receipt of notification of the action by the division. The process shall include an opportunity to meet with an administrator to discuss the decision.

1. A parent or legal guardian of a student who was referred but not identified by the identification and placement committee as eligible for services in the school division's gifted education program shall be informed, in writing, within 10 business instructional days, of the school division's process to appeal the committee's decision.

2. A parent or legal guardian of an identified gifted student may appeal any action taken by the school division to change the student's identification for, placement in, or exit from the school division's gifted education program.

C. Following the notification and consent of a parent or legal guardian, the identification and placement committee shall apprise school administrators of each student's eligibility status.

8VAC20-40-60. Local plan, local advisory committee, and annual report.

A. Each school board shall submit a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students to the Department of Education (DOE) for technical review on a schedule determined by the department. Each school division board shall submit to the Department of Education for approval a review and approve annually a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students that includes the components identified in these regulations. Modifications to the plan shall be reported to the Department of Education on dates specified by the department. The development process for the school division's local plan for the education of the gifted shall include opportunities for public review of the school division's plan. The approved local plan shall be accessible through the school division's website and the school division shall ensure that printed copies of the comprehensive plan are available to citizens who do not have online access. The plan shall include the following components as follow:

1. A statement of philosophy for the gifted education program [ and the local operational definition of giftedness for the school division ];

2. A statement of the school division's gifted education program goals and objectives for identification, delivery of services, curriculum and instruction, personnel preparation professional development, [ equitable representation of students, ] and parent and community involvement;

3. Procedures for the early and on-going screening, referral, identification and placement of gifted students;, beginning with kindergarten through secondary graduation twelfth-grade in at least one of the four defined areas of giftedness; a general intellectual or a specific academic aptitude program; and, if provided in the school division, procedures for the screening, referral, identification, and placement of gifted students in visual and or performing arts or career and technical aptitude programs;

4. A procedure for notifying written notification of parents or legal guardians when additional testing or additional information is required during the identification process and for obtaining permission of parents or legal guardians prior to placement of students a gifted student in the appropriate program service options;

5. A policy for notifying gifted students' change of placement within, and written notification to parents or legal guardians of identification and placement decisions, including initial changes in placement or exit from the program, which includes an opportunity for parents who disagree with the committee or committees decision to meet and discuss their concern or concerns with an appropriate administrator. Such notice shall include an opportunity for parents or guardians to meet and discuss their concerns with an appropriate administrator and to file an appeal;

6. Assurances that student records are maintained according to 8VAC20-150-10 et seq., Management of Student's Scholastic Record in the Public Schools of Virginia in compliance with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations;

7. Assurances that (i) testing and evaluation assessment materials selected and administered are sensitive to free of the selected and administered testing and assessment materials have been evaluated by the developers for cultural, racial, and linguistic differences, biases; (ii) identification procedures are constructed so that they those procedures may identify high potential/ability in all underserved culturally diverse, low socio-economic, and disabled populations, high potential or aptitude in any student whose accurate identification may be affected by economic disadvantages, by limited English proficiency, or by disability; (iii) standardized tests and other measures have been validated for the specific purpose for which they are used purpose of identifying gifted students; and (iv) instruments are administered and interpreted by a trained personnel in conformity with the developer's instructions of their producer;

8. A procedure to identify and evaluate student outcomes based on the initial and ongoing assessment of their cognitive and affective needs;

9. A procedure to match service options, including instructional approaches, settings, and staffing, to designated student needs;

10. A framework for appropriately differentiated curricula indicating accelerative and enrichment opportunities in content, process, and product;

11. Procedures for the selection/evaluation of teachers and for the training of personnel to include administrators/supervisors, teachers, and support staff;

12. Procedures for the appropriate evaluation of the effectiveness of the school division's program for gifted students; and

13. Other information as required by the Department of Education.

8. Assurances that accommodations or modifications determined by the school division's special education Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, as required for the student to receive a free appropriate public education, shall be incorporated into the student's gifted education services;

9. Assurances that a written copy of the school division's approved local plan for the education of the gifted is available to parents or legal guardians of each referred student, and to others upon request;

10. Evidence that gifted education service options from kindergarten through twelfth grade are offered continuously and sequentially, with instructional time during the school day and week to (i) work with their age-level peers, (ii) work with their intellectual and academic peers, (iii) work independently;, and (iv) foster intellectual and academic growth of gifted students. Parents and legal guardians shall receive assessment of each gifted student's intellectual and academic growth;

11. A description of the school division's program of differentiated curriculum and instruction demonstrating accelerated and advanced content within programs or courses;

12. Polices Policies and procedures that allow access to programs of study and advanced courses at a pace and sequence commensurate with their learning needs;

13. Evidence that school divisions provide professional development based on the [ teacher ] competencies [ specified outlined ] in 8VAC20-542-310 [ , Gifted education (add-on endorsement), for instructional personnel who deliver services within the gifted education program related to gifted education ]; and

14. Procedures for the annual evaluation review of the effectiveness of the school division's gifted education program, including [ the review of screening, referral, identification, and program procedures toward the achievement of equitable representation of students, the ] review of student outcomes and the intellectual and academic growth of gifted students. Such evaluations review shall be based on multiple criteria and shall include multiple sources of information for gifted students.

B. Each school division shall establish a local advisory committee composed of parents, school personnel, and other community members who are appointed by the school board. This committee shall reflect the ethnic and geographical composition of the school division. The purpose of this committee shall be to advise the school board through the division superintendent of the educational needs of all gifted students in the division. As a part of this goal, the This committee shall have two responsibilities: (i) to review annually the local plan for the education of gifted students, including revisions, and (ii) to determine the extent to which the plan for the previous year was implemented. The findings of the annual program effectiveness and the recommendations of the advisory committee shall be submitted annually in writing through to the division superintendent to and the school board.

C. Each school division shall submit an annual report to the Department of Education in a format prescribed by the department.

8VAC20-40-70. Funding. (Repealed.)

State funds administered by the Department of Education for the education of gifted students shall be used to support only those activities identified in the school division's plan as approved by the Board of Education. Funds designated by the Virginia General Assembly for the education of gifted students shall be used by school divisions in accordance with the provisions of the appropriation act.

Title of Regulation: 11VAC15-22. Charitable Gaming Rules and Regulations (amending 11VAC15-22-10, 11VAC15-22-40, 11VAC15-22-50, 11VAC15-22-80).

Statutory Authority: §§ 2.2-2456, 18.2-340.15, and 18.2-340.19 of the Code of Virginia.

Notice is hereby given that the Charitable Gaming Board has WITHDRAWN the proposed regulation entitled 11VAC15-22, Charitable Gaming Rules and Regulations, which was published in 25:22 VA.R. 4051 July 6, 2009. In lieu of moving forward with this action, the board approved a motion to promulgate a new regulation consisting of three parts. Part I will deal with the conduct of charitable gaming as currently provided in 11VAC15-22; Part II will deal with supplier issues as currently provided in 11VAC15-31; and Part III will deal with electronic pull-tab regulations.

Agency Contact: Betty Bowman, Director, Division of Charitable Gaming, 101 N. 14th Street, 17th Street, James Monroe Bldg, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-3015, FAX (804) 786-1079, or email betty.bowman@dcg.virginia.gov.

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-371. Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities (amending 12VAC5-371-410).

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Carrie Eddy, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-2157, FAX (804) 367-2149, or email carrie.eddy@vdh.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Chapter 177 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly requires that the physical plant standards for nursing facilities be consistent with the current edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities (Guidelines) of the Facilities Guideline Institute, formerly of the American Institute of Architects. The 2010 edition of the Guideline was released January 2010. Therefore, the Department of Health is amending the Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities (12VAC5-371) to adopt the 2010 edition of the Guideline as required by the 2005 legislation. The requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code take precedence as authorized by § 36-98 of the Code.

Part V
Physical Environment

12VAC5-371-410. Architectural drawings and specifications.

A. All construction of new buildings and additions, renovations or alterations of existing buildings for occupancy as a nursing facility shall conform to state and local codes, zoning and building ordinances, and the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In addition, nursing facilities shall be designed and constructed according to Part 1 (1.1 through 1.6-2) and sections 4.1-1 through 4.1-10 4.2-8 of Part 4 of the 2006 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects). However, the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning and building ordinances shall take precedence.

B. Architectural drawings and specifications for all new construction or for additions, alterations or renovations to any existing building, shall be dated, stamped with licensure seal and signed by the architect. The architect shall certify that the drawings and specifications were prepared to conform to building code requirements.

C. Additional approval may include a Certificate of Public Need.

D. Upon completion of the construction, the nursing facility shall maintain a complete set of legible "as built" drawings showing all construction, fixed equipment, and mechanical and electrical systems, as installed or built.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (12VAC5-371)

Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, The Facilities Guideline Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health), 2006 2010 Edition.

