Nursing is a profession focused on assisting individuals, families, and communities in attaining, re-attaining, and maintaining optimal health and functioning. Modern definitions of nursing define it as a science and an art that focuses on promoting quality of life as defined by persons and families, throughout their life experiences from birth to care at the end of life.
The Florence Nightingale Pledge
I solemnly pledge myself before God and presence of this assembly;
To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous
and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession
and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping
and family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work,
and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.
Below, you'll find Nursing practice and regulation acts from the state of
Virginia (commonwealth of virginia). Also included are
Nursing.Article 1: Board of
Nursing.54.1-3000. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a
different meaning:
"Board" means the Board of Nursing.
"Certified nurse aide" means a person who meets the
qualifications specified in this article and who is currently
certified by the Board.
"Clinical nurse specialist" means a person who is
registered by the Board in addition to holding a license under
the provisions of this chapter to practice professional
nursing as defined in this section. Such a person shall be
recognized as being able to provide advanced services
according to the specialized training received from a program
approved by the Board, but shall not be entitled to perform
any act that is not within the scope of practice of
professional nursing.
"Certified massage therapist" means a person who meets the
qualifications specified in this chapter and who is currently
certified by the Board.
"Massage therapy" 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 terms "massage therapy" and "therapeutic
massage" do not include the diagnosis or treatment of illness
or disease or any service or procedure for which a license to
practice medicine, nursing, chiropractic therapy, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, or podiatry is
required by law.
"Practical nurse" or "licensed practical nurse" means a
person who is licensed 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 "L.P.N." shall stand
for suc terms.
"Practical nursing" or "licensed practical nursing" 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.
"Practice of a nurse aide" or "nurse aide practice" 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.
"Professional nurse," "registered nurse" or "registered
professional nurse" means a person who is licensed 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 "R.N." shall stand for such terms.
"Professional nursing," "registered nursing" or
"registered professional nursing" 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; or 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.
54.1-3001. Exemptions.
This chapter shall not apply to the following:
The furnishing of nursing assistance in an emergency;
The practice of nursing, which is prescribed as part of a
study program, by nursing students enrolled in nursing
education programs approved by the Board or by graduates of
approved nursing education programs for a period not to exceed
ninety days following successful completion of the nursing
education program pending the results of the licensing
examination, provided proper application and fee for licensure
have been submitted to the Board and unless the graduate fails
the licensing examination within the ninety-day period;
The practice of any legally qualified nurse of another
state who is employed by the United States government while in
the discharge of his official duties;
The practice of nursing by a nurse who holds a current
unrestricted license in another state, the District of
Columbia or a United States possession or territory for a
period of thirty days pending licensure in Virginia, if the
nurse, upon employment, has furnished the employer
satisfactory evidence of current licensure and submits proper
application and fees to the Board for licensure before, or
within ten days after, employment. At the discretion of the
Board, additional time may be allowed for nurses currently
licensed in another state, the District of Columbia or a
United States possession or territory who are in the process
of attaining the qualification for licensure in this
Commonwealth;
The practice of nursing by any registered nurse who holds
a current unrestricted license in another state, the District
of Columbia, or a United States possession or territory, or a
nurse who holds an equivalent credential in a foreign country,
while enrolled in an advanced professional nursing program
requiring clinical practice. This exemption extends only to
clinical practice required by the curriculum;
The practice of nursing by any nurse who holds a current
unrestricted license in another state, the District of
Columbia, or a United States possession or territory and is
employed to provide care to any private individual while such
private individual is traveling through or temporarily
staying, as defined in the Board's regulations, in the
Commonwealth;
General care of the sick by nursing assistants, companions
or domestic servants that does not constitute the practice of
nursing as defined in this chapter; and
The care of the sick when done solely in connection with
the practice of religious beliefs by the adherents and which
is not held out to the public to be licensed practical or
professional nursing.
54.1-3002. Board of Nursing; membership; terms; meetings;
quorum; administrative officer.
