{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2957.01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2957.01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2957.01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2957.01.html"}],"law_id":71447,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71447,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.01","catch_line":"Prescription of certain controlled substances and devices by licensed advanced practice registered nurses","history":"1991, cc. 519, 524; 1992, c. 409; 1995, c. 506; 1999, c. 745; 2000, c. 924; 2005, c. 926; 2006, c. 494; 2012, c. 213; 2016, c. 495; 2018, c. 776; 2020, cc. 100, 161; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 157, 396; 2022, cc. 197, 667; 2023, c. 183.","full_text":"A\n\nIn accordance with the provisions of this section and pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.), a licensed advanced practice registered nurse shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices as set forth in Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.).B\n\nAn advanced practice registered nurse who does not meet the requirements for practice without a written or electronic practice agreement set forth in subsection I of § 54.1-2957 shall prescribe controlled substances or devices only if such prescribing is authorized by a written or electronic practice agreement entered into by the advanced practice registered nurse and a patient care team physician or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the advanced practice registered nurse and a licensed physician. Such advanced practice registered nurse shall provide to the Boards of Medicine and Nursing such evidence as the Boards may jointly require that the advanced practice registered nurse has entered into and is, at the time of writing a prescription, a party to a written or electronic practice agreement with a patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, a licensed physician, that clearly states the prescriptive practices of the advanced practice registered nurse. Such written or electronic practice agreements shall include the controlled substances the advanced practice registered nurse is or is not authorized to prescribe and may restrict such prescriptive authority as described in the practice agreement. Evidence of a practice agreement shall be maintained by an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to § 54.1-2957. Practice agreements authorizing an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section either shall be signed by the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, a licensed physician, or shall clearly state the name of the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the licensed physician, who has entered into the practice agreement with the advanced practice registered nurse.\n\t\t\tIt shall be unlawful for an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section unless (i) such prescription is authorized by the written or electronic practice agreement or (ii) the advanced practice registered nurse is authorized to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement pursuant to subsection I of § 54.1-2957.C\n\nThe Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall promulgate regulations governing the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses as are deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure an appropriate standard of care for patients. Such regulations shall include requirements as may be necessary to ensure continued advanced practice registered nurse competency, which may include continuing education, testing, or any other requirement, and shall address the need to promote ethical practice, an appropriate standard of care, patient safety, the use of new pharmaceuticals, and appropriate communication with patients.D\n\nThis section shall not limit the functions and procedures of certified registered nurse anesthetists or of any advanced practice registered nurses which are otherwise authorized by law or regulation.E\n\nThe following restrictions shall apply to any advanced practice registered nurse authorized to prescribe drugs and devices pursuant to this section:1\n\nThe advanced practice registered nurse shall disclose to the patient at the initial encounter that he is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Any party to a practice agreement shall disclose, upon request of a patient or his legal representative, the name of the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the licensed physician, and information regarding how to contact the patient care team physician or licensed physician.2\n\nPhysicians shall not serve as a patient care team physician on a patient care team or enter into a practice agreement with more than six advanced practice registered nurses at any one time, except that a physician may serve as a patient care team physician on a patient care team with up to 10 advanced practice registered nurses licensed in the category of psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurse.F\n\nThis section shall not prohibit a licensed advanced practice registered nurse from administering controlled substances in compliance with the definition of “administer” in § 54.1-3401 or from receiving and dispensing manufacturers’ professional samples of controlled substances in compliance with the provisions of this section.G\n\nNotwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a certified nurse midwife licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as such and holding a license for prescriptive authority may prescribe Schedules II through VI controlled substances. However, if the certified nurse midwife licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of certified nurse midwife is required, pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957, to practice pursuant to a practice agreement, such prescribing shall also be in accordance with any prescriptive authority included in such practice agreement.H\n\nNotwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a certified registered nurse anesthetist licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as such shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices in accordance with the requirements for practice set forth in subsection C of § 54.1-2957 to a patient requiring anesthesia, as part of the periprocedural care of such patient. As used in this subsection, “periprocedural” means the period beginning prior to a procedure and ending at the time the patient is discharged.