Guidelines for Preventing Health Care-Associated Pneumonia, 2003, MMWR 53 (RR03), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prevention and Control of Influenza, MMWR 53 (RR06), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-371. Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities (amending 12VAC5-371-410).

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Carrie Eddy, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-2157, FAX (804) 367-2149, or email carrie.eddy@vdh.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Chapter 177 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly requires that the physical plant standards for nursing facilities be consistent with the current edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities (Guidelines) of the Facilities Guideline Institute, formerly of the American Institute of Architects. The 2010 edition of the Guideline was released January 2010. Therefore, the Department of Health is amending the Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities (12VAC5-371) to adopt the 2010 edition of the Guideline as required by the 2005 legislation. The requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code take precedence as authorized by § 36-98 of the Code.

Part V
Physical Environment

12VAC5-371-410. Architectural drawings and specifications.

A. All construction of new buildings and additions, renovations or alterations of existing buildings for occupancy as a nursing facility shall conform to state and local codes, zoning and building ordinances, and the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In addition, nursing facilities shall be designed and constructed according to Part 1 (1.1 through 1.6-2) and sections 4.1-1 through 4.1-10 4.2-8 of Part 4 of the 2006 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects). However, the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning and building ordinances shall take precedence.

B. Architectural drawings and specifications for all new construction or for additions, alterations or renovations to any existing building, shall be dated, stamped with licensure seal and signed by the architect. The architect shall certify that the drawings and specifications were prepared to conform to building code requirements.

C. Additional approval may include a Certificate of Public Need.

D. Upon completion of the construction, the nursing facility shall maintain a complete set of legible "as built" drawings showing all construction, fixed equipment, and mechanical and electrical systems, as installed or built.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (12VAC5-371)

Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, The Facilities Guideline Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health), 2006 2010 Edition.

Guidelines for Preventing Health Care-Associated Pneumonia, 2003, MMWR 53 (RR03), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prevention and Control of Influenza, MMWR 53 (RR06), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-410. Regulations for the Licensure of Hospitals in Virginia (amending 12VAC5-410-445, 12VAC5-410-650, 12VAC5-410-1350).

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Carrie Eddy, Policy Analyst, Department of Health, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 401, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-2157, FAX (804) 367-2149, or email carrie.eddy@vdh.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Chapter 177 of the 2005 Acts of Assembly requires that the physical plant standards for hospitals and outpatient surgery centers be consistent with the current edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities (Guidelines) of the Facilities Guideline Institute, formerly of the American Institute of Architects. The 2010 edition of the Guidelines was released January 2010. Therefore, the Department of Health is amending the Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Hospitals in Virginia (12VAC5-410) to adopt the 2010 edition of the Guidelines as required by the 2005 legislation. The requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code take precedence as authorized by § 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.

12VAC5-410-445. Newborn service design and equipment criteria.

A. Construction and renovation of a hospital's nursery shall be consistent with section 2.1-3.6 sections 2.2-2.12.1 through 2.2-2.12.6.6 of Part 2 of the 2006 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects). Hospitals with higher-level nurseries shall comply with section 2.1-3.4.6 sections 2.2-2.10.1 through 2.2-10.9.3 of Part 2 of the 2006 2010 guideline as applicable.

B. The hospital shall provide the following equipment in the general level nursery and all higher level nurseries, unless additional equipment requirements are imposed for the higher level nurseries:

1. Resuscitation equipment as specified for the delivery room in 12VAC5-410-442 G 2 shall be available in the nursery at all times;

2. Equipment for the delivery of 100% oxygen concentration, properly heated, blended, and humidified, with the ability to measure oxygen delivery in fractional inspired concentration (FI02). The oxygen analyzer shall be calibrated every eight hours and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations by a member of the hospital's respiratory therapy department or other responsible personnel trained to perform the task;

3. Saturation monitor (pulse oximeter or equivalent);

4. Equipment for monitoring blood glucose;

5. Infant scales;

6. Intravenous therapy equipment;

7. Equipment and supplies for the insertion of umbilical arterial and venous catheters;

8. Open bassinets, self-contained incubators, open radiant heat infant care system or any combination thereof appropriate to the service level;

9. Equipment for stabilization of a sick infant prior to transfer that includes a radiant heat source capable of maintaining an infant's body temperature at 99°F;

10. Equipment for insertion of a thoracotomy tube; and

11. Equipment for proper administration and maintenance of phototherapy.

C. The additional equipment required for the intermediate level newborn service and for any higher service level is:

1. Pediatric infusion pumps accurate to plus or minus 1 milliliter (ml) per hour;

2. On-site supply of PgE1;

3. Equipment for 24-hour cardiorespiratory monitoring for neonatal use available for every incubator or radiant warmer;

4. Saturation monitor (pulse oximeter or equivalent) available for every infant given supplemental oxygen;

5. Portable x-ray machine; and

6. If a mechanical ventilator is selected to provide assisted ventilation prior to transport, it shall be approved for the use of neonates.

D. The additional equipment required for the specialty level newborn service and a higher newborn service is as follows:

1. Equipment for 24-hour cardiorespiratory monitoring with central blood pressure capability for each neonate with an arterial line;

2. Equipment necessary for ongoing assisted ventilation approved for neonatal use with on-line capabilities for monitoring airway pressure and ventilation performance;

3. Equipment and supplies necessary for insertion and maintenance of chest tube for drainage;

4. On-site supply of surfactant;

5. Computed axial tomography equipment (CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging equipment (MRI);

6. Equipment necessary for initiation and maintenance of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with ability to constantly measure delineated pressures and including alarm for abnormal pressure (i.e., vent with PAP mode); and

7. Cardioversion unit with appropriate neonatal paddles and ability to deliver appropriate small watt discharges.

E. The hospital shall document that it has the appropriate equipment necessary for any of the neonatal surgical and special procedures it provides that are specified in its medical protocol and that are required for the specialty level newborn service.

F. The additional equipment requirements for the subspecialty level newborn service are:

1. Equipment for emergency gastrointestinal, genitourinary, central nervous system, and sonographic studies available 24 hours a day;

2. Pediatric cardiac catheterization equipment;

3. Portable echocardiography equipment; and

4. Computed axial tomography equipment (CAT) and magnetic resonance imaging equipment (MRI).

G. The hospital shall document that it has the appropriate equipment necessary for any of the neonatal surgical and special procedures it provides that are specified in the medical protocol and are required for the subspecialty level newborn service.

Part III
Standards and Design Criteria for New Buildings and Additions, Alterations and Conversion of Existing Buildings

12VAC5-410-650. General building and physical plant information.

A. All construction of new buildings and additions, renovations, alterations or repairs of existing buildings for occupancy as a hospital shall conform to state and local codes, zoning and building ordinances, and the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In addition, hospitals shall be designed and constructed according to Part 1 and sections 2.1-1 through 2.1-10 2.2-8 of Part 2 of the 2006 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects). However, the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning and building ordinances shall take precedence.

B. All buildings shall be inspected and approved as required by the appropriate building regulatory entity. Approval shall be a Certificate of Use and Occupancy indicating the building is classified for its proposed licensed purpose.

Part V
Design Standards for New Outpatient Surgical Hospitals and Additions and Alterations to Existing Outpatient Surgical Hospitals

Article 1
General Considerations

12VAC5-410-1350. Codes; fire safety; zoning; construction standards.

A. All construction of new buildings and additions alterations or repairs to existing buildings for occupancy as a "free-standing" outpatient hospital shall conform to state and local codes, zoning and building ordinances, and the Statewide Uniform Building Code.

In addition, hospitals shall be designed and constructed according to Part 1 and sections 3.1-1 through 3.2-4 3.1-8 and 3.7 of Part 3 of the 2006 2010 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities of the Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects). However, the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning and building ordinances shall take precedence.

B. All buildings shall be inspected and approved as required by the appropriate building regulatory entity. Approval shall be a Certificate of Use and Occupancy indicating the building is classified for its proposed licensed purpose.

C. The use of an incinerator shall require permitting from the nearest regional office of the Department of Environmental Quality.

D. Water shall be obtained from an approved water supply system. Outpatient surgery centers shall be connected to sewage systems approved by the Department of Health or the Department of Environmental Quality.

E. Each outpatient surgery center shall establish a monitoring program for the internal enforcement of all applicable fire and safety laws and regulations.

F. All radiological machines shall be registered with the Office of Radiological Health of the Virginia Department of Health. Installation, calibration and testing of machines and storage facilities shall comply with 12VAC5-480, Radiation Protection Regulations.

