reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 30 - Nursing › § 54.1-3040.6. Coordinated licensure information system and exchange of information

A. All party states shall participate in a coordinated licensure information system of all licensed registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs). This system will include information on the licensure and disciplinary history of each nurse, as submitted by party states, to assist in the coordination of nurse licensure and enforcement efforts.
B. The Commission, in consultation with the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system, shall formulate necessary and proper procedures for the identification, collection, and exchange of information under this Compact.
C. All licensing boards shall promptly report to the coordinated licensure information system any adverse action, any current significant investigative information, denials of applications (with the reasons for such denials), and nurse participation in alternative programs known to the licensing board regardless of whether such participation is deemed nonpublic or confidential under state law.
D. Current significant investigative information and participation in nonpublic or confidential alternative programs shall be transmitted through the coordinated licensure information system only to party state licensing boards.
E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all party state licensing boards contributing information to the coordinated licensure information system may designate information that may not be shared with non-party states or disclosed to other entities or individuals without the express permission of the contributing state.
F. Any personally identifiable information obtained from the coordinated licensure information system by a party state licensing board shall not be shared with non-party states or disclosed to other entities or individuals except to the extent permitted by the laws of the party state contributing the information.
G. Any information contributed to the coordinated licensure information system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the party state contributing that information shall also be expunged from the coordinated licensure information system.
H. The Compact administrator of each party state shall furnish a uniform data set to the Compact administrator of each other party state, which shall include, at a minimum:
1. Identifying information;
2. Licensure data;
3. Information related to alternative program participation; and
4. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by Commission rules.
I. The Compact administrator of a party state shall provide all investigative documents and information requested by another party state.
2016, c. 108.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 30 - Nursing › § 54.1-3040.10. Effective date, withdrawal, and amendment

A. This Compact shall become effective and binding on the earlier of the date of legislative enactment of this Compact into law by no less than twenty-six (26) states or December 31, 2018. All party states to this Compact that also were parties to the prior Nurse Licensure Compact (Prior Compact) superseded by this Compact shall be deemed to have withdrawn from said Prior Compact within six (6) months after the effective date of this Compact.
B. Each party state to this Compact shall continue to recognize a nurse's multistate licensure privilege to practice in that party state issued under the Prior Compact until such party state has withdrawn from the Prior Compact.
C. Any party state may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same. A party state's withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.
D. A party state's withdrawal or termination shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing or terminated state's licensing board to report adverse actions and significant investigations occurring prior to the effective date of such withdrawal or termination.
E. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any nurse licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a non-party state that is made in accordance with the other provisions of this Compact.
F. This Compact may be amended by the party states. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon the party states unless and until it is enacted into the laws of all party states.
G. Representatives of non-party states to this Compact shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Commission, on a nonvoting basis, prior to the adoption of this Compact by all states.
2016, c. 108.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 30 - Nursing › § 54.1-3040.11. Construction and severability

This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States, or if the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held to be contrary to the constitution of any party state, this Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and in full force and effect as to the party state affected as to all severable matters.
2016, c. 108.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 30 - Nursing › § 54.1-3042. Application for registration by competency evaluation

