Department of Health Professions
Board of Medicine
Regulations Governing Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine
[18 VAC 85 ‑ 21]
Chapter Information
| Description | Regulations set out provisions for prescribing of opioids for acute or chronic pain management and for prescribing of buprenorphine for addiction treatment. |
| State Authority | 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2928.2 |
| Federal Authority | None entered |
| Periodic Review Note | New chapter 8/2018 |
| Exempt from APA | No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act. |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation |
1. To protect public health and safety by prescribing opioids only to the extent necessary to effectively manage pain. 2. To provide guidance to prescribers in the management of pain and addiction treatment. |
| Meetings | See all meetings (1) relating to this chapter. |
Contact Information
| Name / Title: | William L. Harp, M.D. / Executive Director |
| Address: |
9960 Mayland Drive Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 |
| Email Address: | william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (804)367-4558 FAX: (804)527-4429 TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| None | ||
| Past Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Waiver for e-prescribing of an opioid | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/09/2021. |
| Initial regulations | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/08/2018. |