The Board of Nursing shall consist of thirteen members as
follows: seven registered nurses, three licensed practical
nurses and three citizen members. The terms of office of the
Board shall be four years.
The Board shall meet each January and shall elect from its
membership a president, vice-president and a secretary. It may
hold such other meetings as may be necessary to perform its
duties. A majority of the Board including one of its officers
shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at any
meeting. Special meetings of the Board shall be called by the
administrative officer upon written request of two members.
The Board shall have an administrative officer who shall be a
registered nurse.
54.1-3003. Qualifications of members.
Each professional nurse appointed to the Board shall:
Be a citizen of the United States of America;
Be a resident of this Commonwealth;
Have been graduated from an educational program approved
by a state board of nursing;
Be licensed in this Commonwealth as a registered nurse;
Have had at least five years' experience in nursing,
nursing administration or teaching in a nursing education
program; and
Have been actively engaged in professional nursing in
this Commonwealth for at least three years preceding
appointment or reappointment.
Each licensed practical nurse appointed to the Board
shall:
Be a citizen of the United States of America;
Be a resident of this Commonwealth;
Have been graduated from a high school or the
equivalent;
Have been graduated from a practical nursing program
approved by a state board of nursing;
Be licensed in this Commonwealth as a practical nurse;
Have had at least five years' experience in nursing; and
Have been actively engaged in practical nursing in this
Commonwealth for at least three years preceding appointment
or reappointment.
54.1-3004. Nominations.
Nominations may be made for each professional vacancy from
lists of three names, submitted to the Governor by incorporated
nurses associations. The Governor may notify such organizations
of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case
shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among
the nominees.
54.1-3005. Specific powers and duties of Board.
In addition to the general powers and duties conferred in
this title, the Board shall have the following specific powers
and duties:
To prescribe minimum standards and approve curricula for
educational programs preparing persons for licensure or
certification under this chapter;
To approve programs that meet the requirements of this
chapter and of the Board;
To provide consultation service for educational programs
as requested;
To provide for periodic surveys of educational programs;
To deny or withdraw approval from educational programs for
failure to meet prescribed standards;
To provide consultation regarding nursing practice for
institutions and agencies as requested and investigate illegal
nursing practices;
To keep a record of all its proceedings;
To certify and maintain a registry of all certified nurse
aides and to promulgate regulations consistent with federal
law and regulation. Such regulations may include standards for
the authority of licensed practical nurses to teach nurse
aides;
To approve programs that entitle professional nurses to be
registered as clinical nurse specialists and to prescribe
minimum standards for such programs;
To maintain a registry of clinical nurse specialists and
to promulgate regulations governing clinical nurse
specialists;
(Effective until July 1, 1999) To promulgate regulations
for the voluntary certification of licensees as sex offender
treatment providers. In promulgating such regulations, the
Board shall consider the standards recommended by the Advisory
Committee on Certified Practices pursuant to 54.1-3610. The
provisions of this subdivision shall expire on July 1, 1999;
and
To certify and maintain a registry of all certified
massage therapists and to promulgate regulations governing the
criteria for certification as a massage therapist and the
standards of professional conduct for certified massage
therapists.
54.1-3006. Advisory committees.
The Board may appoint advisory committees consisting of three
persons or more who are knowledgeable in the area of practice or
education under consideration. Members of advisory committees
shall not receive compensation, but shall receive reimbursement
for travel and other actual and necessary expenses incurred in
the performance of their duties.
54.1-3006.1. Public school nursing education programs.
The Board of Education and the Board of Nursing, or their
representatives, shall, at least annually, develop and revise as
necessary an interagency agreement relating to the regulation of
public school nursing education programs. This memorandum of
understanding shall establish a framework for cooperation in
order to achieve consistency in the regulation of such programs.