A. Every applicant for registration as a medication aide by competency evaluation shall pay the required application fee and shall submit written evidence that the applicant:
1. Has not committed any act that would be grounds for discipline or denial of registration under this article;
2. Has successfully completed a staff training program in direct care approved by the Department of Social Services or an approved nurse aide education program;
3. Has successfully completed an education or training program approved by the Board that shall include one of the following:
a. A medication aide education or training program approved by the Board that shall be 68 hours combined classroom instruction and clinical skills practice curriculum; or
b. A nursing education program preparing for registered nurse or practical nurse licensure; and
4. Has successfully completed a competency evaluation consisting of both a clinical evaluation of minimal competency and a written examination as specified by the Board.
B. The Board shall (i) make the written examination available in both electronic and non-electronic format, (ii) provide sufficient locations for the administration of any written examination required for registration under this section, to ensure adequate access to the written examination for all applicants, (iii) establish a procedure pursuant to which an examination shall be offered at or near the location of an education or training course, upon the request of five or more applicants, provided that the security of the examination and the integrity of the administration of the examination are ensured and that any additional costs are born by the requesting applicants, and (iv) provide written notice to applicants of the results of any competency examination completed by the applicants within seven days of completion of the examination.
C. Any applicant under this section who has provided to the Board evidence of successful completion of the education or training course required for registration may act as a medication aide on a provisional basis for no more than 120 days before successfully completing any required competency evaluation. However, upon notification of failure to successfully complete the written examination after three attempts, an applicant shall immediately cease acting as a medication aide.
D. Any applicant under this section who shall apply by endorsement from any state or the District of Columbia that requires registration of medication aides who has met the requirements of registration in such jurisdiction may be deemed eligible to sit for the competency evaluation required pursuant to this section, subject to approval of the Board.
2005, cc. 610, 924; 2009, cc. 133, 837.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3100. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Assisted living facility" means any public or private assisted living facility, as defined in § 63.2-100, that is required to be licensed as an assisted living facility by the Department of Social Services under the provisions of Subtitle IV (§ 63.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 63.2.
"Assisted living facility administrator" means any individual charged with the general administration of an assisted living facility, regardless of whether he has an ownership interest in the facility.
"Board" means the Board of Long-Term Care Administrators.
"Nursing home" means any public or private facility required to be licensed as a nursing home under the provisions of Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Title 32.1 and the regulations of the Board of Health.
"Nursing home administrator" means any individual charged with the general administration of a nursing home regardless of whether he has an ownership interest in the facility.
1970, c. 775, § 54-900; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 610, 924.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3101. Board of Long-Term Care Administrators; terms; officers; quorum; special meetings

The Board of Long-Term Care Administrators is established as a policy board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Board of Long-Term Care Administrators shall consist of nine nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed as follows: three who are licensed nursing home administrators; three who are assisted living facility administrators; two who are from professions and institutions concerned with the care and treatment of chronically ill and elderly or mentally impaired patients or residents; and one who is a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility or a family member or guardian of a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility. One of the licensed nursing home administrators shall be an administrator of a proprietary nursing home. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.
After the initial staggering of terms, the terms of Board members shall be four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed consistent with § 54.1-107.
The Board shall annually elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. Five members of the Board, including one who is not a licensed nursing home administrator or assisted living facility administrator, shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the Board shall be called by the chairman upon the written request of any three members.
All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of expenses shall be provided by the Department of Health Professions.
The Department of Health Professions shall provide staff support to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board, upon request.
The Board shall be authorized to promulgate canons of ethics under which the professional activities of persons regulated shall be conducted.
1970, c. 775, §§ 54-903, 54-907; 1973, c. 379; 1981, c. 447; 1987, c. 686, § 54-903.1; 1988, c. 765; 2001, cc. 527, 554; 2005, cc. 610, 924.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3102. License required

A. In order to engage in the general administration of a nursing home, it shall be necessary to hold a nursing home administrator's license issued by the Board.
B. In order to engage in the general administration of an assisted living facility, it shall be necessary to hold an assisted living facility administrator's license or a nursing home administrator's license issued by the Board. However, an administrator of an assisted living facility licensed only to provide residential living care, as defined in § 63.2-100, shall not be required to be licensed.
1979, c. 408, § 54-901.1; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 610, 924.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3102.1. Waiver of experiential requirements for licensure authorized

The Board may waive the experiential or practicum requirements for an applicant for a nursing home administrator's license if the applicant demonstrates significant experience, such as, but not limited to, twenty years of executive experience as an officer in the home office of one or more multi-facility nursing home companies and a minimum of four years of executive responsibility for the operation of one or more nursing homes.
1996, c. 762.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3103. Administrator required for operation of nursing home; operation after death, illness, etc., of administrator; notification of Board

