{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2519.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2519.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2519.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2519.html"}],"law_id":68394,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68394,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2519","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"2002, c. 481; 2005, cc. 637, 678; 2014, c. 664; 2018, cc. 185, 379, 567, 772; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 227, 228.","full_text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Administer” means the direct application of a controlled substance, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by (i) a practitioner or, under the practitioner’s direction, his authorized agent or (ii) the patient or research subject at the direction and in the presence of the practitioner.\n\t\t“Bureau” means the Virginia Department of State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Diversion Unit.\n\t\t“Controlled substance” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI of the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 (\u00a7 54.1-3400 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Covered substance” means all controlled substances included in Schedules II, III, and IV; controlled substances included in Schedule V for which a prescription is required; naloxone; and all drugs of concern that are required to be reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, pursuant to this chapter. “Covered substance” also includes cannabis products dispensed by a pharmaceutical processor in Virginia.\n\t\t“Department” means the Virginia Department of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Dispense” means to deliver a controlled substance to an ultimate user, research subject, or owner of an animal patient by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering, packaging, labeling or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that delivery.\n\t\t“Dispenser” means a person or entity that (i) is authorized by law to dispense a covered substance or to maintain a stock of covered substances for the purpose of dispensing, and (ii) dispenses the covered substance to a citizen of the Commonwealth regardless of the location of the dispenser, or who dispenses such covered substance from a location in Virginia regardless of the location of the recipient.\n\t\t“Drug of concern” means any drug or substance, including any controlled substance or other drug or substance, where there has been or there is the potential for abuse and that has been identified by the Board of Pharmacy pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-3456.1.\n\t\t“Prescriber” means a practitioner licensed in the Commonwealth who is authorized pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3303 and 54.1-3408 to issue a prescription for a covered substance or a practitioner licensed in another state to so issue a prescription for a covered substance.\n\t\t“Recipient” means a person who receives a covered substance from a dispenser and includes the owner of an animal patient.\n\t\t“Relevant health regulatory board” means any such board that licenses persons or entities with the authority to prescribe or dispense covered substances, including the Board of Dentistry, the Board of Medicine, the Board of Veterinary Medicine, and the Board of Pharmacy.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":247662,"text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Administer” means the direct application of a controlled substance, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by (i) a practitioner or, under the practitioner’s direction, his authorized agent or (ii) the patient or research subject at the direction and in the presence of the practitioner.\n\t\t“Bureau” means the Virginia Department of State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Drug Diversion Unit.\n\t\t“Controlled substance” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI of the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 (\u00a7 54.1-3400 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Covered substance” means all controlled substances included in Schedules II, III, and IV; controlled substances included in Schedule V for which a prescription is required; naloxone; and all drugs of concern that are required to be reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, pursuant to this chapter. “Covered substance” also includes cannabis products dispensed by a pharmaceutical processor in Virginia.\n\t\t“Department” means the Virginia Department of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Dispense” means to deliver a controlled substance to an ultimate user, research subject, or owner of an animal patient by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering, packaging, labeling or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that delivery.\n\t\t“Dispenser” means a person or entity that (i) is authorized by law to dispense a covered substance or to maintain a stock of covered substances for the purpose of dispensing, and (ii) dispenses the covered substance to a citizen of the Commonwealth regardless of the location of the dispenser, or who dispenses such covered substance from a location in Virginia regardless of the location of the recipient.\n\t\t“Drug of concern” means any drug or substance, including any controlled substance or other drug or substance, where there has been or there is the potential for abuse and that has been identified by the Board of Pharmacy pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-3456.1.\n\t\t“Prescriber” means a practitioner licensed in the Commonwealth who is authorized pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3303 and 54.1-3408 to issue a prescription for a covered substance or a practitioner licensed in another state to so issue a prescription for a covered substance.\n\t\t“Recipient” means a person who receives a covered substance from a dispenser and includes the owner of an animal patient.\n\t\t“Relevant health regulatory board” means any such board that licenses persons or entities with the authority to prescribe or dispense covered substances, including the Board of Dentistry, the Board of Medicine, the Board of Veterinary Medicine, and the Board of Pharmacy.