G. Pharmacy services shall comply with Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (12VAC5-410)

Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, The Facilities Guidelines Institute (formerly of the American Institute of Architects), Washington, D.C., 2006 2010 Edition.

Title of Regulation: 13VAC5-112. Enterprise Zone Grant Program Regulation (amending 13VAC5-112-10, 13VAC5-112-270, 13VAC5-112-280, 13VAC5-112-400; adding 13VAC5-112-285).

Statutory Authority: § 59.1-541 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Stephen W. Calhoun, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Housing and Community Development, Main Street Center, 600 East Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-7000, FAX (804) 371-7090, TTY (804) 371-7089, or email steve.calhoun@dhcd.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments align regulations with the changes in the Virginia Enterprise Zone statute (§§ 59.1-547 and 59.1-549 of the Code of Virginia) pursuant to the 2010 Acts of the General Assembly. Revisions necessitated by the General Assembly's changes define new terms related to implementation of changes to § 59.1-547 of the Code of Virginia; reduce in high unemployment areas (those with unemployment rates of 1.5 times the state rate or higher) the wage rate threshold needed to receive the $500 level of the Job Creation Grants; create a new section explaining how eligibility for the reduced wage rate threshold is determined; and describe that after fully funding the Job Creation Grants, Real Property Investment Grants will be funded out of the remainder of the Enterprise Zone allocation and will be prorated if the requests exceed the remaining amount.

Part I
Definitions

13VAC5-112-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agreed-upon procedures engagement" means an engagement between an independent certified public accountant licensed by the Commonwealth and the business or zone investor seeking to qualify for Enterprise Zone incentive grants pursuant to § 59.1-549 of the Code of Virginia whereby the independent certified public accountant, using procedures specified by the department, will test and report on the assertion of the business or zone investor as to their qualification to receive the Enterprise Zone incentive.

"Assumption or acquisition" means, in connection with a trade or business, that the inventory, accounts receivable, liabilities, customer list and good will of an existing Virginia company has been assumed or acquired by another taxpayer, regardless of a change in federal identification number or employees.

"Average number of permanent full-time employees" means the number of permanent full-time employees during each payroll period of a business firm's taxable year divided by the number of payroll periods. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20:

1. In calculating the average number of permanent full-time employees, a business firm may count only those permanent full-time employees who worked at least half of their normal workdays during the payroll period. Paid leave time may be counted as work time.

2. For a business firm that uses different payroll periods for different classes of employees, the average number of permanent full-time employees of the firm shall be defined as the sum of the average number of permanent full-time employees for each class of employee.

"Base taxable year" means either of two taxable years immediately preceding the first year of qualification, at the choice of the business firm. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Base year" means either of the two calendar years immediately preceding a qualified business firm's first year of grant eligibility, at the choice of the business firm.

"Building" means any construction meeting the common ordinarily accepted meaning of the term (building, a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use) where (i) areas separated by interior floors or other horizontal assemblies and (ii) areas separated by fire walls or vertical assemblies shall not be construed to constitute separate buildings, irrespective of having separate addresses, ownership or tax assessment configurations, unless there is a property line contiguous with the fire wall or vertical assembly.

"Business firm" means any corporation, partnership, electing small business (subchapter S) corporation, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This shall also include business and professional organizations and associations whose classification falls under sectors 813910 and 813920 of the North American Industry Classification Systems and that generate the majority of their revenue from customers outside the Commonwealth.

"Capital lease" means a lease that meets one or more of the following criteria and as such is classified as a purchase by the lessee: the lease term is greater than 75% of the property's estimated economic life; the lease contains an option to purchase the property for less than fair market value; ownership of the property is transferred to the lessee at the end of the lease term; or the present value of the lease payments exceed 90% of the fair market value of the property.

"Common control" means those firms as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 52(b).

"Department" means the Department of Housing and Community Development.

"Establishment" means a single physical location where business is conducted or where services or industrial operations are performed.

1. A central administrative office is an establishment primarily engaged in management and general administrative functions performed centrally for other establishments of the same firm.

2. An auxiliary unit is an establishment primarily engaged in performing supporting services to other establishments of the same firm. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Existing business firm" means one that was actively engaged in the conduct of trade or business in an area prior to such an area being designated as an enterprise zone or that was engaged in the conduct of trade or business in the Commonwealth and relocates to begin operation of a trade or business within an enterprise zone. An existing business firm is also one that was not previously conducted in the Commonwealth by such taxpayer who acquires or assumes a trade or business and continues its operations. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Expansion" means an increase in square footage or the footprint of an existing nonresidential building via a shared wall, or enlargement of an existing room or floor plan. Pursuant to real property investment grants this shall include mixed-use buildings.

"Facility" means a complex of buildings, co-located at a single physical location within an enterprise zone, all of which are necessary to facilitate the conduct of the same trade or business. This definition applies to new construction, as well as to the rehabilitation and expansion of existing structures.

"Federal minimum wage" means the minimum wage standard as currently defined by the United States Department of Labor in the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 USC § 201 et seq. Such definition applies to permanent full-time employees paid on an hourly or wage basis.

"Food and beverage service" means a business whose classification falls under subsector 722 Food Services and Drinking Places of North American Industry Classification System.

"Full month" means the number of days that a permanent full-time position must be filled in order to count in the calculation of the grant amount under 13VAC5-112-260. A full month is calculated by dividing the total number of days in calendar year by 12. A full month for the purpose of calculating job creation grants is equivalent to 30.416666 days.

"Grant-eligible position" means a new permanent full-time position created above the threshold number at an eligible business firm. Positions in retail, personal service or food and beverage service shall not be considered grant-eligible positions.

"Health benefits" means that at a minimum medical insurance is offered to employees and the employer shall offer to pay at least 50% of the cost of the premium at the time of employment and annually thereafter.

"High unemployment area" means enterprise zone localities with unemployment rates one and one-half times or more than the state average based on the most recent annualized unemployment data published by the Virginia Employment Commission.

"Household" means all the persons who occupy a single housing unit. Occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Household income" means all income actually received by all household members over the age of 16 from the following sources. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20:

1. Gross wages, salaries, tips, commissions, etc. (before deductions);

2. Net self-employment income (gross receipts minus operating expenses);

3. Interest and dividend earnings; and

4. Other money income received from net rents, Old Age and Survivors Insurance, social security benefits, pensions, alimony, child support, and periodic income from insurance policy annuities and other sources.

The following types of income are excluded from household income:

1. Noncash benefits such as food stamps and housing assistance;

2. Public assistance payments;

3. Disability payments;

4. Unemployment and employment training benefits;

5. Capital gains and losses; and

6. One-time unearned income.

When computing household income, income of a household member shall be counted for the portion of the income determination period that the person was actually a part of the household.

"Household size" means the largest number of household members during the income determination period. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Housing unit" means a house, apartment, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Income determination period" means the 12 months immediately preceding the month in which the person was hired. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Independent certified public accountant" means a public accountant certified and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia who is not an employee of the business firm seeking to qualify for state tax incentives and grants under this program.

"Job creation grant" means a grant provided under § 59.1-547 of the Code of Virginia.

"Jurisdiction" means the city or county which made the application to have an enterprise zone. In the case of a joint application, it means all parties making the application. Pursuant to enterprise zone designations made prior to July 1, 2005, this shall include towns.

"Large qualified business firm" means a qualified business firm making qualified zone investments in excess of $15 million when such zone investments result in the creation of at least 50 permanent full-time positions. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Large qualified zone resident" means a qualified zone resident making qualified zone investments in excess of $100 million when such qualified zone investments result in the creation of at least 200 permanent full-time positions. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Local zone administrator" means the chief executive of the city or county, in which an enterprise zone is located, or his designee. Pursuant to enterprise zone designations made prior to July 1, 2005, this shall include towns.

"Low-income" means household income was less than or equal to 80% of area median household income during the income determination period. Persons who meet the definition of both low-income and zone resident may not be counted as both for purposes of meeting employment requirements for the general tax credit. Instead, qualifying business firms must claim these persons as either low-income or zone resident. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Median household income" means the dollar amount, adjusted for household size, as determined annually by the department for the city or county in which the zone is located. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Mixed use" means a building incorporating residential uses in which a minimum of 30% of the useable floor space will be devoted to commercial, office or industrial use. Buildings where less than 30% of the useable floor space is devoted to commercial, office or industrial use shall be considered primarily residential in nature and shall not be eligible for a grant under 13VAC5-112-330. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-330.

"Net loss" applies to firms that relocate or expand operations and means (i) after relocating into a zone, a business firm's gross permanent employment is less than it was before locating into the zone, or (ii) after a business firm locates or expands within a zone, its gross employment at its nonzone location or locations is less than it was before the zone location occurred.