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":257559,"text":"In accordance with the provisions of this section and pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.), a licensed advanced practice registered nurse shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices as set forth in Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.).","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":257560,"text":"An advanced practice registered nurse who does not meet the requirements for practice without a written or electronic practice agreement set forth in subsection I of § 54.1-2957 shall prescribe controlled substances or devices only if such prescribing is authorized by a written or electronic practice agreement entered into by the advanced practice registered nurse and a patient care team physician or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the advanced practice registered nurse and a licensed physician. Such advanced practice registered nurse shall provide to the Boards of Medicine and Nursing such evidence as the Boards may jointly require that the advanced practice registered nurse has entered into and is, at the time of writing a prescription, a party to a written or electronic practice agreement with a patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, a licensed physician, that clearly states the prescriptive practices of the advanced practice registered nurse. Such written or electronic practice agreements shall include the controlled substances the advanced practice registered nurse is or is not authorized to prescribe and may restrict such prescriptive authority as described in the practice agreement. Evidence of a practice agreement shall be maintained by an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to § 54.1-2957. Practice agreements authorizing an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section either shall be signed by the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, a licensed physician, or shall clearly state the name of the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the licensed physician, who has entered into the practice agreement with the advanced practice registered nurse.\n\t\t\tIt shall be unlawful for an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section unless (i) such prescription is authorized by the written or electronic practice agreement or (ii) the advanced practice registered nurse is authorized to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement pursuant to subsection I of § 54.1-2957.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":257561,"text":"The Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall promulgate regulations governing the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses as are deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure an appropriate standard of care for patients. Such regulations shall include requirements as may be necessary to ensure continued advanced practice registered nurse competency, which may include continuing education, testing, or any other requirement, and shall address the need to promote ethical practice, an appropriate standard of care, patient safety, the use of new pharmaceuticals, and appropriate communication with patients.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":257562,"text":"This section shall not limit the functions and procedures of certified registered nurse anesthetists or of any advanced practice registered nurses which are otherwise authorized by law or regulation.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":257563,"text":"The following restrictions shall apply to any advanced practice registered nurse authorized to prescribe drugs and devices pursuant to this section:","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E1"},"5":{"id":257564,"text":"The advanced practice registered nurse shall disclose to the patient at the initial encounter that he is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Any party to a practice agreement shall disclose, upon request of a patient or his legal representative, the name of the patient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the licensed physician, and information regarding how to contact the patient care team physician or licensed physician.","type":"section","prefixes":["E","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"E1","prefix_anchor":"E1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"E2"},"6":{"id":257565,"text":"Physicians shall not serve as a patient care team physician on a patient care team or enter into a practice agreement with more than six advanced practice registered nurses at any one time, except that a physician may serve as a patient care team physician on a patient care team with up to 10 advanced practice registered nurses licensed in the category of psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurse.","type":"section","prefixes":["E","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"E2","prefix_anchor":"E2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"E1","next_prefix":"F"},"7":{"id":257566,"text":"This section shall not prohibit a licensed advanced practice registered nurse from administering controlled substances in compliance with the definition of “administer” in § 54.1-3401 or from receiving and dispensing manufacturers’ professional samples of controlled substances in compliance with the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E2","next_prefix":"G"},"8":{"id":257567,"text":"Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a certified nurse midwife licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as such and holding a license for prescriptive authority may prescribe Schedules II through VI controlled substances. However, if the certified nurse midwife licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of certified nurse midwife is required, pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957, to practice pursuant to a practice agreement, such prescribing shall also be in accordance with any prescriptive authority included in such practice agreement.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"9":{"id":257568,"text":"Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a certified registered nurse anesthetist licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as such shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices in accordance with the requirements for practice set forth in subsection C of § 54.1-2957 to a patient requiring anesthesia, as part of the periprocedural care of such patient. As used in this subsection, “periprocedural” means the period beginning prior to a procedure and ending at the time the patient is discharged.