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13315,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prescription Monitoring Program","identifier":"25.2","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:37","permalink":{"id":241371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13315,"identifier":"25.2","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2","url":"\/54.1\/III\/25.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68394,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2519","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-2519\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2519","metadata":false},{"id":55075,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2520","catch_line":"Program establishment; Director's regulatory authority","url":"\/54.1-2520\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2520","metadata":false},{"id":64843,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2521","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Reporting requirements","url":"\/54.1-2521\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2521","metadata":false},{"id":69685,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2522","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Reporting exemptions","url":"\/54.1-2522\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2522","metadata":false},{"id":72705,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2522.1","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Requirements of practitioners","url":"\/54.1-2522.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2522.1","metadata":false},{"id":67799,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2522.2","catch_line":"Requirements for dispensers","url":"\/54.1-2522.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2522.2","metadata":false},{"id":56919,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2523","catch_line":"Confidentiality of data; disclosure of information; discretionary authority of Director","url":"\/54.1-2523\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2523","metadata":false},{"id":74465,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2523.1","catch_line":"Criteria for indicators of misuse; Director's authority to disclose information; intervention","url":"\/54.1-2523.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2523.1","metadata":false},{"id":56473,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2523.2","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Authority to access database","url":"\/54.1-2523.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2523.2","metadata":false},{"id":57186,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2524","catch_line":"Immunity from liability","url":"\/54.1-2524\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2524","metadata":false},{"id":57288,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2525","catch_line":"Unlawful disclosure of information; disciplinary action authorized; penalties","url":"\/54.1-2525\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2525","metadata":false},{"id":54302,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2526","catch_line":"Exemption of information systems from provisions related to the Virginia Information Technologies Agency","url":"\/54.1-2526\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2526","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":55075,"structure_id":13315,"section_number":"54.1-2520","catch_line":"Program establishment; Director's regulatory authority","url":"\/54.1-2520\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2520","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2519\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2002. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 481<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2005, chapters 637<\/a> and 678<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 664<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 185<\/a>, 379<\/a>, 567<\/a>, and 772<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":60253,"section_number":"2.2-3705.5","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; health and social services records","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3705.5\/"},{"id":58930,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:03","catch_line":"Health records privacy","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-127.1_03\/"},{"id":75214,"section_number":"32.1-372","catch_line":"Smartchart Network Program established; purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-372\/"},{"id":62957,"section_number":"54.1-2505","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Director of Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2505\/"},{"id":54792,"section_number":"54.1-3456.1","catch_line":"Drugs of concern","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3456.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85347,"section_number":"54.1-3303","catch_line":"Prescriptions to be issued and drugs to be dispensed for medical or therapeutic purposes only","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3303\/"},{"id":77846,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3400\/"},{"id":77665,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3408\/"},{"id":54792,"section_number":"54.1-3456.1","catch_line":"Drugs of concern","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3456.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":241373,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68394,"identifier":"54.1-2519","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2519","url":"\/54.1-2519\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2519\/","token":"54.1\/III\/25.2\/54.1-2519","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2519","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Administer<\/span>” means the direct application of a controlled substance<\/span>, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by (i) a practitioner or, under the practitioner’s direction, his authorized agent or (ii) the patient or research subject at the direction and in the presence of the practitioner.