The duties and responsibilities of the Department of Education
and the Board of Nursing for public school practical nursing and
nurse aide education programs shall be set forth in the
agreement. The agreement shall include, but need not be limited
to, core curricula for the programs; administrative and clerical
activities such as exchange of mailing labels, participation in
site visits, reporting requirements, and information for
newsletters; review and revision of the curricula materials;
participation in inservice activities and state conferences;
opportunity to participate in and comment on revisions of any
relevant regulations; and communication procedures between the
two state agencies and with the local school divisions. The
Director shall rely on the Board of Nursing for advice on and
implementation of the agreement.
54.1-3007. Refusal, revocation or suspension, censure or
probation.
The Board may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination,
refuse to issue a license or certificate to any applicant and
may suspend any license or certificate for a stated period or
indefinitely, or revoke any license or certificate or censure or
reprimand any licensee or certificate holder or place him on
probation for such time as it may designate for any of the
following causes:
Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a
license;
Unprofessional conduct;
Willful or repeated violation of any of the provisions of
this chapter;
Conviction of any felony or any misdemeanor involving
moral turpitude;
Practicing in a manner contrary to the standards of ethics
or in such a manner as to make his practice a danger to the
health and welfare of patients or to the public;
Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent that such use
renders him unsafe to practice, or any mental or physical
illness rendering him unsafe to practice;
The denial, revocation, suspension or restriction of a
license or certificate to practice in another state, the
District of Columbia or a United States possession or
territory; or
Abuse, negligent practice, or misappropriation of a
patient's or resident's property.
It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to:
Practice nursing under the authority of a license or
record illegally or fraudulently obtained or signed or issued
unlawfully or under fraudulent representation;
Practice nursing unless licensed to do so under the
provisions of this chapter;
Knowingly employ an unlicensed person as a professional or
practical nurse or knowingly permit an unlicensed person to
represent himself as a professional or practical nurse;
Use in connection with his name any designation tending to
imply that he is a professional nurse or a practical nurse
unless duly licensed to practice under the provisions of this
chapter;
Practice professional nursing or practical nursing during
the time his license is suspended or revoked;
Conduct a nursing education program for the preparation of
professional or practical nurses unless the program has been
approved by the Board;
Claim to be, on and after July 1, 1997, a certified
massage therapist or massage therapist or use any designation
tending to imply that he is a massage therapist or certified
massage therapist unless he is certified under the provisions
of this chapter.
54.1-3009. Authority to require certain evidence and
examinations.
The Board may direct any licensee or certificate holder under
a disciplinary order to furnish it at such intervals as it may
require, evidence that he is not practicing in violation of this
chapter. In addition, when the Board has probable cause to
believe the licensee or certificate holder unable to practice
with reasonable skill and safety to patients because of
excessive use of alcohol or drugs or physical or mental illness,
the Board, after preliminary investigation by informal
conference, may direct that the licensee or certificate holder
submit to a mental or physical examination. Failure to submit to
the examination shall constitute grounds for disciplinary
action. Any licensee or certificate holder affected by this
subsection shall be afforded reasonable opportunity to
demonstrate that he is competent to practice with reasonable
skill and safety to patients.
54.1-3010. Special conference committee; appointment of
members and chairman; notice to practitioner and request for
conference; conference committee findings; further proceedings.
Upon receipt of information that a practitioner may be
subject to disciplinary action by the Board for any of the
grounds set forth in this chapter, the President of the Board
may appoint a special conference committee to act in accordance
with 9-6.14:11. This special conference committee shall consist
of no fewer than two members of the Board of Nursing, one of
whom shall be designated as chairman.
The administrative officer of the Board shall notify the
chairman of the special conference committee of his appointment
and the appointment of all co-members. The administrative
officer of the Board shall transmit to the chairman the
information which initiated the appointment of the special
conference committee.
The administrative officer shall mail to the practitioner who
is the subject of the conference a statement of such information
and a request for a conference with the committee at a time and
place to be specified in the request. A statement of the action
the conference committee is authorized to take shall also be
included.