All licensed nursing homes within the Commonwealth shall be under the supervision of an administrator licensed by the Board. If a licensed nursing home administrator dies, becomes ill, resigns or is discharged, the nursing home that was administered by him at the time of his death, illness, resignation or discharge may continue to operate until his successor qualifies, but in no case for longer than is permitted by the licensing authority for the nursing home. The temporary supervisor or administrator shall immediately notify the Board of Long-Term Care Administrators and the Commissioner of Health that the nursing home is operating without the supervision of a licensed nursing home administrator.
1970, c. 775, § 54-901; 1974, c. 600; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 610, 924.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 31 - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrators › § 54.1-3103.1. Administrator required for operation of assisted living facility; operation after death, illness, etc., of administrator; notification of Board; administrators operating more than one facility

A. All licensed assisted living facilities within the Commonwealth shall be under the supervision of an administrator licensed by the Board, except as provided in subsection B of § 54.1-3102. If a licensed assisted living facility administrator dies, resigns, is discharged, or becomes unable to perform his duties, the assisted living facility may continue to operate with an acting administrator in accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-1803. The facility shall immediately notify the Board of Long-Term Care Administrators and the regional licensing office of the Department of Social Services that the assisted living facility is operating without the supervision of a licensed assisted living facility administrator and shall provide the last date of employment of the licensed administrator. When an acting administrator is named, he shall notify the Department of Social Services of his employment and, if he is intending to assume the position permanently, submit a completed application for an approved administrator-in-training program to the Board within 10 days of employment.
B. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit an assisted living administrator from serving as the administrator of record for more than one assisted living facility as permitted by regulations of the licensing authority for the facility.
2005, cc. 610, 924; 2011, c. 609.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3200. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Board" means the Board of Optometry.
"Optometrist" means any person practicing the profession of optometry as defined in this chapter and the regulations of the Board.
"Practice of optometry" means practice in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-3201.
"TPA-certified optometrist" means an optometrist who is licensed under this chapter and who has successfully completed the requirements for TPA certification established by the Board pursuant to Article 5 (§ 54.1-3222 et seq.).
The foregoing shall not restrict the authority of any optometrist licensed or certified under this chapter for the removal of superficial foreign bodies from the human eye and its adnexa or from delegating to personnel in his personal employ and supervised by him, such activities or functions as are nondiscretionary and do not require the exercise of professional judgment for their performance and which are usually or customarily delegated to such persons by optometrists, if such activities or functions are authorized by and performed for such optometrists and responsibility for such activities or functions is assumed by such optometrists.
Code 1950, § 54-368; 1988, cc. 243, 737, 765; 1991, c. 290; 1996, cc. 152, 158, 365, 436; 2004, c. 744; 2015, c. 355; 2018, c. 280; 2022, cc. 16, 17.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3202. Exemptions

This chapter shall not apply to:
1. Physicians licensed to practice medicine by the Board of Medicine or to prohibit the sale of nonprescription eyeglasses and sunglasses;
2. Any optometrist rendering free health care to an underserved population in the Commonwealth who (i) does not regularly practice optometry in the Commonwealth; (ii) holds a current valid license or certificate to practice optometry in another state, territory, district, or possession of the United States; (iii) volunteers to provide free health care in an underserved area of the Commonwealth under the auspices of a publicly supported, all volunteer nonprofit organization that sponsors the provision of health care to populations of underserved people; (iv) files a copy of his license or certification in such other jurisdiction with the Board; (v) notifies the Board at least five business days prior to the voluntary provision of services of the dates and location of such service; and (vi) acknowledges, in writing, that such licensure exemption shall only be valid, in compliance with the Board's regulations, during the limited period that such free health care is made available through the volunteer nonprofit organization on the dates and at the location filed with the Board. The Board may deny the right to practice in the Commonwealth to any optometrist whose license or certificate has been previously suspended or revoked, who has been convicted of a felony, or who is otherwise found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations. However, the Board shall allow an optometrist who meets the criteria of this subdivision to provide volunteer services without prior notice for a period of up to three days, provided the nonprofit organization verifies that the practitioner has a valid, unrestricted license in another state; or
3. Any student, intern, or trainee in optometry who is performing optometric services under the direct supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist as part of a course of study at an accredited institution of higher education.
Code 1950, § 54-369; 1988, c. 765; 2002, c. 740; 2008, c. 674; 2009, cc. 353, 761; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3204. Prohibited acts