\n\t\t“Bureau<\/span>” means the Virginia Department<\/span> of State Police, Bureau<\/span> of Criminal Investigation, Drug Diversion<\/span> Unit.\n\t\t“Controlled substance<\/span>” means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in Schedules<\/span> I through VI of the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 (\u00a7 54.1-3400<\/a> et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Covered substance<\/span>” means all controlled substances<\/span> included in Schedules<\/span> II, III, and IV; controlled substances<\/span> included in Schedule V for which a prescription is required; naloxone; and all drugs of concern that are required to be reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, pursuant to this chapter. “Covered substance<\/span>” also includes cannabis products dispensed by a pharmaceutical processor in Virginia.\n\t\t“Department<\/span>” means the Virginia Department<\/span> of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Director<\/span>” means the Director<\/span> of the Virginia Department<\/span> of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Dispense<\/span>” means to deliver a controlled substance<\/span> to an ultimate user, research subject, or owner of an animal patient by or pursuant to the lawful order<\/span> of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering, packaging, labeling or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that delivery.\n\t\t“Dispenser<\/span>” means a person or entity that (i) is authorized by law<\/span> to dispense<\/span> a covered substance<\/span> or to maintain a stock of covered substances<\/span> for the purpose of dispensing, and (ii) dispenses<\/span> the covered substance<\/span> to a citizen of the Commonwealth regardless of the location of the dispenser<\/span>, or who dispenses<\/span> such covered substance<\/span> from a location in Virginia regardless of the location of the recipient<\/span>.\n\t\t“Drug of concern<\/span>” means any drug or substance, including any controlled substance<\/span> or other drug or substance, where there has been or there is the potential for abuse and that has been identified by the Board of Pharmacy pursuant to \u00a7 54.1-3456.1<\/a>.\n\t\t“Prescriber<\/span>” means a practitioner licensed in the Commonwealth who is authorized pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3303<\/a> and 54.1-3408<\/a> to issue<\/span> a prescription for a covered substance<\/span> or a practitioner licensed in another state to so issue<\/span> a prescription for a covered substance<\/span>.\n\t\t“Recipient<\/span>” means a person who receives a covered substance<\/span> from a dispenser<\/span> and includes the owner of an animal patient.\n\t\t“Relevant health regulatory board<\/span>” means any such board that licenses persons or entities with the authority to prescribe or dispense<\/span> covered substances<\/span>, including the Board of Dentistry, the Board of Medicine, the Board of Veterinary Medicine, and the Board of Pharmacy.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 54.1-2519)\n\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Administer” means the direct application of a controlled\nsubstance, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion or any other means, to\nthe body of a patient or research subject by (i) a practitioner or, under the\npractitioner’s direction, his authorized agent or (ii) the patient or\nresearch subject at the direction and in the presence of the practitioner.\n\t\t“Bureau” means the Virginia Department of State Police, Bureau of\nCriminal Investigation, Drug Diversion Unit.\n\t\t“Controlled substance” means a drug, substance or immediate\nprecursor in Schedules I through VI of the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34 (\u00a7\n54.1-3400 et seq.) of this title.\n\t\t“Covered substance” means all controlled substances included in\nSchedules II, III, and IV; controlled substances included in Schedule V for\nwhich a prescription is required; naloxone; and all drugs of concern that are\nrequired to be reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, pursuant to this\nchapter. “Covered substance” also includes cannabis products\ndispensed by a pharmaceutical processor in Virginia.\n\t\t“Department” means the Virginia Department of Health Professions.\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Virginia Department of Health\nProfessions.\n\t\t“Dispense” means to deliver a controlled substance to an ultimate\nuser, research subject, or owner of an animal patient by or pursuant to the\nlawful order of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering,\npackaging, labeling or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that\ndelivery.\n\t\t“Dispenser” means a person or entity that (i) is authorized by law\nto dispense a covered substance or to maintain a stock of covered substances for\nthe purpose of dispensing, and (ii) dispenses the covered substance to a citizen\nof the Commonwealth regardless of the location of the dispenser, or who\ndispenses such covered substance from a location in Virginia regardless of the\nlocation of the recipient.\n\t\t“Drug of concern” means any drug or substance, including any\ncontrolled substance or other drug or substance, where there has been or there\nis the potential for abuse and that has been identified by the Board of Pharmacy\npursuant to \u00a7 54.1-3456.1.\n\t\t“Prescriber” means a practitioner licensed in the Commonwealth who\nis authorized pursuant to \u00a7\u00a7 54.1-3303 and 54.1-3408 to issue a prescription\nfor a covered substance or a practitioner licensed in another state to so issue\na prescription for a covered substance.\n\t\t“Recipient” means a person who receives a covered substance from a\ndispenser and includes the owner of an animal patient.\n\t\t“Relevant health regulatory board” means any such board that\nlicenses persons or entities with the authority to prescribe or dispense covered\nsubstances, including the Board of Dentistry, the Board of Medicine, the Board\nof Veterinary Medicine, and the Board of Pharmacy.\n\nHISTORY: 2002, c. 481; 2005, cc. 637, 678; 2014, c. 664; 2018, cc. 185, 379,\n567, 772; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 227, 228.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}