After the conference, if the conference committee finds that
there is insufficient evidence to warrant further action or that
the charges are without foundation, the conference committee
shall notify the practitioner by mail that his record has been
cleared of any charge which might affect his right to practice
nursing in the Commonwealth. However, if the conference
committee finds that disciplinary action is warranted, the
committee may (i) place the practitioner on probation with such
terms as it may deem appropriate; (ii) reprimand the
practitioner; (iii) modify a previous order; and (iv) impose a
monetary penalty pursuant to 54.1-2401; or (v) refer the case to
the Board of Nursing or a panel thereof for formal hearing.
If the practitioner is placed on probation, reprimanded, or a
monetary penalty is imposed, the terms of the conference
committee's order shall be simultaneously served on the
practitioner by mail and entered on the record. Within
thirty-three days from the date of entry of the order
incorporating the conference committee's decision, the
practitioner shall notify the administrative officer of the
Board in writing that he does not consent to the committee's
order and that he desires a hearing before the Board or a panel
thereof. The order of the conference committee shall become
final upon the expiration of the thirty-three-day period unless
a request for a formal hearing is received within such time.
Upon receiving a timely request for a hearing, the Board or a
panel of the Board shall then proceed with a hearing as provided
in 9-6.14:12.
54.1-3011. Renewal of licenses; lapsed licenses;
reinstatement; penalties.
Every license issued under the provisions of this chapter
shall be renewed biennially by such time as the Board may
prescribe by regulation. The Board shall mail an application
for renewal to every licensee, but the failure to receive such
application shall not excuse any licensee from the
requirements for renewal. The person receiving such
application shall furnish the requested information and return
the form to the Board with the renewal fee.
Any licensee who allows his license to lapse by failing to
renew the license may be reinstated by the Board upon
submission of satisfactory evidence that he is prepared to
resume practice in a competent manner and upon payment of the
fee.
Any person practicing nursing during the time his license
has lapsed shall be considered an illegal practitioner and
shall be subject to the penalties provided for violations of
this chapter.
54.1-3011.1. Additional fee required for licensure of
certain practitioners.
In addition to the fees authorized for licensure and renewal
by 54.1-2400, the Board shall charge a fee of one dollar for the
licensure of every practical nurse and registered nurse to be
deposited in the Nursing Scholarship Fund established pursuant
to 54.1-3011.2.
54.1-3011.2. Nursing Scholarship Fund.
There is hereby established the Nursing Scholarship Fund
for the purpose of financing scholarships for students
enrolled in or accepted for enrollment by nursing programs
which will prepare such students, upon completion, for
examination to be licensed by the Board as practical nurses or
registered nurses.
The Fund shall be administered by the Board, in
cooperation with the Director of the Department, and the
scholarships shall be administered and awarded by the Board of
Health pursuant to 32.1-122.6:01. The Fund shall be maintained
and administered separately from any other program or funds of
the Board and the Department of Health Professions. No portion
of the Fund shall be used for a purpose other than that
described in this section and 32.1-122.6:01. Any money
remaining in the fund at the end of a biennium shall not
revert to the general fund or the funds of the Department of
Health Professions, but shall remain in the Fund to be used
only for the purposes of this section. In addition to the
licensure fees required pursuant to 54.1-3011.1, the Fund
shall also include:
Any funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the
purposes of the Fund; and
Any gifts, grants, or bequests received from any private
person or organization.
Upon receiving the names of the scholarship recipients from
the Board of Health, the Board of Nursing shall be responsible
for transmitting the funds to the appropriate institution to
be credited to the account of the recipient.
54.1-3012. Additional power of the Board.
In addition to other powers enumerated in this title, the
Board may take those steps necessary to obtain recognition by
the United States Secretary of Education as a reliable authority
concerning the quality of education offered by educational
institutions or programs in the area of practical nursing.
54.1-3013. Approval of nursing education program.
An institution desiring to conduct a nursing education
program to prepare professional or practical nurses or clinical
nurse specialists shall apply to the Board and submit evidence
that:
It is prepared to meet the minimum standards prescribed by
the Board for either a professional nursing curriculum, a
clinical nurse specialist curriculum or a practical nursing
curriculum; and
It is prepared to meet such other standards as may be
established by law or by the Board.