It shall be unlawful for any person:
1. To practice optometry in this Commonwealth without holding a license issued by the Board. Practicing or offering to practice optometry, or the public representation of being qualified to practice the same by any person not authorized to practice optometry, shall be sufficient evidence of a violation of the law.
2. To impersonate a licensed optometrist of like or different name.
3. To buy or sell or fraudulently obtain a diploma or license.
4. To do any act for which if he were an optometrist his license could be revoked as provided by this chapter.
5. To possess any trial lenses, trial frames, graduated test cards, appliances or instruments used in the practice of optometry, self-testing devices or eyeglass vending machines for the purpose of fitting or prescribing glasses in the practice of optometry, unless he is or unless he regularly employs on the premises a licensed optometrist or a licensed physician.
6. To publish or cause to be published in any manner an advertisement that is false, deceptive or misleading, contains a claim of professional superiority or violates regulations of the Board governing advertising by optometrists.
7. To sell, provide, furnish, supply or duplicate eyeglasses, or lenses for the correction of vision without the prescription of a licensed physician or licensed optometrist, unless he is the holder of a license to practice optometry or a license to practice medicine under the laws of this Commonwealth.
8. To sell or dispense contact lenses, including plano or cosmetic lenses, without holding a license issued by the Board. This subdivision shall not apply to a licensed optician operating or working in a retail establishment, when selling or dispensing contact lenses, including plano or cosmetic lenses, upon the valid written prescription of an individual licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy, or a licensed optometrist.
9. To dispense, administer, or sell an ophthalmic device containing Schedule III, IV, or VI controlled substances or an over-the-counter medication without holding a license issued by the Board, including TPA certification. An "ophthalmic device" shall mean any device, as defined in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) customarily used primarily for ophthalmic purposes, including an ophthalmic device classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a drug. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a pharmacist from dispensing an ophthalmic device, as defined in this subsection, upon the written and valid prescription of an optometrist, providing the patient is then advised by the pharmacist to return for follow-up care to the optometrist prescribing the ophthalmic device.
The provisions of this section shall be enforced in accordance with this chapter and § 54.1-2506.
Code 1950, § 54-396; 1976, c. 758; 1977, c. 161; 1979, c. 39; 1988, c. 765; 2009, cc. 353, 761.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3205. Practicing in a commercial or mercantile establishment

A. It shall be unlawful for any optometrist to practice his profession as a lessee of or in a commercial or mercantile establishment, or to advertise, either in person or through any commercial or mercantile establishment, that he is a licensed practitioner and is practicing or will practice optometry as a lessee of or in the commercial or mercantile establishment.
B. No licensed optometrist shall practice optometry as an employee, directly or indirectly, of a commercial or mercantile establishment, unless such commercial or mercantile establishment was employing a full-time licensed optometrist in its established place of business on June 21, 1938.
C. For the purposes of this section, the term "commercial or mercantile establishment" means a business enterprise engaged in the selling of commodities.
D. For the purposes of this section, an optometrist shall be deemed to be practicing in a commercial or mercantile establishment if he practices, whether directly or indirectly, as an officer, employee, lessee or agent of any person or entity in any location that provides direct access to or from a commercial or mercantile establishment. Direct access includes any entrance or exit, except an entrance or exit closed to the public and used solely for emergency egress pursuant to applicable state and local building and fire safety codes, that prohibits a person from exiting the building or structure occupied by such practice or establishment (i) onto an exterior sidewalk or public way or (ii) into a common area that is not under the control of either the optometry practice or the commercial or mercantile establishment, such as into the common areas of an enclosed shopping mall. For the purposes of this section, neither an optometric practice nor an ophthalmologic practice which sells eyeglasses or contact lenses ancillary to its practice shall be deemed a commercial or mercantile establishment. Further, any entity that is engaged in the sale of eyeglasses or contact lenses, the majority of the beneficial ownership of which is owned by an ophthalmologic practice and/or one or more ophthalmologists, shall not be deemed a commercial or mercantile establishment.
E. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the rendering of professional services to the officers and employees of any person, firm or corporation by an optometrist, whether or not the compensation for such service is paid by the officers and employees, or by the employer, or jointly by all or any of them.
Code 1950, §§ 54-388, 54-397.1; 1968, c. 505; 1976, c. 758; 1977, c. 161; 1979, c. 39; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 711, 720.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3205.1. Supervision by unlicensed persons prohibited

