                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 54.1-3000)

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
		&#8220;Advanced practice registered nurse&#8221; means a certified nurse
midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, or
nurse practitioner who is jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing
pursuant to § 54.1-2957, has completed an advanced graduate-level education
program in a specialty category of nursing, and has passed a national certifying
examination for that specialty.
		&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Board of Nursing.
		&#8220;Certified nurse aide&#8221; means a person who meets the qualifications
specified in this article and who is currently certified by the Board.
		&#8220;Massage therapist&#8221; means a person who meets the qualifications
specified in this chapter and who is currently licensed by the Board.
		&#8220;Massage therapy&#8221; means the treatment of soft tissues for
therapeutic purposes by the application of massage and bodywork techniques based
on the manipulation or application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft
tissues of the human body. The term &#8220;massage therapy&#8221; does not
include the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease or any service or
procedure for which a license to practice medicine, nursing, midwifery,
chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, athletic
training, or podiatry is required by law or any service described in subdivision
A 18 of § 54.1-3001.
		&#8220;Massage therapy&#8221; shall not include manipulation of the spine or
joints.
		&#8220;Nurse practitioner&#8221; means an advanced practice registered nurse
who is jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing pursuant to §
54.1-2957.
		&#8220;Practical nurse&#8221; or &#8220;licensed practical nurse&#8221; means
a person who is licensed or holds a multistate licensure privilege under the
provisions of this chapter to practice practical nursing as defined in this
section. Such a licensee shall be empowered to provide nursing services without
compensation. The abbreviation &#8220;L.P.N.&#8221; shall stand for such terms.
		&#8220;Practical nursing&#8221; or &#8220;licensed practical nursing&#8221;
means the performance for compensation of selected nursing acts in the care of
individuals or groups who are ill, injured, or experiencing changes in normal
health processes; in the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness or
disease; or, subject to such regulations as the Board may promulgate, in the
teaching of those who are or will be nurse aides. Practical nursing or licensed
practical nursing requires knowledge, judgment and skill in nursing procedures
gained through prescribed education. Practical nursing or licensed practical
nursing is performed under the direction or supervision of a licensed medical
practitioner, a professional nurse, registered nurse or registered professional
nurse or other licensed health professional authorized by regulations of the
Board.
		&#8220;Practice of a nurse aide&#8221; or &#8220;nurse aide practice&#8221;
means the performance of services requiring the education, training, and skills
specified in this chapter for certification as a nurse aide. Such services are
performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist,
professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or other licensed health care
professional acting within the scope of the requirements of his profession.
		&#8220;Professional nurse,&#8221; &#8220;registered nurse&#8221; or
&#8220;registered professional nurse&#8221; means a person who is licensed or
holds a multistate licensure privilege under the provisions of this chapter to
practice professional nursing as defined in this section. Such a licensee shall
be empowered to provide professional services without compensation, to promote
health and to teach health to individuals and groups. The abbreviation
&#8220;R.N.&#8221; shall stand for such terms.
		&#8220;Professional nursing,&#8221; &#8220;registered nursing&#8221; or
&#8220;registered professional nursing&#8221; means the performance for
compensation of any nursing acts in the observation, care and counsel of
individuals or groups who are ill, injured or experiencing changes in normal
health processes or the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness or
disease; in the supervision and teaching of those who are or will be involved in
nursing care; in the delegation of selected nursing tasks and procedures to
appropriately trained unlicensed persons as determined by the Board; or in the
administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by any person
authorized by law to prescribe such medications and treatment. Professional
nursing, registered nursing and registered professional nursing require
specialized education, judgment, and skill based upon knowledge and application
of principles from the biological, physical, social, behavioral and nursing
sciences.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 54-326; 1970, c. 116, § 54-367.2; 1988, cc. 580, 765;
1989, cc. 7, 278; 1990, c. 104; 1996, c. 166; 1998, c. 458; 2004, c. 49; 2012,
c. 213; 2016, cc. 83, 93, 324; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 157; 2023, c. 183.