PMHNP Practice Requirements in Virginia: Scope, Prescribing & Collaboration

Please Read First

Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change, so verify with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the AANP State Practice Environment map. Last reviewed: July 2026. This page focuses on PMHNPs but reflects general nurse practitioner rules in Virginia, which change over time, so confirm your specific situation with the board.

Practice Authority

Virginia Practice-Authority Category (Reduced Practice, Path to Autonomous)

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) currently classifies Virginia as a reduced practice state, but Virginia allows experienced nurse practitioners to apply for autonomous practice after completing a required period of full-time clinical experience. Before qualifying, an NP practices under a written agreement with a patient care team physician. Because these designations can change, confirm the current category directly with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the AANP map before you rely on it.

Collaboration

Is a Collaborative or Supervisory Agreement Required?

Virginia generally requires a written practice agreement with a patient care team physician until an NP qualifies for and is granted autonomous practice after the required clinical experience. What the agreement must contain, how it is documented, and how often it is reviewed are set by state rule and can change, so confirm the current requirements and forms with the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Prescriptive Authority

Prescriptive Authority and Controlled Substances

Virginia nurse practitioners who meet the state’s requirements may be granted prescriptive authority, which in general can extend to controlled substances when the appropriate conditions are met. Controlled-substance prescribing also requires a separate federal DEA registration, and some substances carry additional conditions. Because the specific scope and documentation are governed by state law and board rule, verify current details with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration before prescribing.

Next Step

Credentialing Is a Separate Track

Scope of practice decides how you can practice in Virginia. Getting paid is a separate track, with its own payer rules, Medicaid program, and enrollment timelines. We cover that in detail on the Virginia credentialing and payer enrollment page, and nationally in our PMHNP credentialing guide.

Building something new? Our guide on how to start a PMHNP practice helps you sequence licensure, collaboration, and enrollment in the right order.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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