No optometrist shall be directly or indirectly supervised within the scope of the practice of optometry by any officer, employee, or agent of a commercial or mercantile establishment, as defined in subsection C of § 54.1-3205, who is not a Virginia-licensed optometrist or physician. No officer, employee, or agent of a commercial or mercantile establishment, who is not a Virginia-licensed optometrist or physician, shall directly or indirectly control, dictate, or influence the professional judgment, including but not limited to the level or type of care or services rendered, of the practice of optometry by a licensed optometrist.
1990, c. 307.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3206. Report of conviction or injunction to Board; revocation or suspension of license

It shall be the duty of the clerk of every circuit court in which any person is convicted of any violation of this chapter or enjoined from unlawfully practicing optometry to report the same to the Board. The Board may thereupon suspend or revoke any certificate or license held by the person so convicted or enjoined. Every such report shall be directed to the secretary of the Board.
1979, c. 39, § 54-398.02; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3207. Board of Optometry

The Board shall be composed of six members as follows: five licensed optometrists and one citizen member. Licensed optometrists appointed to the Board shall be individuals who, at the time of appointment, (i) have been engaged in the practice of optometry for at least five years, (ii) have met all requirements for practice as an optometrist set forth in this chapter and are qualified to engage in the full scope of the practice of optometry, and (iii) are actively engaged in the delivery of clinical care to patients. The terms of office of the members shall be four years.
Code 1950, §§ 54-371, 54-375; 1979, c. 39; 1986, c. 464; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 1996, cc. 152, 158; 2019, c. 340.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3208. Nominations

Nominations may be made for each professional vacancy from a list of at least three names submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Optometric Association, Incorporated. The Governor may notify the Association promptly of any professional vacancy other than by expiration and like nominations may be made for the filling of the vacancy. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees of the Association.
Code 1950, § 54-372; 1986, c. 464; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3209. Oaths and testimony

Any member of the Board may, upon being designated by a majority of the Board, administer oaths or take testimony concerning any matter within the jurisdiction of the Board.
Code 1950, § 54-377; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3210. Seal; executive director

The Board shall adopt a seal of which the executive director shall have the custody. The executive director shall keep a record of all proceedings of the Board, which shall be open to the public for inspection.
Code 1950, § 54-378; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3211. Examination

The Board shall set the necessary standards to be attained in the examinations to entitle the candidate to receive a license to practice optometry.
The Board may determine a score that it considers satisfactory on any written examination of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
Those persons licensed on or before June 30, 1997, to practice optometry in the Commonwealth but not certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents may continue to practice optometry but may not administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents without satisfying the requirements of this section. Those persons licensed after June 30, 1997, shall be considered as certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. After June 30, 2004, every person who is initially licensed to practice optometry in the Commonwealth shall meet the qualifications for a TPA-certified optometrist.
Code 1950, §§ 54-380 through 54-382; 1972, c. 824; 1973, c. 90; 1988, c. 765; 1996, cc. 365, 436; 2004, c. 744; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3212. Qualifications of applicants

An application for a license to practice optometry shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant has been graduated and received a doctor of optometry degree from a school of optometry approved by the Board.
Code 1950, § 54-382; 1972, c. 824; 1973, c. 90; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3213. License to practice optometry; requirements; renewal; fees

A. Every candidate successfully passing the examination shall be licensed by the Board if such candidate possesses the qualifications required by law and regulation to practice optometry.
B. In order to be qualified for licensure as an optometrist, every applicant shall demonstrate competency for certification to prescribe for and treat diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs). Requirements for TPA certification shall include:
1. Satisfactory completion of such didactic and clinical training programs for the treatment of diseases and abnormal conditions of the eye and its adnexa as are determined to be reasonable and necessary by the Board to ensure an appropriate standard of medical care for patients; and
2. Passage of such examinations as are determined to be reasonable and necessary by the Board to ensure an appropriate standard of medical care for patients.
C. Every license to practice optometry granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be renewed at such time, in such manner, and upon payment of such fees as the Board may prescribe.
Code 1950, §§ 54-383, 54-393, 54-394; 1970, c. 341; 1976, c. 32; 1977, c. 161; 1979, c. 39; 1988, c. 765; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3215. Board actions; reprimand, suspension, revocation, etc.

