Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Physician Assistants [18 VAC 85 ‑ 50]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description Establishes qualifications for licensure, requirements for renewal, and standards for practice and supervision of physican assistants by physicians
State Authority Chapter 29 of Title 54.1
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1) Achieve a high level of satisfaction for application and renewal processes for all licensed practitioners.

2) Review regulations to ensure consistency and application to the current practices of physician assistants.
Meetings See all meetings (30) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Erin Barrett  / Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Address: Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)750-3912    FAX: (804)915-0382    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Removal of patient care team physician or podiatrist name from prescriptions issued by physician assistants Proposed Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Amendment to requirements for patient care team physician or podiatrist consultation and collaboration Proposed Not yet submitted to Attorney General for certification.
Implementation of the PA Compact NOIRA Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Creation of reinstatement process for physician assistants with lapsed licenses Fast-Track Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Amendment to allow physician assistants working for defined employers to practice without a separate practice agreement if certain statutory requirements are met
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/06/2024.
Implementation of Periodic Review for Chapter 50 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/17/2025.
Implementation of HB145 for Physician Assistant Practice
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/09/2022.
Licensure by endorsement - expedited process Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/01/2022.
Conforming regulations to 2021 legislation - patient care team physician
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/15/2021.
Practice with patient care team physician Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/16/2021.
Handling fee Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2020.
Licensure by endorsement for spouses of military
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/02/2019.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/02/2019.
Supervision and direction for laser hair removal Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/07/2019.
Electronic renewal notices Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/22/2019.
Result of periodic review Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/22/2019.
Definitions of supervision and weight loss rules Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/20/2018.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/27/2017.
Elimination of required submission of certain documents Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/29/2017.
Conforming to Code changes
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/05/2016.
Disclosure requirement for prescriptions Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/15/2016.
Qualifications for fluoroscopy Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/13/2015.
One-time reduction in renewal fees
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/25/2013.
Regulatory reform changes Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/26/2013.
Elimination of specific requirement for supervising physician to see patients on 4th visit Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/03/2013.
Unauthorized disclosure from PMP
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/04/2010.
Change of address
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/19/2009.
Registration for restricted volunteer practice
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/03/2008.
Requirements for a restricted volunteer license Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2008.
Correction of Code cites
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/18/2007.
Change in fee for returned checks
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/08/2006.
Standards of practice Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/19/2005.
Changes in supervision; voluntary practice Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/18/2003.
Periodic review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/31/2002.
Change in prescriptive authority
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/01/2001.
Inactive licensure Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/11/2001.
Conformity to change in law
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/02/2000.
Increase in licensee fees Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/12/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Forms revision
Final Stage withdrawn on 12/16/2011 before submission to the Registrar.
Fee increase NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 06/23/2006 after the comment period had ended.
Rules for prescribing opioids for chronic pain Proposed Stage withdrawn on 05/21/2009 before the Governor's office completed its review.
CH 0050 Rules for prescribing opioids for chronic pain management
Correction of Code cite
Final Stage withdrawn on 08/22/2007 prior to submitting for AG review.
Practice in emergency rooms NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 04/14/2000 after the comment period had ended.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/6/2022 Agency Completed Amend
4/30/2018 Agency Completed Amend
10/16/2012 Agency Completed Amend
10/12/2000 Agency Completed Amend