Department of Health Professions
Board of Medicine
Regulations Governing Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine
[18 VAC 85 ‑ 21]
Chapter Information
| Description | Regulations set out provisions for prescribing of opioids for acute or chronic pain management and for prescribing of buprenorphine for addiction treatment. |
| State Authority | 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2928.2 |
| Federal Authority | None entered |
| Periodic Review Note | Revised 8/2023 |
| Exempt from APA | No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act. |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation |
1. To protect public health and safety by prescribing opioids only to the extent necessary to effectively manage pain. 2. To provide guidance to prescribers in the management of pain and addiction treatment. |
| Meetings | See all meetings (4) relating to this chapter. |
Contact Information
| Name / Title: | Erin Barrett / Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs |
| Address: |
Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 |
| Email Address: | erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (804)367-4688 FAX: (804)915-0382 TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment of opioid and buprenorphine prescribing regulations following updated federal guidance | - | |
| Past Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Waiver for e-prescribing of an opioid | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/09/2021. |
| Initial regulations | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/08/2018. |