"New business" means a business not previously conducted in the Commonwealth by such taxpayer and that begins operation in an enterprise zone after the zone was designated. A new business is also one created by the establishment of a new facility and new permanent full-time employment by an existing business firm in an enterprise zone and does not result in a net loss of permanent full-time employment outside the zone. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"New construction" means a single, nonresidential facility built on previously undeveloped land of a nonresidential structure built on the site/parcel of a previously razed structure with no remnants of the prior structure or physical connection to existing structures or outbuildings on the property. Pursuant to real property investment grants this shall include mixed-use buildings.

"Number of eligible permanent full-time positions" means the amount by which the number of permanent full-time positions at a business firm in a grant year exceeds the threshold number. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-260.

"Payroll period" means the period of time for which a business firm normally pays its employees.

"Permanent full-time employee" means a person employed by a business firm who is normally scheduled to work either (i) a minimum of 35 hours per week for the entire normal year of the business firm's operations, which normal year must consist of at least 48 weeks, (ii) a minimum of 35 hours per week for a portion of the taxable year in which the employee was initially hired for, or transferred to the business firm, or (iii) a minimum of 1,680 hours per year if the standard fringe benefits are paid by the business firm for the employee. Permanent full-time employee also means two or more individuals who together share the same job position and together work the normal number of hours a week as required by the business firm for that one position. Seasonal, temporary, leased or contract labor employees or employees shifted from an existing location in the Commonwealth to a business firm location within an enterprise zone shall not qualify as permanent full-time employees. This definition only applies to business firms for the purpose of qualifying for enterprise zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Permanent full-time position" (for the purpose of qualifying for grants pursuant to § 59.1-547 of the Code of Virginia) means a job of indefinite duration at a business firm located within an enterprise zone requiring the employee to report to work within the enterprise zone; and requiring (i) a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the entire normal year of the business firm's operation, which "normal year" must consist of at least 48 weeks, (ii) a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the portion of the calendar year in which the employee was initially hired for or transferred to the business firm, or (iii) a minimum of 1,680 hours per year. Such position shall not include (a) seasonal, temporary or contract positions, (b) a position created when a job function is shifted from an existing location in the Commonwealth to a business firm located with an enterprise zone, (c) any position that previously existed in the Commonwealth, or (d) positions created by a business that is simultaneously closing facilities in other areas of the Commonwealth.

"Personal service" means such positions classified under NAICS 812.

"Placed in service" means the final certificate of occupancy has been issued or the final building inspection has been approved by the local jurisdiction for real property improvements or real property investments, or in cases where a project does not require permits, the licensed third party inspector's report that the project was complete; or pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110 the first moment that machinery becomes operational and is used in the manufacturing of a product for consumption; or in the case of tools and equipment, the first moment they are used in the performance of duty or service.

"Qualification year" the calendar year for which a qualified business firm or qualified zone investor is applying for a grant pursuant to 13VAC5-112-260.

"Qualified business firm" means a business firm meeting the business firm requirements in 13VAC5-112-20 or 13VAC5-112-260 and designated a qualified business firm by the department.

"Qualified real property investment" (for purposes of qualifying for a real property investment grant) means the amount properly chargeable to a capital account for improvements to rehabilitate, expand or construct depreciable real property placed in service during the calendar year within an enterprise zone provided that the total amount of such improvements equals or exceeds (i) $100,000 with respect to a single building or a facility in the case of rehabilitation or expansion or (ii) $500,000 with respect to a single building or a facility in the case of new construction. Qualified real property investments include expenditures associated with (a) any exterior, interior, structural, mechanical or electrical improvements necessary to construct, expand or rehabilitate a building for commercial, industrial or mixed use; (b) excavations; (c) grading and paving; (d) installing driveways; and (e) landscaping or land improvements. Qualified real property investments shall include, but not be limited to, costs associated with demolition, carpentry, sheetrock, plaster, painting, ceilings, fixtures, doors, windows, fire suppression systems, roofing, flashing, exterior repair, cleaning and cleanup.

Qualified real property investment shall not include:

1. The cost of acquiring any real property or building.

2. Other costs including (i) the cost of furnishings; (ii) any expenditure associated with appraisal, architectural, engineering, surveying, and interior design fees; (iii) loan fees, points, or capitalized interest; (iv) legal, accounting, realtor, sales and marketing, or other professional fees; (v) closing costs, permits, user fees, zoning fees, impact fees, and inspection fees; (vi) bids, insurance, signage, utilities, bonding, copying, rent loss, or temporary facilities incurred during construction; (vii) utility connection or access fees; (viii) outbuildings; (ix) the cost of any well or septic or sewer system; and (x) roads.

3. The basis of any property (i) for which a grant under this section was previously provided; (ii) for which a tax credit under § 59.1-280.1 of the Code of Virginia was previously granted; (iii) that was previously placed in service in Virginia by the qualified zone investor, a related party as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 267(b), or a trade or business under common control as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 52(b); or (iv) that was previously in service in Virginia and has a basis in the hands of the person acquiring it, determined in whole or in part by reference to the basis of such property in the hands of the person from whom it was acquired or Internal Revenue Code § 1014(a).

"Qualified zone improvements" (for purposes of qualifying for an Investment Tax Credit) means the amount properly chargeable to a capital account for improvements to rehabilitate or expand depreciable nonresidential real property placed in service during the taxable year within an enterprise zone, provided that the total amount of such improvements equals or exceeds (i) $50,000 and (ii) the assessed value of the original facility immediately prior to the rehabilitation or expansion. Qualified zone improvements include expenditures associated with any exterior, structural, mechanical, or electrical improvements necessary to construct, expand or rehabilitate a building for commercial or industrial use.

1. Qualified zone improvements include, but are not limited to, the costs associated with excavation, grading, paving, driveways, roads, sidewalks, landscaping or other land improvements, demolition, carpentry, sheetrock, plaster, painting, ceilings, fixtures, doors, windows, fire suppression systems, roofing and flashing, exterior repair, cleaning and clean-up.

2. Qualified zone improvements do not include (i) the cost of furnishings; (ii) any expenditure associated with appraisal, architectural, engineering and interior design fees; (iii) loan fees, points or capitalized interest; (iv) legal, accounting, realtor, sales and marketing or other professional fees; (v) closing costs, permits, user fees, zoning fees, impact fees, inspection fees; (vi) bids insurance, signage, utilities, bonding, copying, rent loss, or temporary facilities incurred during construction; (vii) utility hook-up or access fees; (viii) outbuildings; (ix) the cost of any well, septic, or sewer system; or (x) cost of acquiring land or an existing building.

3. In the case of new nonresidential construction, qualified zone improvements also do not include land, land improvements, paving, grading, driveway, and interest. This definition applies only for the purposes of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Qualified zone investment" means the sum of qualified zone improvements and the cost of machinery, tools and equipment used in manufacturing tangible personal property and placed in service on or after July 1, 1995. Machinery, equipment, tools, and real property that are leased through a capital lease and that are being depreciated by the lessee or that are transferred from out-of-state to a zone location by a business firm may be included as qualified zone investment. Such leased or transferred machinery, equipment, tools, and real property shall be valued using the depreciable basis for federal income tax purposes. Machinery, tools and equipment shall not include the basis of any property: (i) for which a credit was previously granted under § 59.1-280.1 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) that was previously placed in service in Virginia by the taxpayer, a related party, as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 267(b), or a trade or business under common control, as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 52(b); or (iii) that was previously in service in Virginia and has a basis in the hands of the person acquiring it, determined in whole or in part by reference to the basis of such property in the hands of the person whom acquired it, or Internal Revenue Code § 1014(a). This definition applies only for the purposes of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Qualified zone investor" means an owner or tenant of real property located within an enterprise zone who expands, rehabilitates or constructs such real property for commercial, industrial or mixed use. In the case of a tenant, the amounts of qualified zone investment specified in this section shall relate to the proportion of the building or facility for which the tenant holds a valid lease. In the case of an owner of an individual unit within a horizontal property regime, the amounts of qualified zone investments specified in this section shall relate to that proportion of the building for which the owner holds title and not to common elements. Units of local, state and federal government or political subdivisions shall not be considered qualified zone investors.

"Qualified zone resident" means an owner or tenant of nonresidential real property located in an enterprise zone who expands or rehabilitates such real property to facilitate the conduct of a trade or business by such owner or tenant within the enterprise zone. In the case of a partnership, limited liability company or S corporation, the term "qualified zone resident" means the partnership, limited liability company or S corporation. This definition applies only for the purposes of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Real property investment grant" means a grant made under § 59.1-548 of the Code of Virginia. This definition applies only for the purposes of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-330.