The Board may refuse to admit an applicant to any examination; refuse to grant or renew a license or certificate; reprimand, place on probation, or impose a monetary penalty on a licensee; or impose such terms as it may designate, suspend for a stated period of time, or revoke any license or certificate for any of the following causes:
1. Fraud or deceit in his practice;
2. Conviction of any felony under the laws of the Commonwealth, another state, the District of Columbia, or any United States possession or territory or of any misdemeanor under such laws involving moral turpitude;
3. Conducting his practice in such a manner as to endanger the health and welfare of his patients or the public;
4. Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent such use renders him unsafe to practice optometry or mental or physical illness rendering him unsafe to practice optometry;
5. Knowingly and willfully employing an unlicensed person to do anything for which a license to practice optometry is required;
6. Neglecting or refusing to display his license for the current year;
7. Obtaining of any fee by fraud or misrepresentation or the practice of deception or fraud upon any patient;
8. Advertising that directly or indirectly deceives, misleads, or defrauds the public, claims professional superiority, or offers free optometrical services or examinations;
9. Employing, procuring, or inducing a person not licensed to practice optometry to so practice;
10. Aiding or abetting in the practice of optometry any person not duly licensed to practice in the Commonwealth;
11. Advertising, practicing, or attempting to practice optometry under a name other than one's own name as set forth on the license;
12. Lending, leasing, renting, or in any other manner placing his license at the disposal or in the service of any person not licensed to practice optometry in the Commonwealth;
13. Splitting or dividing a fee with any person or persons other than with a licensed optometrist who is a legal partner or comember of a professional limited liability company formed to engage in the practice of optometry;
14. Practicing optometry where any officer, employee, or agent of a commercial or mercantile establishment, as defined in subsection C of § 54.1-3205, who is not licensed in the Commonwealth to practice optometry or medicine directly or indirectly controls, dictates, or influences the professional judgment, including but not limited to the level or type of care or services rendered, of the licensed optometrist;
15. Violating other standards of conduct as adopted by the Board;
16. Violating, assisting, inducing, or cooperating with others in violating any provisions of law relating to the practice of optometry, including the provisions of this chapter or of any regulation of the Board.
Code 1950, § 54-388; 1968, c. 505; 1976, c. 758; 1977, c. 161; 1979, c. 39; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 307; 1992, c. 574; 1999, c. 937; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3219. Continuing education

A. As a prerequisite to renewal of a license or reinstatement of a license, each optometrist shall be required to complete 20 hours of continuing education relating to optometry, as approved by the Board, each year. A licensee who completes more than 20 hours of continuing education in a year shall be allowed to carry forward up to 10 hours of continuing education for the next annual renewal cycle. The courses shall include, but need not be limited to, the utilization and application of new techniques, scientific and clinical advances, and new achievements of research. The Board shall prescribe criteria for approval of courses of study. Fulfillment of education requirements shall be certified to the Board upon a form provided by the Board and shall be submitted by each licensed optometrist at the time he applies to the Board for the renewal of his license. The Board may waive individual requirements in cases of certified illness or undue hardship.
B. Of the 20 hours of continuing education relating to optometry required pursuant to subsection A:
1. At least 10 hours shall be obtained through real-time, interactive activities, including in-person or electronic presentations, provided that during the course of the presentation, the licensee and the lecturer may communicate with one another;
2. No more than two hours may consist of courses related to recordkeeping, including coding for diagnostic and treatment devices and procedures or the management of an optometry practice, provided that such courses are not primarily for the purpose of augmenting the licensee's income or promoting the sale of specific instruments or products; and
3. For TPA-certified optometrists, at least 10 hours shall be in the areas of ocular and general pharmacology, diagnosis and treatment of the human eye and its adnexa, including treatment with new pharmaceutical agents, or new or advanced clinical devices, techniques, modalities, or procedures.
C. Nothing in this section shall prevent or limit the authority of the Board to require additional hours or types of continuing education as part or in lieu of disciplinary action.
1976, c. 32, § 54-394.1; 1988, c. 765; 2016, c. 89; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3221. Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents defined; utilization; acquisition

