Va. Code » Title 54.1. Professions and Occupations » Subtitle III. Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards within the Department of Health Professions » Chapter 30. Nursing » Article 1. Board of Nursing
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3000 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Advanced practice registered nurse" means a certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner who is jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing pursuant to § 54.1-2957, has completed an advanced graduate-level education program in a specialty category of nursing, and has passed a national certifying examination for that specialty.

"Board" means the Board of Nursing.

"Certified nurse aide" means a person who meets the qualifications specified in this article and who is currently certified by the Board.

"Massage therapist" means a person who meets the qualifications specified in this chapter and who is currently licensed by the Board.

"Massage therapy" means the treatment of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes by the application of massage and bodywork techniques based on the manipulation or application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. The term "massage therapy" does not include the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, nursing, midwifery, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, athletic training, or podiatry is required by law or any service described in subdivision A 18 of § 54.1-3001.

"Massage therapy" shall not include manipulation of the spine or joints.

"Nurse practitioner" means an advanced practice registered nurse who is jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing pursuant to § 54.1-2957.

"Practical nurse" or "licensed practical nurse" means a person who is licensed or holds a multistate licensure privilege under the provisions of this chapter to practice practical nursing as defined in this section. Such a licensee shall be empowered to provide nursing services without compensation. The abbreviation "L.P.N." shall stand for such terms.

"Practical nursing" or "licensed practical nursing" means the performance for compensation of selected nursing acts in the care of individuals or groups who are ill, injured, or experiencing changes in normal health processes; in the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness or disease; or, subject to such regulations as the Board may promulgate, in the teaching of those who are or will be nurse aides. Practical nursing or licensed practical nursing requires knowledge, judgment and skill in nursing procedures gained through prescribed education. Practical nursing or licensed practical nursing is performed under the direction or supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, a professional nurse, registered nurse or registered professional nurse or other licensed health professional authorized by regulations of the Board.

"Practice of a nurse aide" or "nurse aide practice" means the performance of services requiring the education, training, and skills specified in this chapter for certification as a nurse aide. Such services are performed under the supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or other licensed health care professional acting within the scope of the requirements of his profession.

"Professional nurse," "registered nurse" or "registered professional nurse" means a person who is licensed or holds a multistate licensure privilege under the provisions of this chapter to practice professional nursing as defined in this section. Such a licensee shall be empowered to provide professional services without compensation, to promote health and to teach health to individuals and groups. The abbreviation "R.N." shall stand for such terms.

"Professional nursing," "registered nursing" or "registered professional nursing" means the performance for compensation of any nursing acts in the observation, care and counsel of individuals or groups who are ill, injured or experiencing changes in normal health processes or the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness or disease; in the supervision and teaching of those who are or will be involved in nursing care; in the delegation of selected nursing tasks and procedures to appropriately trained unlicensed persons as determined by the Board; or in the administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by any person authorized by law to prescribe such medications and treatment. Professional nursing, registered nursing and registered professional nursing require specialized education, judgment, and skill based upon knowledge and application of principles from the biological, physical, social, behavioral and nursing sciences.

Code 1950, § 54-326; 1970, c. 116, § 54-367.2; 1988, cc. 580, 765; 1989, cc. 7, 278; 1990, c. 104; 1996, c. 166; 1998, c. 458; 2004, c. 49; 2012, c. 213; 2016, cc. 83, 93, 324; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 157; 2023, c. 183.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 9 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1994–2024 · leading case: Michael Scott Coffman v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 795 S.E.2d 178 (Va. Ct. App. 2017).
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Michael Scott Coffman v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 795 S.E.2d 178 (Va. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 12× “Furthermore, Coffman’s reliance on Code § 54.1-3000 is not only misplaced, it also runs counter to his argument.”
Mohajer v. Commonwealth, 579 S.E.2d 359 (Va. Ct. App. 2003). · cites it 4× “Further, Mohajer states that "diagnosis of the victim's injuries" does not fall within the non-discretionary tasks that registered nurses in the Commonwealth are able to perform pursuant to Code §§ 54.1-3000 and 54.1-2901. Contrary to Mohajer's assertion, the Supreme Court of…”
Scott v. Clarke, 391 F. Supp. 3d 610 (W.D. Va. 2019). · cites it 6× “See Va. Code §§ 54.1-3000, 54.1-3401. Plaintiffs do not object and the Court will amend Paragraphs 5b.”
Dupont v. Winchester Med. Ctr., Inc., 34 Va. Cir. 105 (Winchester Cir. Ct. 1994). · cites it 2× “1-2900 differs from the definition of the various types of nursing defined in Virginia Code § 54.1-3000, so there must be some distinction.”
Hyunsook Highland v. Virginia Bd. of Nursing (Va. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 4× “, Code § 54.1-3000. Those terms, however, are distinguishable from practical nursing.”
Gilbertson v. Purdham, 78 Va. Cir. 295 (Roanoke County Cir. Ct. 2009). “§ 54.1-3000 (2009). The section cited from the Administrative Code contains similar language: “Licensed practical nursing is performed under the direction or supervision of a licensed medical practitioner, a registered nurse, or a licensed dentist.”
Jordan Darrell Morris v. Commonwealth of Virginia (Va. Ct. App. 2023). · cites it 2× “That statute imposes “the burden of proof” on the defendant to establish “any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption contained in this article [Article 1, Drugs] or in the Drug Control Act [Code §§ 54.1-3000 to -3472].” Code § 18.2-263.”
Barbara H. Clements, etc. v. Med. Facilities of Am., Inc. (Va. Ct. App. 2024). · cites it 2× “Code § 54.1-3000. RNs may perform only certain acts in the - 33 - observation, care, and counsel of individuals and administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a person authorized by law to prescribe medications and treatment.”
Mohajer v. Commonwealth, 569 S.E.2d 738 (Va. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 2× “Further, Mohajer states that “diagnosis of the victim’s injuries” does not fall within the non-discretionary tasks that registered nurses in the Commonwealth are able to perform pursuant to Code §§ 54.1-3000 and 54.1-2901. Contrary to Mohajer’s assertion, the Supreme Court of…”
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