"Reduced wage rate threshold" means 150% of the federal minimum wage pursuant to 13VAC5-112-270, 13VAC5-112-280, and 13VAC5-112-285 and high unemployment areas.

"Rehabilitation" means the alteration or renovation of all or part of an existing nonresidential building without an increase in square footage. Pursuant to real property investment grants this shall include mixed-use buildings.

"Regular basis" means at least once a month. This definition applies only for the purposes of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-260.

"Related party" means those as defined by Internal Revenue Code § 267(b).

"Report to work" means that the employee filling a permanent full-time position reports to the business' zone establishment on a regular basis.

"Retail" means a business whose classification falls under sectors 44-45 Retail Trade of North American Industry Classification System.

"Same trade or business" means the operations of a single company or related companies or companies under common control.

"Seasonal employee" means any employee who normally works on a full-time basis and whose customary annual employment is less than nine months. For example, individuals hired by a CPA firm during the tax return season in order to process returns and who work full-time over a three month period are seasonal employees.

"Small qualified business firm" means any qualified business firm other than a large qualified business firm. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

"Small qualified zone resident" means any qualified zone resident other than a large qualified zone resident. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-350 C.

"Subsequent base year" means the base year for calculating the number of grant-eligible positions in a second or subsequent five consecutive calendar year grant period. If a second or subsequent five-year grant period is requested within two years after the previous five-year grant period, the subsequent base year will be the last grant year. The calculation of this subsequent base year employment will be determined by the number of permanent full-time positions in the preceding base year, plus the number of threshold positions, plus the number of grant-eligible positions in the final year of the previous grant period. If a business firm applies for subsequent five consecutive calendar-year grant periods beyond the two years immediately following the completion of the previous five-year grant period, the business firm shall use one of the two preceding calendar years as subsequent base year, at the choice of the business firm.

"Tax due" means the amount of tax liability as determined by the Department of Taxation or the State Corporation Commission. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20 and 13VAC5-112-110.

"Tax year" means the year in which the assessment is made. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Taxable year" means the year in which the tax due on state taxable income, state taxable gross receipts or state taxable net capital is accrued. This definition applies only for the purpose of qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20 and 13VAC5-112-110.

"Threshold number" means an increase of four permanent full-time positions over the number of permanent full-time positions in the base year or subsequent base year.

"Transferred employee" means an employee of a firm in the Commonwealth that is relocated to an enterprise zone facility owned or operated by that firm.

"Useable floor space" means all space in a building finished as appropriate to the use(s) of the building as represented in measured drawings. Unfinished basements, attics, and parking garages would not constitute useable floor space. Finished common areas such as stairwells and elevator shafts should be apportioned appropriately based on the majority use (51%) of that floor(s).

"Wage rate" means the hourly wage paid to an employee inclusive of shift premiums and commissions. In the case of salaried employees, the hourly wage rate shall be determined by dividing the annual salary, inclusive of shift premiums and commissions, by 1,680 hours. Bonuses, overtime and tips are not to be included in the determination of wage rate.

"Zone" means an enterprise zone declared by the Governor to be eligible for the benefits of this program.

"Zone real property investment tax credit" means a credit provided to a large qualified zone resident pursuant to § 59.1-280.1 J of the Code of Virginia. This definition applies only for qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-110.

"Zone resident" means a person whose principal place of residency is within the boundaries of any enterprise zone. Persons who meet the definition of both low-income and zone resident may not be counted as both for purposes of meeting employment requirements for the general tax credit. Instead, qualifying business firms must claim these persons as either low-income or zone resident. Zone residency must be verified annually. This definition applies only for qualifying for Enterprise Zone incentives pursuant to 13VAC5-112-20.

13VAC5-112-270. Computation of grant amount.

A. For any qualified business the grant amount is calculated as follows:

1. $800 per year for up to five consecutive years for each grant-eligible position that is paid a wage rate during the qualification year that is at least of 200% of the federal minimum wage in place during the qualification year, and that is provided with health benefits, or

2. $500 per year for up to five years for each grant-eligible position that is paid a wage rate during such year that is less than 200% of the federal minimum wage, but at least 175% of the federal minimum wage or the reduced wage rate threshold if in a high unemployment area, and that is provided with health benefits.

B. A business firm may receive grants for up to a maximum of 350 grant-eligible jobs annually.

C. Job creation grants are based on a calendar year. The grant amount for any permanent full-time position that is filled for less than a full calendar year must be prorated based on the number of full months worked.

1. In cases where a position is grant eligible for only a portion of a qualification year the grant amount will be prorated based on the number of full months the position was grant eligible. This shall include cases where changes in wage rate, health benefits, or the federal minimum wage rate change a position's grant eligibility.

2. In cases where a change in a grant-eligible position's wage rate or the federal minimum wage rate during a qualification year changes the per position maximum grant amount available for that position, the grant amount shall be prorated based on the period the position was paid a minimum of 200% of the federal minimum wage rate and the period the position was paid a minimum of 175% of the federal minimum wage or the reduced wage rate threshold if in a high unemployment area, but less than 200%.

D. The amount of the job creation grant for which a qualified business firm is eligible in any year shall not include amounts for grant-eligible positions in any year other than the preceding calendar year. Job creation grants shall not be available for any calendar year prior to 2005.

E. Permanent full-time positions that have been used to qualify for any other enterprise zone incentive pursuant to former §§ 59.1-270 through 59.1-284.01 of the Code of Virginia shall not be eligible for job creation grants and shall not be counted as a part of the minimum threshold of four new positions.

1. Large qualified business firms and large qualified zone residents may qualify for job creation grants pursuant to this section for permanent full-time positions that have been created above the permanent full-time positions as required by their documented negotiation agreement with the department pursuant to subdivision 2 of 13VAC5-112-20.

2. Small qualified business firms may qualify for job creation grants pursuant to this section for net new permanent full-time positions that have been created above the net new permanent full-time employees in the most recently reported qualification year.

3. Business firms that have previously qualified for department enterprise zone job grants may qualify for job creation grants pursuant to this section for net new permanent full-time positions that have been created above the net new permanent full-time positions in the most recently reported qualification year.

13VAC5-112-280. Eligibility.

A. A business firm shall be eligible to receive job creation grants for five consecutive years beginning with the first year of grant eligibility for permanent full-time positions created above the threshold number. Additional permanent full-time positions created during the remainder of years in the grant period are eligible for additional grant funding over the previous year's level or such positions may be used instead to begin a subsequent grant period pursuant to subsection B of this section.

B. A business firm may be eligible for subsequent five consecutive calendar-year grant periods if it creates new grant-eligible positions above the threshold number for its subsequent base year.

1. If a second or subsequent five-year grant period is requested within two years of the previous grant period, the subsequent base year will be the last grant year. The calculation of this subsequent base year employment will be determined by the number of permanent full-time positions in the preceding base year, plus the number of threshold positions, plus the number of grant-eligible positions in the final year of the previous grant period.

2. If a business firm applies for subsequent five consecutive calendar-year grant periods beyond the two years immediately following the completion of the previous five-year grant period, the business firm shall use one of the two preceding calendar years as the subsequent base year, at the choice of the business firm.

C. A business firm is eligible to receive enterprise zone job creation grants for any and all years in which the business firm qualifies in the five consecutive calendar years period commencing with the first year of grant eligibility.

D. Job creation grants shall be available beginning with calendar year 2005.

E. Any qualified business firm receiving an enterprise job creation grant under this section is not be eligible for a major business facility job tax credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 of the Code of Virginia.

F. The following positions are not grant eligible:

1. Those in retail, personal service or food and beverage service.

2. Those paying less than 175% of the federal minimum wage or that are not provided with health benefits.

3. Notwithstanding subdivision 2 of this subsection, in a high unemployment area those paying less than the reduced wage rate threshold or that are not provided with health benefits.

3. 4. Seasonal, temporary or contract positions.

13VAC5-112-285. Eligibility for reduced wage rate threshold.

A. Prior to each qualification year, the department shall prepare the list of enterprise zone localities that are high unemployment areas that shall be used in determining eligibility for reduced wage rate thresholds for that qualification year.

B. Qualified business firms located in an enterprise zone listed as a high unemployment area are eligible to use the reduced wage rate threshold (150% of federal minimum wage) in qualifying for the $500 grant amount.

C. Once a qualified business is eligible for the reduced wage rate threshold it remains so through the end of its current five consecutive calendar-year grant period, regardless of changes to the unemployment rate of the enterprise zone locality.

Part VI
Policies and Procedures for Enterprise Zone Grants

13VAC5-112-400. Allocating enterprise zone grants.

A. Qualified business firms and qualified zone investors shall be eligible to receive enterprise zone grants provided for in 13VAC5-112-260 and 13VAC5-112-330 to the extent that they apply for and are approved for grant allocations through the department.