A survey of the institution and its entire nursing education
program shall be made by the administrative officer or other
authorized employee of the Board, who shall submit a written
report of the survey to the Board. If, in the opinion of the
Board, the requirements necessary for approval are met, it shall
be approved as a nursing education program for professional or
practical nurses or clinical nurse specialists.
New nursing education programs shall not be established or
conducted unless approved by the Board.
54.1-3014. Survey of nursing education programs;
discontinuance of program.
The Board shall, through its administrative officer or other
authorized representative, survey all nursing education programs
in the Commonwealth as necessary. Written reports of such
surveys shall be submitted to the Board. If the Board determines
that any approved nursing education program is not maintaining
the required standards, notice in writing specifying the
deficiencies shall be immediately given to the institution
conducting the program.
A program which fails to correct these deficiencies to the
satisfaction of the Board within a reasonable time shall be
discontinued after a hearing in which such facts are
established.
54.1-3015. Continuance of license of certified
tuberculosis nurse.
Any person licensed as a certified tuberculosis nurse to
perform duties as prescribed by the State Board of Examiners of
Nurses, now known as the Board of Nursing, on July 1, 1970,
shall continue to be so licensed unless his license is suspended
or revoked in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Article 2: Licensure of Registered Nurses.
54.1-3016. Use of title "registered nurse" or "R.N."
Any person who holds a license to practice professional
nursing in Virginia shall have the right to use the title
"registered nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person
shall assume such title or use such abbreviation or any other
words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person
using the same is a registered nurse.
54.1-3016.1. Correctional health assistants.
Licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse
practitioners may practice as correctional health assistants
pursuant to 54.1-2901.
54.1-3017. Qualifications of applicant for registered
nurse's license; examination; graduates of foreign nursing
education programs.
An applicant for a license to practice professional
nursing shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that
such applicant:
Has completed an approved four-year high school course
of study or the equivalent as determined by the appropriate
educational agency;
Has received a diploma or degree from an approved
professional nursing education program;
Has passed a written examination as required by the
Board; and
Has committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary
action as set forth in this chapter.
An applicant who graduated from a nursing education
program in a foreign country may be required to pass the
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Qualifying
Examination prior to admission to the examination for
licensure in this Commonwealth.
54.1-3018. Registered nurse's license by endorsement.
The Board may issue a license by endorsement to an applicant
to practice professional nursing if the applicant has been
licensed as a professional or registered nurse under the laws of
another state, the District of Columbia or a United States
possession or territory and, in the opinion of the Board, the
applicant meets the qualifications required of registered nurses
in this Commonwealth.
Article 3: Licensure of Practical Nurses.
54.1-3019. Use of title "licensed practical nurse" or "L.P.N."
Any person who holds a license to practice as a licensed
practical nurse in Virginia shall have the right to use the
title "Licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N."
No other person shall assume such title or use such abbreviation
or any other words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that
the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse.
54.1-3020. Qualifications of applicant for practical
nurse's license.
An applicant for a license to practice as a practical nurse
shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that the
applicant:
Has completed two years of high school or its equivalent;
Has received a diploma from an approved practical nursing
program;
Has passed a written examination as required by the Board;
and
Has committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary
action as set forth in this chapter.
54.1-3021. Practical nurse's license by endorsement.
The Board may issue a license by endorsement to any applicant
to practice as a licensed practical nurse if the applicant has
been licensed as a practical nurse or a person entitled to
perform similar services under laws of another state, the
District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory
and, in the opinion of the Board, the applicant meets the
requirements for licensed practical nurses in this Commonwealth.
Article 4: Certification of Nurse Aides.
54.1-3022. Use of the title "Certified Nurse Aide" or "C.N.A."
No person shall use or assume the title "Certified Nurse
Aide" or abbreviation "C.N.A." or any words, letters, signs, or
devices to indicate that person is a certified nurse aide unless
certified by the Board.
54.1-3023. Application for certification by competency
evaluation.
