Prescription Rules in Virginia Explained

Prescription Requirements in Virginia

Virginia has specific requirements for prescription medications:

• Valid prescriptions: All controlled medications require a legitimate prescription from a licensed Virginia healthcare provider
• Controlled substances: Schedule II-V prescriptions must comply with both federal DEA requirements and Virginia state law
• Prescription refills: Schedule II medications cannot be refilled. Schedule III-V medications may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months
• E-prescribing: Virginia may require electronic prescribing for controlled medications — verify current requirements with the state board
• Pharmacist duties: Pharmacists in Virginia play an important role in medication safety and patient counseling

Telehealth Regulations in Virginia

Virginia allows telehealth prescribing of controlled medications following a provider-patient relationship.

• Licensure requirement: Healthcare providers must hold a valid Virginia license to provide telehealth services to patients located in Virginia
• Prescribing via telehealth: Providers may prescribe medications via telehealth, including controlled medications, provided they establish a valid provider-patient relationship
• Telehealth parity: Verify whether Virginia requires health plans to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits
• Patient-provider relationship: A valid patient-provider relationship is required before any prescriptions can be issued via telehealth

Prescription Drug Monitoring in Virginia

Virginia operates the Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) as its Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This system tracks all controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state.

• Mandatory checking: Prescribers and dispensers may be required to check the PDMP before prescribing or dispensing controlled medications
• Purpose: To identify potential drug abuse, diversion, and inappropriate prescribing patterns
• Schedule coverage: The PDMP typically tracks Schedule II-V controlled medications

Online Pharmacy Regulations in Virginia

Virginia has regulations governing internet pharmacies and mail-order pharmacies:

• Licensing requirement: All pharmacies operating in Virginia, including internet pharmacies, must be properly licensed
• Prescription requirements: Valid prescriptions from licensed prescribers are required for all prescription medications
• Verification: Patients should verify that internet pharmacies are licensed in Virginia through the appropriate state board
• NABP VIPPS: The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program provides additional verification

Virginia Resources