B. Upon receiving applications for grants provided for under 13VAC5-112-260 and 13VAC5-112-330, the department shall determine the amount of the grant to be allocated to each eligible business firm and zone investor.

C. If the total amount of grants for which qualified business firms are eligible under 13VAC5-112-260 and for which qualified zone investors are eligible under 13VAC5-112-330 exceeds the annual appropriation for such grants, then the amount of grant that each qualified business firm and qualified zone investor will receive for shall be prorated in a proportional manner. The department shall prioritize allocations to fully fund the grants under 13VAC5-112-260 with any remaining funds to be allocated to grants under 13VAC5-112-330. In such cases, the amount of the grant that each qualified zone investor is eligible for under 13VAC5-112-330 shall be prorated in a proportional manner based on the funds remaining in the annual appropriation after full payment of the grants under 13VAC5-112-260.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene (amending 18VAC60-20-170).

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

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Sandra Reen, Executive Director, Board of Dentistry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4538, FAX (804) 527-4428, or email sandra.reen@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends the Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene to include unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information obtained from the Prescription Monitoring Program as grounds for disciplinary action. Such a provision is specified in § 54.1-2525 of the Code of Virginia but not specifically referenced in board regulations describing unprofessional conduct.

Part V
Unprofessional Conduct

18VAC60-20-170. Acts constituting unprofessional conduct.

The following practices shall constitute unprofessional conduct within the meaning of § 54.1-2706 of the Code of Virginia:

1. Fraudulently obtaining, attempting to obtain or cooperating with others in obtaining payment for services;

2. Performing services for a patient under terms or conditions which that are unconscionable. The board shall not consider terms unconscionable where there has been a full and fair disclosure of all terms and where the patient entered the agreement without fraud or duress;

3. Misrepresenting to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques the licensee uses or intends to use;

4. Committing any act in violation of the Code of Virginia reasonably related to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene;

5. Delegating any service or operation which that requires the professional competence of a dentist or dental hygienist to any person who is not a dentist or dental hygienist as authorized by this chapter;

6. Certifying completion of a dental procedure that has not actually been completed;

7. Knowingly or negligently violating any applicable statute or regulation governing ionizing radiation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including, but not limited to, current regulations promulgated by the Virginia Department of Health; and

8. Permitting or condoning the placement or exposure of dental x-ray film by an unlicensed person, except where the unlicensed person has complied with 18VAC60-20-195.; and

9. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program.

Titles of Regulations: 18VAC85-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and Chiropractic (amending 18VAC85-20-27).

18VAC85-50. Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants (amending 18VAC85-50-175).

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

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director, Board of Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4621, FAX (804) 527-4429, or email william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends the Regulations Governing the Practice of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and Chiropractic and the Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants to include unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information obtained from the Prescription Monitoring Program as grounds for disciplinary action. Such a provision is specified in § 54.1-2525 of the Code of Virginia but not specifically referenced in board regulations describing standards of practice.

18VAC85-20-27. Confidentiality.

A. A practitioner shall not willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful.

B. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

Part VI
Standards of Professional Conduct

18VAC85-50-175. Confidentiality.

A. A practitioner shall not willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful.

B. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

Titles of Regulations: 18VAC85-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and Chiropractic (amending 18VAC85-20-27).

18VAC85-50. Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants (amending 18VAC85-50-175).

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

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director, Board of Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4621, FAX (804) 527-4429, or email william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends the Regulations Governing the Practice of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and Chiropractic and the Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants to include unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information obtained from the Prescription Monitoring Program as grounds for disciplinary action. Such a provision is specified in § 54.1-2525 of the Code of Virginia but not specifically referenced in board regulations describing standards of practice.

18VAC85-20-27. Confidentiality.

A. A practitioner shall not willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful.

B. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

Part VI
Standards of Professional Conduct

18VAC85-50-175. Confidentiality.

A. A practitioner shall not willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the practitioner shall not be considered negligent or willful.

B. Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information received from the Prescription Monitoring Program shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC110-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy (amending 18VAC110-20-90, 18VAC110-20-106, 18VAC110-20-690).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 and Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Scott Russell, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email scotti.russell@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends two sections of the Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy relating to the maintenance of continuing education (CE) documentation for conformity to the Code of Virginia. Specifically, § 54.1-3314.1 of the Code of Virginia states that certificates issued by CE providers must be retained by licensees for a period of two years following the renewal of licensure. Since 18VAC110-20-90 and 18VAC110-20-106 require retention for three years, these sections are being amended accordingly.

This action also amends a provision of the regulations relating to controlled substances registration, 18VAC110-20-690 C 4, to correct a technical error noted by inspection staff for the board. The reference to an inspection "consistent with subsection B of this section" is deleted as subsection B does not relate to inspections.

18VAC110-20-90. Requirements for continuing education.

A. A pharmacist shall be required to have completed a minimum of 1.5 CEUs or 15 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education in an approved program for each annual renewal of licensure. CEUs or hours in excess of the number required for renewal may not be transferred or credited to another year.

B. A pharmacy education program approved for continuing pharmacy education is:

1. One that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE);

2. One that is approved as a Category I Continuing Medical Education (CME) course, the primary focus of which is pharmacy, pharmacology, or drug therapy; or

3. One that is approved by the board in accordance with the provisions of 18VAC110-20-100.

C. The board may grant an extension pursuant to § 54.1-3314.1 E of the Code of Virginia. Any subsequent extension shall be granted only for good cause shown.

D. Pharmacists are required to attest to compliance with CE requirements in a manner approved by the board at the time of their annual license renewal. Following each renewal period, the board may conduct an audit of the immediate past two years' CE documents to verify compliance with requirements. Pharmacists are required to maintain, for three two years following renewal, the original certificates documenting successful completion of CE, showing date and title of the CE program or activity, the number of CEUs or contact hours awarded, and a certifying signature or other certification of the approved provider. Pharmacists selected for audit must provide these original documents to the board by the deadline date specified by the board in the audit notice.

18VAC110-20-106. Requirements for continued competency.

A. A pharmacy technician shall be required to have completed a minimum of 0.5 CEUs or five contact hours of approved continuing education for each annual renewal of registration. Hours in excess of the number required for renewal may not be transferred or credited to another year.

B. An approved continuing education program shall meet the requirements as set forth in subsection B of 18VAC110-20-90 or subsection B of 18VAC110-20-100.

C. Upon written request of a pharmacy technician, the board may grant an extension of up to one year in order for the pharmacy technician to fulfill the continuing education requirements for the period of time in question. The granting of an extension shall not relieve the pharmacy technician from complying with current year requirements. Any subsequent extension shall be granted for good cause shown.

D. Original certificates showing successful completion of continuing education programs shall be maintained by the pharmacy technician for a period of three two years following the renewal of his registration. The pharmacy technician shall provide such original certificates to the board upon request in a manner to be determined by the board.

Part XVI
Controlled Substances Registration for Other Persons or Entities

18VAC110-20-690. Persons or entities authorized or required to obtain a controlled substances registration.

A. A person or entity which maintains or intends to maintain a supply of Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances, other than manufacturers' samples, in accordance with provisions of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) may apply for a controlled substances registration on forms approved by the board.

B. Persons or entities which may be registered by the board shall include, but not be limited to, hospitals without in-house pharmacies, nursing homes without in-house pharmacies that use automated drug dispensing systems, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, alternate delivery sites, and emergency medical services agencies provided such persons or entities are otherwise authorized by law and hold required licenses or appropriate credentials to administer the drugs for which the registration is being sought.

C. In determining whether to register an applicant, the board shall consider factors listed in subsections A and D of § 54.1-3423 of the Code of Virginia and compliance with applicable requirements of this chapter.

1. The proposed location shall be inspected by an authorized agent of the board prior to issuance of a controlled substances registration.

2. Controlled substances registration applications that indicate a requested inspection date, or requests that are received after the application is filed, shall be honored provided a 14-day notice is allowed prior to the requested inspection date.

3. Requested inspection dates that do not allow a 14-day notice to the board may be adjusted by the board to provide 14 days for the scheduling of the inspection.

4. Any person wishing to change an approved location of the drug stock, make structural changes to an existing approved drug storage location, or make changes to a previously approved security system shall file an application with the board and be inspected consistent with subsection B of this section.

5. Drugs shall not be stocked within the proposed drug storage location or moved to a new location until approval is granted by the board.

D. The application shall be signed by a person who will act as a responsible party for the controlled substances. The responsible party may be a prescriber, nurse, pharmacist, or pharmacy technician for alternate delivery sites or other person approved by the board who is authorized to administer or otherwise possess the controlled substances for that type entity.

