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HB 622

Advanced practice registered nurses; authorization to practice without a practice agreement, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Glass

Virginia bill authorizes advanced practice nurses to work independently without physician supervision agreements, expanding their autonomous practice rights.

Left in Committee Health and Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 622

Legislative bill overview

HB 622 would authorize Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Virginia to practice independently without requiring a practice agreement with a supervising physician. Currently, Virginia law mandates that APRNs maintain a formal collaborative agreement with a licensed physician to provide patient care. This bill removes that requirement, allowing APRNs to practice autonomously.

Why is this important

This change affects healthcare access and delivery in Virginia, potentially expanding where and how patients can receive care, particularly in underserved rural areas where physician availability is limited. It also impacts the professional autonomy and earning potential of APRNs while raising questions about patient safety oversight and the competitive relationship between nursing and medical professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and oversight: Critics may argue that physician supervision ensures quality control and patient safety, while proponents contend that APRNs have sufficient training and that other states successfully operate with independent APRN practice.
  • Physician opposition: The Virginia Medical Society and physician groups typically resist scope-of-practice expansions, viewing them as economic competition and potential liability concerns.
  • Insurance and malpractice implications: Questions remain about how independent APRN practice affects malpractice insurance requirements, liability frameworks, and insurance reimbursement rates compared to physician-supervised care.

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

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