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Bill

HB 1139

Medicine, Board of; membership, removal of residence requirements.

2026 Regular Session

Virginia HB 1139 eliminates state residency requirements for Board of Medicine members, allowing out-of-state physicians to serve on the regulatory board.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 741 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1139

Legislative bill overview

HB 1139 removes the state residency requirement for members of Virginia's Board of Medicine, allowing out-of-state physicians and medical professionals to serve on the board. This is a technical governance change affecting board composition rules, not medical licensing standards.

Why is this important

Board of Medicine members set professional standards, investigate complaints, and determine licensing policies affecting all Virginia physicians. Expanding the candidate pool could bring diverse expertise but may raise questions about whether board members should be embedded in the communities they regulate.

Potential points of contention

  • Geographic accountability: Board members making decisions about Virginia medicine may lack local context or investment in state healthcare outcomes if not required to reside there
  • Recruitment and expertise: Removing the requirement could attract specialized medical experts unavailable in Virginia, potentially strengthening board quality
  • Public trust: Some may view out-of-state members as less accountable to Virginia patients and physicians who appear before the board

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

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