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HB 978

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rod Willett

Virginia HB 978 would consolidate separate licensing for advanced practice nurses and midwives into joint credentialing to reduce regulatory burden and administrative complexity.

Left in Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 978

Legislative bill overview

HB 978 proposes to establish joint licensing provisions for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Licensed Certified Midwives (LCMs) in Virginia. The bill would allow these healthcare providers to obtain combined credentials rather than separate licenses, potentially streamlining the licensure process. This represents a structural change to how these two professional categories are regulated under Virginia law.

Why is this important

APRNs and LCMs serve critical roles in maternal and reproductive healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Streamlining licensure could reduce administrative burden and costs for practitioners, potentially improving access to care. However, the bill's status—having been continued twice without advancement since January 2024—suggests legislative uncertainty about its necessity or implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice clarity: Joint licensing requires clear definition of overlapping versus distinct responsibilities between APRNs and LCMs to prevent regulatory confusion or gaps in accountability
  • Professional distinction concerns: Some stakeholders may argue that LCMs (specialized in midwifery) and APRNs (broad advanced nursing roles) have sufficiently different training and expertise that separate licensing better protects public safety and professional standards
  • Implementation costs: The fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget may reveal unexpected regulatory or administrative expenses that explain the bill's continued deferral

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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