Virginia House Bill HB622

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB622 would streamline the licensure process for APRNs and expedite their ability to serve patients, particularly in rural or underserved areas where physician access may be limited. The bill also recognizes the contribution of APRNs who have served in the military or who have been employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offering them a pathway to practice more autonomously. By reducing regulatory barriers, the bill aims to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency within the state.

Summary

House Bill 622 amends the Code of Virginia to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice without the need for a traditional practice agreement with a patient care team physician under certain conditions. This legislation is particularly significant for those APRNs who have completed at least three years of full-time clinical experience and have operated with independent practice agreements in the military or within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The intent is to enhance the ability of experienced nurses to provide care without the bureaucratic constraints of continuous supervision, thereby improving healthcare access in Virginia.

Contention

However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of enabling APRNs to practice independently without a formal agreement with physicians. Supporters of the bill argue that this change is necessary to keep up with the evolving landscape of healthcare, where nurses often take on expanded roles. Critics, on the other hand, may express fears about ensuring quality control and patient safety, highlighting the need for supervision and collaboration in clinical settings.