Virginia
PMHNP Practice Requirements In Virginia: Scope, Prescribing & Collaboration
If you are a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) planning to practice in Virginia, here is a plain-language overview of the state’s practice-authority category, the collaboration most NPs need, and how those rules shape your billing and credentialing. General information, not legal advice.
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: September 26, 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 (Restricted Practice, Path To Autonomous)
Verified against AANP on September 26, 2026. Earlier versions of this page listed Virginia as reduced practice.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) classifies Virginia as a restricted 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
Is Virginia A Full Practice Authority State For PMHNPs?
Not automatically. AANP classifies Virginia as a restricted practice state, but Virginia offers a path to autonomous practice after a required period of full-time clinical experience. Before that, an NP practices under an agreement with a patient care team physician. Confirm your status with the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Do I Need A Collaborating Or Supervising Physician In Virginia?
Until you qualify for autonomous practice, generally yes. Virginia typically requires a written agreement with a patient care team physician. Verify current requirements with the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Can A PMHNP Prescribe Controlled Substances In Virginia?
NPs who meet state requirements may be granted prescriptive authority that can include controlled substances, but a separate DEA registration is required and conditions apply. Verify with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the DEA.
Keep Reading
Related PMHNP Resources
Scope By State
Compare requirements on our PMHNP scope of practice by state overview.
Start A Practice
See the full sequence in how to start a PMHNP practice.
Credentialing
See what we handle on our PMHNP credentialing page, or the PMHNP hub.
Next Step
Getting On Panels In Virginia
Three different starting points, three different paths. Find yours:
Opening Your Own Practice
You are newly licensed and building the whole thing. First Practice Launch covers the business setup, five commercial payers, portals, EHR setup and billing configuration. $6,000 flat, or six payments of $1,000.
Joining A Clinic
The clinic already holds signed payer contracts, and you’re the new provider going on them. New Provider Credentialing is $600 per commercial payer, per provider, for the first five payers. Build your exact price.
Moving To A New Tax ID
You’re already credentialed and standing up your own practice. Moving the payer relationships you already hold is $500 per commercial payer, per provider, for the first five payers. Build your exact price.
Not sure which one you are? Every price and what is included sits on one page: packages and pricing. Credentialing commonly runs 60 to 120 days per payer in Virginia, so the earlier this starts, the earlier you can bill.
Next Step
Know What This Would Cost For Your Practice.
Every service has a published price and a written scope. If you are not sure which one fits, ask and you will be pointed at the right one.