A. Optometrists certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or optometrists licensed after June 30, 1997, may administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents only by topical application to the human eye. For purposes of this section, "diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" means Schedule VI controlled substances as set forth in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) that are used for the purpose of examining and determining abnormal or diseased conditions of the human eye or related structures.
B. Any optometrist who utilizes diagnostic pharmaceutical agents without being certified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or licensed after June 30, 1997, shall be subject to the disciplinary sanctions provided in this chapter.
C. Licensed drug suppliers or pharmacists are authorized to supply optometrists with diagnostic pharmaceutical agents upon presentation of evidence of Board certification for administration of such drugs or an optometrist license issued after June 30, 1997.
1983, c. 6, § 54-386.2; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 146; 2004, c. 744; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3222. TPA certification; certification for treatment of diseases or abnormal conditions with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs)

TPA certification shall enable an optometrist to prescribe and administer, within his scope of practice, Schedule II controlled substances consisting of hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen and Schedules III through VI controlled substances and devices as set forth in the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) to treat diseases and abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa as determined by the Board, within the following conditions:
1. Treatment with oral therapeutic pharmaceutical agents shall be limited to (i) analgesics included on Schedule II controlled substances as defined in § 54.1-3448 of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) consisting of hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen, and analgesics included on Schedules III through VI, as defined in §§ 54.1-3450 and 54.1-3455 of the Drug Control Act, which are appropriate to alleviate ocular pain and (ii) other Schedule VI controlled substances as defined in § 54.1-3455 of the Drug Control Act appropriate to treat diseases and abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa.
2. Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents shall include topically applied Schedule VI drugs as defined in § 54.1-3455 of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.).
3. Administration of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents by injection shall be limited to the treatment of chalazia by means of injection of a steroid included in Schedule VI controlled substances as set forth in § 54.1-3455 of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.). A TPA-certified optometrist shall provide written evidence to the Board that he has completed a didactic and clinical training course provided by an accredited school or college of optometry that includes training in administration of TPAs by injection prior to administering TPAs by injection pursuant to this subdivision.
4. Treatment of angle closure glaucoma shall be limited to initiation of immediate emergency care.
5. Treatment of infantile or congenital glaucoma shall be prohibited.
6. Treatment through surgery or other invasive modalities shall not be permitted, except as provided in subdivision 3 or for treatment of emergency cases of anaphylactic shock with intramuscular epinephrine.
7. Entities permitted or licensed by the Board of Pharmacy to distribute or dispense drugs, including, but not limited to, wholesale distributors and pharmacists, shall be authorized to supply TPA-certified optometrists with those therapeutic pharmaceutical agents specified by the Board on the TPA-Formulary.
1996, cc. 152, 158; 2004, c. 744; 2015, c. 355; 2018, c. 280; 2023, c. 268.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3224. Denial, etc., of TPA certification; disciplinary actions; summary suspension under certain circumstances

A. The Board of Optometry may deny, refuse to renew, revoke, or suspend any TPA-certificate issued to a TPA-certified optometrist, or applied for by a licensed optometrist in accordance with the provisions of this article, or may discipline or reprimand any certificate holder for violations of this chapter or the Board's regulations.
B. The Board may take action summarily to suspend a TPA-certified optometrist's certification under this section by means of a telephone conference call if, in the opinion of a majority of the Board, (i) a good faith effort to convene a regular meeting of the Board has failed and (ii) there is an imminent danger to the public health or safety which warrants this action.
1996, cc. 152, 158.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 32 - Optometry › § 54.1-3225. Certification to perform laser surgery