E. The board may require a person or entity to obtain a controlled substances registration upon a determination that Schedule II through VI controlled substances have been obtained and are being used as common stock by multiple practitioners and that one or more of the following factors exist:

1. A federal, state, or local government agency has reported that the person or entity has made large purchases of controlled substances in comparison with other persons or entities in the same classification or category.

2. The person or entity has experienced a diversion, theft, or other unusual loss of controlled substances which requires reporting pursuant to § 54.1-3404 of the Drug Control Act.

3. The person or entity has failed to comply with recordkeeping requirements for controlled substances.

4. The person or entity or any other person with access to the common stock has violated any provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation relating to controlled substances.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC110-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy (amending 18VAC110-20-10, 18VAC110-20-250, 18VAC110-20-285, 18VAC110-20-290).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 and Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: August 4, 2010.

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Scott Russell, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email scotti.russell@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

This action amends several provisions of the Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy regarding electronic prescriptions and transmission of such prescriptions to eliminate language that is inconsistent with recent changes to the Code of Federal Regulations by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Part I
General Provisions

18VAC110-20-10. Definitions.

In addition to words and terms defined in §§ 54.1-3300 and 54.1-3401 of the Code of Virginia, the following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"ACPE" means the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

"Acquisition" of an existing entity permitted, registered or licensed by the board means (i) the purchase or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the entity or of any corporation that owns or controls the entity; (ii) the creation of a partnership by a sole proprietor or change in partnership composition; (iii) the acquiring of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of a corporation owning the entity or of the parent corporation of a wholly owned subsidiary owning the entity, except that this shall not apply to any corporation the voting stock of which is actively traded on any securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market; or (iv) the merger of a corporation owning the entity, or of the parent corporation of a wholly owned subsidiary owning the entity, with another business or corporation.

"Alternate delivery site" means a location authorized in 18VAC110-20-275 to receive dispensed prescriptions on behalf of and for further delivery or administration to a patient.

"Beyond-use date" means the date beyond which the integrity of a compounded, repackaged, or dispensed drug can no longer be assured and as such is deemed to be adulterated or misbranded as defined in §§ 54.1-3461 and 54.1-3462 of the Code of Virginia.

"Board" means the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

"CE" means continuing education as required for renewal of licensure by the Board of Pharmacy.

"CEU" means a continuing education unit awarded for credit as the equivalent of 10 contact hours.

"Chart order" means a lawful order for a drug or device entered on the chart or in a medical record of a patient by a prescriber or his designated agent.

"Compliance packaging" means packaging for dispensed drugs which is comprised of a series of containers for solid oral dosage forms and which is designed to assist the user in administering or self-administering the drugs in accordance with directions for use.

"Contact hour" means the amount of credit awarded for 60 minutes of participation in and successful completion of a continuing education program.

"Correctional facility" means any prison, penitentiary, penal facility, jail, detention unit, or other facility in which persons are incarcerated by government officials.

"DEA" means the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Electronic transmission prescription" means any prescription, other than an oral or written prescription or a prescription transmitted by facsimile machine, that is electronically transmitted from a practitioner authorized to prescribe directly to a pharmacy without interception or intervention from a third party, or from one pharmacy to another pharmacy a written prescription that is generated on an electronic application in accordance with 21 CFR Part 1300 and is transmitted to a pharmacy as an electronic data file.

"Expiration date" means that date placed on a drug package by the manufacturer or repacker beyond which the product may not be dispensed or used.

"Facsimile (FAX) prescription" means a written prescription or order which is transmitted by an electronic device over telephone lines which sends the exact image to the receiver (pharmacy) in a hard copy form.

"FDA" means the United States Food and Drug Administration.

"Floor stock" means a supply of drugs that have been distributed for the purpose of general administration by a prescriber or other authorized person pursuant to a valid order of a prescriber.

"Foreign school of pharmacy" means a school outside the United States and its territories offering a course of study in basic sciences, pharmacology, and pharmacy of at least four years in duration resulting in a degree that qualifies a person to practice pharmacy in that country.

"Forgery" means a prescription that was falsely created, falsely signed, or altered.

"FPGEC certificate" means the certificate given by the Foreign Pharmacy Equivalency Committee of NABP that certifies that the holder of such certificate has passed the Foreign Pharmacy Equivalency Examination and a credential review of foreign training to establish educational equivalency to board approved schools of pharmacy, and has passed approved examinations establishing proficiency in English.

"Generic drug name" means the nonproprietary name listed in the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) or in the USAN and the USP Dictionary of Drug Names.

"Hospital" or "nursing home" means those facilities as defined in Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia or as defined in regulations by the Virginia Department of Health.

"Inactive license" means a license which is registered with the Commonwealth but does not entitle the licensee to practice, the holder of which is not required to submit documentation of CE necessary to hold an active license.

"Long-term care facility" means a nursing home, retirement care, mental care or other facility or institution which provides extended health care to resident patients.

"NABP" means the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

"Nuclear pharmacy" means a pharmacy providing radiopharmaceutical services.

"On duty" means that a pharmacist is on the premises at the address of the permitted pharmacy and is available as needed.

"Permitted physician" means a physician who is licensed pursuant to § 54.1-3304 of the Code of Virginia to dispense drugs to persons to whom or for whom pharmacy services are not reasonably available.

"Perpetual inventory" means an ongoing system for recording quantities of drugs received, dispensed or otherwise distributed by a pharmacy.

"Personal supervision" means the pharmacist must be physically present and render direct, personal control over the entire service being rendered or act being performed. Neither prior nor future instructions shall be sufficient nor, shall supervision rendered by telephone, written instructions, or by any mechanical or electronic methods be sufficient.

"Pharmacy closing" means that the permitted pharmacy ceases pharmacy services or fails to provide for continuity of pharmacy services or lawful access to patient prescription records or other required patient records for the purpose of continued pharmacy services to patients.

"Pharmacy technician trainee" means a person who is currently enrolled in an approved pharmacy technician training program and is performing duties restricted to pharmacy technicians for the purpose of obtaining practical experience in accordance with § 54.1-3321 D of the Code of Virginia.

"PIC" means the pharmacist-in-charge of a permitted pharmacy.

"Practice location" means any location in which a prescriber evaluates or treats a patient.

"Prescription department" means any contiguous or noncontiguous areas used for the compounding, dispensing and storage of all Schedule II through VI drugs and devices and any Schedule I investigational drugs.

"PTCB" means the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, co-founded by the American Pharmaceutical Association and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, as the national organization for voluntary examination and certification of pharmacy technicians.

"Quality assurance plan" means a plan approved by the board for ongoing monitoring, measuring, evaluating, and, if necessary, improving the performance of a pharmacy function or system.

"Radiopharmaceutical" means any drug that exhibits spontaneous disintegration of unstable nuclei with the emission of nuclear particles or photons and includes any nonradioactive reagent kit or radionuclide generator that is intended to be used in the preparation of any such substance, but does not include drugs such as carbon-containing compounds or potassium-containing salts that include trace quantities of naturally occurring radionuclides. The term also includes any biological product that is labeled with a radionuclide or intended solely to be labeled with a radionuclide.

"Repackaged drug" means any drug removed from the manufacturer's original package and placed in different packaging.

"Robotic pharmacy system" means a mechanical system controlled by a computer that performs operations or activities relative to the storage, packaging, labeling, dispensing, or distribution of medications, and collects, controls, and maintains all transaction information.

"Safety closure container" means a container which meets the requirements of the federal Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 USC §§ 1471-1476), i.e., in testing such containers, that 85% of a test group of 200 children of ages 41-52 months are unable to open the container in a five-minute period and that 80% fail in another five minutes after a demonstration of how to open it and that 90% of a test group of 100 adults must be able to open and close the container.

"Satellite pharmacy" means a pharmacy which is noncontiguous to the centrally permitted pharmacy of a hospital but at the location designated on the pharmacy permit.

"Special packaging" means packaging that is designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open to obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the drug contained therein within a reasonable time and not difficult for normal adults to use properly, but does not mean packaging which all such children cannot open or obtain a toxic or harmful amount within a reasonable time.

"Special use permit" means a permit issued to conduct a pharmacy of a special scope of service that varies in any way from the provisions of any board regulation.

"Storage temperature" means those specific directions stated in some monographs with respect to the temperatures at which pharmaceutical articles shall be stored, where it is considered that storage at a lower or higher temperature may produce undesirable results. The conditions are defined by the following terms:

1. "Cold" means any temperature not exceeding 8°C (46°F). A refrigerator is a cold place in which temperature is maintained thermostatically between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F). A freezer is a cold place in which the temperature is maintained thermostatically between -20° and -10°C (-4° and 14°F).

2. "Room temperature" means the temperature prevailing in a working area.