Every applicant for certification by competency evaluation
shall pay the required application fee and shall submit written
evidence that the applicant:
Has not committed any act or omission that would be
grounds for discipline or denial of certification under this
article; and
Has successfully completed an education or training
program approved by the Board.
54.1-3024. Application for certification by endorsement.
Every applicant for certification by endorsement shall pay
the required application fee, shall submit the information
required by the Board in the manner and form specified by the
Board, and shall submit written evidence that the applicant:
Is certified to practice as a nurse aide by another state
or territory of the United States (with requirements that are
essentially similar to the requirements for certification set
out in this article) and that such certification is in good
standing;
Has not committed any act or omission that would be
grounds for discipline or denial of certification under this
article;
Has no record of abuse, negligent practice, or
misappropriation of a patient's or resident's property or any
disciplinary action taken or pending in any other state or
territory against such certification.
54.1-3025. Certification by competency evaluation.
All applicants except those certified by endorsement shall be
required to pass a clinical competency evaluation. Such
evaluation shall be in written or oral form and shall include
the following areas:
Basic nursing skills;
Personal care skills;
Recognition of mental health and social services needs;
Basic restorative services; and
Resident or patient rights.
54.1-3026. Renewal of certification.
Each certificate issued to practice as a nurse aide shall be
renewed biennially upon payment of any specified fee. The nurse
aide shall submit proof of compliance with any requirements of
law and regulation concerning continued employment or competence
as a condition of such renewal. The Board shall establish
requirements for the renewal of certifications consistent with
federal law.
54.1-3027. Exclusions.
This article shall not be construed to affect or apply to:
The gratuitous care of friends or family members;
A person for hire who does not represent himself as or
hold himself out to the public as a certified nurse aide.
However, a person for hire who is not a certified nurse aide
in accordance with this article shall not hold himself out as
a certified nurse aide or be employed as a certified nurse
aide.
54.1-3028. Registration of nurse aides prior to October 1,
1989.
The Board shall add to its registry of certified nurse aides
any individual determined by the Board of Nursing as being
qualified to be a nurse aide by reason of training in accordance
with federal law prior to October 1, 1989. Such individuals
shall meet any continuing requirements of the Board to retain
certification.
Article 5: Certification of Massage Therapists.54.1-3029. Qualifications for a certified massage therapist.
In order to be certified as a massage therapist, the
applicant shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board
that the applicant:
Is at least 18 years old;
Has successfully completed a minimum of 500 hours of
training from a massage therapy program, having received
programmatic approval from the Virginia Board of Education,
Division of Proprietary Schools, or certified or approved by
the Virginia Board of Education, Division of Proprietary
Schools; the State Council of Higher Education; or an agency
in another state, the District of Columbia or a United
States territory which approves educational programs,
notwithstanding the provisions of 22.1-320;
Has passed the National Certification Exam for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or an exam deemed
acceptable to the Board of Nursing leading to national
certification; and
Has not committed any acts or omissions that would be
grounds for disciplinary action or denial of certification
as set forth in this chapter.
The Board may certify any applicant who has been
practicing massage therapy for up to ten years prior to July
1, 1997, and has completed at least 200 hours of training in
an education program. Such programs may be, but shall not be
required to be, certified or approved by the Virginia Board of
Education, Division of Proprietary Schools; the State Council
of Higher Education; or an agency in another state, the
District of Columbia or a United States territory which
approves educational programs, or has been in practice for ten
years or more prior to July 1, 1997, and has completed 20
hours of such training; or has passed the National
Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork prior
to 1994.
The Board may issue a provisional certification to an
applicant prior to passing the National Certification Exam for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for such time and in such
manner as prescribed by the Board. No more than one
provisional certification shall be issued to any applicant.
The Board may certify without examination any applicant
who is licensed or certified as a massage therapist in another
state, the District of Columbia, a United States possession or
territory, or another country, and, in the opinion of the
Board, meets the requirements for certified massage therapists
in this Commonwealth.