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14243,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure and Certification of Other Practitioners of the Healing Arts","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12759,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:26","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:26","permalink":{"id":242191,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14243,"identifier":"4","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12759,"edition_id":1,"name":"Medicine and Other Healing Arts","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241933,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12759,"identifier":"29","token":"54.1\/III\/29","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/","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":83532,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2942","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2942\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2942","metadata":false},{"id":78472,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2949","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-2949\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2949","metadata":false},{"id":81411,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2950","catch_line":"Requisite training and educational achievements of assistants","url":"\/54.1-2950\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2950","metadata":false},{"id":64376,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2950.1","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Physician Assistants; 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regulation of the practice; license required; licensure; temporary license","url":"\/54.1-2957.19\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.19","metadata":false},{"id":87219,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.20","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-2957.20\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.20","metadata":false},{"id":80672,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.21","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2957.21\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.21","metadata":false},{"id":57798,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.22","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling established; membership; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.22\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.22","metadata":false},{"id":81834,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.23","catch_line":"Licensure of anesthesiologist assistants","url":"\/54.1-2957.23\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.23","metadata":false},{"id":71621,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.4","catch_line":"Licensure as athletic trainer required; requisite training and educational requirements; powers of the Board concerning athletic training","url":"\/54.1-2957.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.4","metadata":false},{"id":74771,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.5","catch_line":"Advisory Board on Athletic Training established; duties; composition; appointment; terms","url":"\/54.1-2957.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.5","metadata":false},{"id":74486,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.6","catch_line":"Exceptions to athletic trainer licensure","url":"\/54.1-2957.6\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.6","metadata":false},{"id":58401,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.7","catch_line":"Licensed midwife and practice of midwifery; definitions","url":"\/54.1-2957.7\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.7","metadata":false},{"id":56270,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.8","catch_line":"Licensure of midwives; requisite training and educational requirements; fees","url":"\/54.1-2957.8\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.8","metadata":false},{"id":65541,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.9","catch_line":"Regulation of the practice of midwifery","url":"\/54.1-2957.9\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":55474,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.001","catch_line":"Restricted volunteer license for advanced practice registered nurses","url":"\/54.1-2957.001\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.001","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":69520,"structure_id":14243,"section_number":"54.1-2957.02","catch_line":"When advanced practice registered nurse signature accepted","url":"\/54.1-2957.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.02","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2957.01\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1991. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 519 and 524 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. Unfortunately, the 1991 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 12 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 1992, chapter 409; in 1995, chapter 506<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 745<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 924<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 926<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 494<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 213<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 495<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 776<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 100<\/a> and 161<\/a>; in 2022, chapters 197<\/a> and 667<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 183<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":83528,"section_number":"54.1-2901","catch_line":"Exceptions and exemptions generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2901\/"},{"id":64164,"section_number":"54.1-2957","catch_line":"Licensure and practice of advanced practice registered nurses; certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2957\/"},{"id":55719,"section_number":"54.1-3301","catch_line":"Exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3301\/"},{"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":59669,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3401\/"},{"id":77665,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3408\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":64164,"section_number":"54.1-2957","catch_line":"Licensure and practice of advanced practice registered nurses; certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2957\/"},{"id":72064,"section_number":"54.1-3300","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3300\/"},{"id":77846,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3400\/"},{"id":59669,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3401\/"}],"permalink":{"id":242341,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71447,"identifier":"54.1-2957.01","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.01","url":"\/54.1-2957.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2957.