3. "Controlled room temperature" means a temperature maintained thermostatically that encompasses the usual and customary working environment of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); that results in a mean kinetic temperature calculated to be not more than 25°C; and that allows for excursions between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F) that are experienced in pharmacies, hospitals, and warehouses.

4. "Warm" means any temperature between 30° and 40°C (86° and 104°F).

5. "Excessive heat" means any temperature above 40°C (104°F).

6. "Protection from freezing" means where, in addition to the risk of breakage of the container, freezing subjects a product to loss of strength or potency, or to the destructive alteration of its characteristics, the container label bears an appropriate instruction to protect the product from freezing.

7. "Cool" means any temperature between 8° and 15°C (46° and 59°F).

"Terminally ill" means a patient with a terminal condition as defined in § 54.1-2982 of the Code of Virginia.

"Unit dose container" means a container that is a single-unit container, as defined in United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary, for articles intended for administration by other than the parenteral route as a single dose, direct from the container.

"Unit dose package" means a container that contains a particular dose ordered for a patient.

"Unit dose system" means a system in which multiple drugs in unit dose packaging are dispensed in a single container, such as a medication drawer or bin, labeled only with patient name and location. Directions for administration are not provided by the pharmacy on the drug packaging or container but are obtained by the person administering directly from a prescriber's order or medication administration record.

"USP-NF" means the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary.

"Well-closed container" means a container that protects the contents from extraneous solids and from loss of the drug under the ordinary or customary conditions of handling, shipment, storage, and distribution.

18VAC110-20-250. Automated data processing records of prescriptions.

A. An automated data processing system may be used for the storage and retrieval of original and refill dispensing information for prescriptions instead of manual record keeping requirements, subject to the following conditions:

1. A hard copy prescription shall be placed on file as set forth in 18VAC110-20-240 B with the following provisions:

a. In lieu of a hard copy file for Schedule VI prescriptions, an electronic image of a prescription may be maintained in an electronic database provided it preserves and provides an exact image of the prescription that is clearly legible and made available within 48 hours of a request by a person authorized by law to have access to prescription information. Storing electronic images of prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances instead of the hard copy shall only be authorized if such storage is allowed by federal law.

b. If the pharmacy system's automated data processing system fields are automatically populated by an electronic transmission prescription, the automated record shall constitute the prescription and a hard copy or electronic image is not required.

c. Storing electronic images of prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances instead of the hard copy shall only be authorized if such storage is allowed by federal law. For Schedule II-V controlled substances, electronic prescriptions shall be maintained in accordance with federal law and regulation.

2. Any computerized system shall provide retrieval (via computer monitor display or printout) of original prescription information for those prescriptions which are currently authorized for dispensing.

3. Any computerized system shall also provide retrieval via computer monitor display or printout of the dispensing history for prescriptions dispensed during the past two years.

4. Documentation of the fact that the information entered into the computer each time a pharmacist fills a prescription for a drug is correct shall be provided by the individual pharmacist who makes use of such system. If a printout is maintained of each day's prescription dispensing data, the printout shall be verified, dated and signed by the individual pharmacist who dispensed the prescription. The individual pharmacist shall verify that the data indicated is correct and then sign the document in the same manner as his name appears on his pharmacist license (e.g., J. H. Smith or John H. Smith).

If a bound log book or separate file is maintained rather than a printout, each individual pharmacist involved in dispensing shall sign a statement each day in the log, in the manner previously described, attesting to the fact that the dispensing information entered into the computer that day has been reviewed by him and is correct as shown.

B. Printout of dispensing data requirements. Any computerized system shall have the capability of producing a printout of any dispensing data which the user pharmacy is responsible for maintaining under the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and such printout shall be provided within 48 hours of a request of an authorized agent.

18VAC110-20-285. Electronic transmission of prescriptions from prescriber to pharmacy.

A. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, prescriptions an electronic prescription may be transmitted by electronic means from the prescriber or an authorized agent as defined in § 54.1-3408.01 C of the Code of Virginia for transmission of oral prescriptions directly to the dispensing pharmacy. For electronic transmission Electronic prescriptions of Schedule II-V prescriptions, transmissions controlled substances shall comply with any security or other requirements of federal law. All electronic transmissions prescriptions shall also comply with all security requirements of state law related to privacy of protected health information.

B. In addition to all other information required to be included on a prescription, an electronically transmitted prescription shall include the telephone number of the prescriber, the full name of the prescriber's agent if other than the prescriber transmitting, and date of transmission.

C. B. A pharmacy receiving an electronic transmission prescription shall maintain such prescription record in accordance with 18VAC110-20-250 A.

D. C. An electronically transmitted electronic prescription shall be transmitted only to the pharmacy of the patient's choice.

18VAC110-20-290. Dispensing of Schedule II drugs.

A. A prescription for a Schedule II drug shall be dispensed in good faith but in no case shall it be dispensed more than six months after the date on which the prescription was issued.

B. A prescription for a Schedule II drug shall not be refilled except as authorized under the conditions for partial dispensing as set forth in 18VAC110-20-310.

C. In case of an emergency situation, a pharmacist may dispense a drug listed in Schedule II upon receiving oral authorization of a prescribing practitioner, provided that:

1. The quantity prescribed and dispensed is limited to the amount adequate to treat the patient during the emergency period;

2. The prescription shall be immediately reduced to writing by the pharmacist and shall contain all information required in § 54.1-3410 of the Drug Control Act, except for the signature of the prescribing practitioner;

3. If the pharmacist does not know the practitioner, he shall make a reasonable effort to determine that the oral authorization came from a practitioner using his phone number as listed in the telephone directory or other good-faith efforts to ensure his identity; and

4. Within seven days after authorizing an emergency oral prescription, the prescribing practitioner shall cause a written prescription for the emergency quantity prescribed to be delivered to the dispensing pharmacist. In addition to conforming to the requirements of § 54.1-3410 of the Drug Control Act, the prescription shall have written on its face "Authorization for Emergency Dispensing" and the date of the oral order. The written prescription may be delivered to the pharmacist in person or by mail, but if delivered, by mail, it must be postmarked within the seven-day period, or transmitted as an electronic prescription in accordance with federal law and regulation to include annotation of the electronic prescription with the original authorization and date of the oral order. Upon receipt, the dispensing pharmacist shall attach this the paper prescription to the oral emergency prescription which had earlier been reduced to writing. The pharmacist shall notify the nearest office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the board if the prescribing practitioner fails to deliver a written prescription to him. Failure of the pharmacist to do so shall void the authority conferred by this subdivision to dispense without a written prescription of a prescribing practitioner.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC145-20. Professional Soil Scientists Regulations (amending 18VAC145-20-151).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2211 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: Kathleen R. Nosbisch, Executive Director, Board for Professional Soil Scientists and Wetland Professionals, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8514, FAX (804) 527-4294, or email soilscientist@dpor.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments reduce the fees for initial certification, renewal, and reinstatement. The fees are reduced to comply with the provisions of the Callahan Act (§ 54.1-113 of the Code of Virginia).

18VAC145-20-151. Fees.

The fees for certification are listed below. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. All fees required by the board are nonrefundable. In the event that a check, money draft, or similar instrument for payment of a fee required by statute or regulation is not honored by the bank or financial institution named, the applicant or regulant shall be required to remit fees sufficient to cover the original fee, plus the an additional processing charge specified below as authorized by § 2.2-614.1 C of the Code of Virginia.

FORMS (18VAC145-20)

Professional Soil Scientist Certification Application (with instructions), 34CERT (eff. 7/00) 3401CERT (rev. 9/10).

Professional Soil Scientist Experience Log, 34EXP (eff. 7/00) 3401EXP (rev. 9/10).

Title of Regulation: 18VAC145-30. Regulations Governing Certified Professional Wetland Delineators (amending 18VAC145-30-90).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2203 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 1, 2010.

Agency Contact: Kathleen R. Nosbisch, Executive Director, Board for Professional Soil Scientists and Wetland Professionals, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8514, FAX (804) 527-4294, or email soilscientist@dpor.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments reduce the fees for initial certification, renewal, and reinstatement. The fees are reduced to comply with the provisions of the Callahan Act (§ 54.1-113 of the Code of Virginia).

Part III
Fees, Renewal and Reinstatement Requirements

18VAC145-30-90. Fees.

All fees required by the board are nonrefundable and shall not be prorated.

FORMS (18VAC145-30)

Professional Wetland Delineator Certification Application, 3402CERT (rev. 3/07) 9/10).

Professional Wetland Delineator Experience Log, 3402EXP (rev.3/07) 9/10).

Professional Wetland Delineator Reference Form, 3402REF (rev.3/07) 9/10).