A. The Board shall certify an optometrist to perform laser surgery consisting of peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and YAG capsulotomy for the medically appropriate and recognized treatment of the human eye through revision, destruction, or other structural alteration of the tissue of the eye using laser technology upon submission by the optometrist of evidence satisfactory to the Board that he:
1. Is certified by the Board to prescribe for and treat diseases or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents pursuant to § 54.1-3222; and
2. Has satisfactorily completed such didactic and clinical training programs provided by an accredited school or college of optometry that includes training in the use of lasers for the medically appropriate and recognized treatment of the human eye as the Board may require.
B. The Board shall indicate on any license issued pursuant to this chapter to an optometrist certified to perform laser surgery pursuant to this section that the optometrist is so certified.
2022, cc. 16, 17.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 33 - Pharmacy › § 54.1-3302. Restrictions on practitioners of the healing arts

A practitioner of the healing arts shall not sell or dispense controlled substances except as provided in §§ 54.1-2914 and 54.1-3304.1. Such exceptions shall extend only to his own patients unless he is licensed to practice pharmacy.
Code 1950, § 54-481; 1966, c. 171; 1968, c. 582, § 54-524.53; 1970, c. 650; 1972, c. 798; 1988, c. 765; 1989, c. 510.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 33 - Pharmacy › § 54.1-3304. Licensing of physicians to dispense drugs; renewals

For good cause shown, the Board may grant a license to any physician licensed under the laws of Virginia authorizing such physician to dispense drugs to persons to whom a pharmaceutical service is not reasonably available. This license may be renewed annually. Any physician or osteopath so licensed shall be governed by the regulations of the Board of Pharmacy when applicable.
1976, c. 614, § 54-524.34:1; 1980, c. 288; 1988, c. 765.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 33 - Pharmacy › § 54.1-3304.1. Authority to license and regulate practitioners; permits

A. The Board of Pharmacy shall have the authority to license and regulate the dispensing of controlled substances by practitioners of the healing arts. Except as prescribed in this chapter or by Board regulations, it shall be unlawful for any practitioner of the healing arts to dispense controlled substances within the Commonwealth unless licensed by the Board to sell controlled substances.
B. Facilities from which practitioners of the healing arts dispense controlled substances shall obtain a permit from the Board and comply with the regulations for practitioners of the healing arts to sell controlled substances. Facilities in which only one practitioner of the healing arts is licensed by the Board to sell controlled substances shall be exempt from fees associated with obtaining and renewing such permit.
C. The Board of Pharmacy may issue a limited-use license for the purpose of dispensing Schedule VI controlled substances, excluding the combination of misoprostol and methotrexate, and hypodermic syringes and needles for the administration of prescribed controlled substances to a doctor of medicine, osteopathic medicine, or podiatry, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant, provided that such limited-use licensee is practicing at a nonprofit facility. Such facility shall obtain a limited-use permit from the Board and comply with regulations for such a permit.
1988, c. 904, § 54-524.34:2; 1989, c. 510; 2015, c. 117; 2020, cc. 609, 610; 2023, c. 183.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 33 - Pharmacy › § 54.1-3305. Board; membership; terms; meetings; quorum; officers

The Board of Pharmacy shall consist of ten members, as follows: eight licensed pharmacists who are graduates of an approved school or college of pharmacy and two citizen members. The terms of office of the members shall be four years.
The Board shall meet at least annually at such times and places, and upon such notice as the Board may determine and as its business may require. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
The Board shall annually elect from its members a chairman.
There shall be an executive director for the Board of Pharmacy who shall be licensed or eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth as a pharmacist.
Code 1950, §§ 54-404, 54-405, 54-410, 54-412; 1958, c. 551; 1970, c. 650, §§ 54-524.5, 54-524.11; 1976, c. 614, § 54-524.13; 1986, c. 464, § 54-524.6; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 1994, c. 283; 2005, c. 70.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations › Chapter 33 - Pharmacy › § 54.1-3306. Nominations

Nominations may be made for each professional vacancy from a list of at least three names submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association. The Governor may notify the Association of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees of the Association.
Code 1950, § 54-406; 1958, c. 551; 1970, c. 650, § 54-524.7; 1986, c. 464; 1988, c. 765.