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/4\/54.1-2957.01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Prescription of certain controlled substances and devices by licensed advanced practice registered nurses","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2957.01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> In accordance with the provisions of this section and pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300<\/a> et seq.), a licensed advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices as set forth in Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400<\/a> et seq.). <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> An advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> who does not meet the requirements for practice without a written or electronic practice agreement set forth in subsection I of § 54.1-2957<\/a> shall prescribe controlled substances or devices only if such prescribing is authorized by a written or electronic practice agreement entered into by the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> and a patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span> or, if the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist<\/span>, the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> and a licensed physician. Such advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> shall provide to the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing such evidence<\/span> as the Boards<\/span> may jointly require that the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> has entered into and is, at the time of writing a prescription, a party<\/span> to a written or electronic practice agreement with a patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span>, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist<\/span>, a licensed physician, that clearly states the prescriptive practices of the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span>. Such written or electronic practice agreements shall include the controlled substances the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is or is not authorized to prescribe and may restrict such prescriptive authority as described in the practice agreement. Evidence<\/span> of a practice agreement shall be maintained by an advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> pursuant to § 54.1-2957<\/a>. Practice agreements authorizing an advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section either shall be signed by the patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span>, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist<\/span>, a licensed physician, or shall clearly state the name of the patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span>, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist<\/span>, the name of the licensed physician, who has entered into the practice agreement with the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span>.\n\t\t\tIt shall be unlawful for an advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant to this section unless (i) such prescription is authorized by the written or electronic practice agreement or (ii) the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is authorized to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement pursuant to subsection I of § 54.1-2957<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing shall promulgate regulations governing the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses<\/span> as are deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure an appropriate standard of care for patients. Such regulations shall include requirements as may be necessary to ensure continued advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> competency, which may include continuing education, testing, or any other requirement, and shall address the need to promote ethical practice, an appropriate standard of care, patient safety, the use of new pharmaceuticals, and appropriate communication with patients. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> This section shall not limit the functions and procedures of certified registered nurse anesthetists<\/span> or of any advanced practice registered nurses<\/span> which are otherwise authorized by law<\/span> or regulation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The following restrictions shall apply to any advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> authorized to prescribe drugs and devices pursuant to this section: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> shall disclose to the patient at the initial encounter that he is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse<\/span>. Any party<\/span> to a practice agreement shall disclose, upon request of a patient or his legal representative, the name of the patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span>, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> is licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist<\/span>, the name of the licensed physician, and information regarding how to contact the patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span> or licensed physician. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Physicians shall not serve as a patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span> on a patient care team<\/span> or enter into a practice agreement with more than six advanced practice registered nurses<\/span> at any one time, except that a physician may serve as a patient care team<\/span> physician<\/span> on a patient care team<\/span> with up to 10 advanced practice registered nurses<\/span> licensed in the category of psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurse<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> This section shall not prohibit a licensed advanced practice registered nurse<\/span> from administering controlled substances in compliance with the definition of “administer” in § 54.1-3401<\/a> or from receiving and dispensing manufacturers’ professional samples of controlled substances in compliance with the provisions of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Notwithstanding any provision of law<\/span> or regulation to the contrary, a certified nurse midwife<\/span> licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing as such and holding a license for prescriptive authority may prescribe Schedules<\/span> II through VI controlled substances. However, if the certified nurse midwife<\/span> licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing in the category of certified nurse midwife<\/span> is required, pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, to practice pursuant to a practice agreement, such prescribing shall also be in accordance with any prescriptive authority included in such practice agreement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Notwithstanding any provision of law<\/span> or regulation to the contrary, a certified registered nurse anesthetist<\/span> licensed by the Boards<\/span> of Medicine and Nursing as such shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through Schedule VI controlled substances and devices in accordance with the requirements for practice set forth in subsection C of § 54.1-2957<\/a> to a patient requiring anesthesia, as part of the periprocedural<\/span> care of such patient. As used in this subsection, “periprocedural<\/span>” means the period beginning prior to a procedure and ending at the time the patient is discharged. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPRESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND DEVICES BY LICENSED ADVANCED\nPRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (\u00a7 54.1-2957.01)\n\nA. In accordance with the provisions of this section and pursuant to the\nrequirements of Chapter 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.), a licensed advanced\npractice registered nurse shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II\nthrough Schedule VI controlled substances and devices as set forth in Chapter 34\n(§ 54.1-3400 et seq.).\n\nB. An advanced practice registered nurse who does not meet the requirements for\npractice without a written or electronic practice agreement set forth in\nsubsection I of § 54.1-2957 shall prescribe controlled substances or\ndevices only if such prescribing is authorized by a written or electronic\npractice agreement entered into by the advanced practice registered nurse and a\npatient care team physician or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is\nlicensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse\nspecialist, the advanced practice registered nurse and a licensed physician.\nSuch advanced practice registered nurse shall provide to the Boards of Medicine\nand Nursing such evidence as the Boards may jointly require that the advanced\npractice registered nurse has entered into and is, at the time of writing a\nprescription, a party to a written or electronic practice agreement with a\npatient care team physician, or, if the advanced practice registered nurse is\nlicensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse\nspecialist, a licensed physician, that clearly states the prescriptive practices\nof the advanced practice registered nurse. Such written or electronic practice\nagreements shall include the controlled substances the advanced practice\nregistered nurse is or is not authorized to prescribe and may restrict such\nprescriptive authority as described in the practice agreement. Evidence of a\npractice agreement shall be maintained by an advanced practice registered nurse\npursuant to § 54.1-2957. Practice agreements authorizing an advanced\npractice registered nurse to prescribe controlled substances or devices pursuant\nto this section either shall be signed by the patient care team physician, or,\nif the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine\nand Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, a licensed physician,\nor shall clearly state the name of the patient care team physician, or, if the\nadvanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine and\nNursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the licensed\nphysician, who has entered into the practice agreement with the advanced\npractice registered nurse.\n\t\t\tIt shall be unlawful for an advanced practice registered nurse to prescribe\ncontrolled substances or devices pursuant to this section unless (i) such\nprescription is authorized by the written or electronic practice agreement or\n(ii) the advanced practice registered nurse is authorized to practice without a\nwritten or electronic practice agreement pursuant to subsection I of §\n54.1-2957.\n\nC. The Boards of Medicine and Nursing shall promulgate regulations governing the\nprescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses as are deemed\nreasonable and necessary to ensure an appropriate standard of care for patients.\nSuch regulations shall include requirements as may be necessary to ensure\ncontinued advanced practice registered nurse competency, which may include\ncontinuing education, testing, or any other requirement, and shall address the\nneed to promote ethical practice, an appropriate standard of care, patient\nsafety, the use of new pharmaceuticals, and appropriate communication with\npatients.\n\nD. This section shall not limit the functions and procedures of certified\nregistered nurse anesthetists or of any advanced practice registered nurses\nwhich are otherwise authorized by law or regulation.\n\nE. The following restrictions shall apply to any advanced practice registered\nnurse authorized to prescribe drugs and devices pursuant to this section:\n\n 1. The advanced practice registered nurse shall disclose to the patient at the\n initial encounter that he is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse.\n Any party to a practice agreement shall disclose, upon request of a patient or\n his legal representative, the name of the patient care team physician, or, if\n the advanced practice registered nurse is licensed by the Boards of Medicine\n and Nursing in the category of clinical nurse specialist, the name of the\n licensed physician, and information regarding how to contact the patient care\n team physician or licensed physician.\n\n 2. Physicians shall not serve as a patient care team physician on a patient\n care team or enter into a practice agreement with more than six advanced\n practice registered nurses at any one time, except that a physician may serve\n as a patient care team physician on a patient care team with up to 10 advanced\n practice registered nurses licensed in the category of psychiatric-mental\n health advanced practice registered nurse.\n\nF. This section shall not prohibit a licensed advanced practice registered nurse\nfrom administering controlled substances in compliance with the definition of\n“administer” in § 54.1-3401 or from receiving and dispensing\nmanufacturers’ professional samples of controlled substances in compliance\nwith the provisions of this section.\n\nG. Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a\ncertified nurse midwife licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing as such\nand holding a license for prescriptive authority may prescribe Schedules II\nthrough VI controlled substances. However, if the certified nurse midwife\nlicensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing in the category of certified\nnurse midwife is required, pursuant to subsection H of § 54.1-2957, to\npractice pursuant to a practice agreement, such prescribing shall also be in\naccordance with any prescriptive authority included in such practice agreement.\n\nH. Notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a\ncertified registered nurse anesthetist licensed by the Boards of Medicine and\nNursing as such shall have the authority to prescribe Schedule II through\nSchedule VI controlled substances and devices in accordance with the\nrequirements for practice set forth in subsection C of § 54.1-2957 to a\npatient requiring anesthesia, as part of the periprocedural care of such\npatient. As used in this subsection, “periprocedural” means the\nperiod beginning prior to a procedure and ending at the time the patient is\ndischarged.\n\nHISTORY: 1991, cc. 519, 524; 1992, c. 409; 1995, c. 506; 1999, c. 745; 2000, c.\n924; 2005, c. 926; 2006, c. 494; 2012, c. 213; 2016, c. 495; 2018, c. 776; 2020,\ncc. 100, 161; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 157, 396; 2022, cc. 197, 667; 2023, c. 183.","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}}