On Saturday, October 22, 2016, Virginia will participate in the 12th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, a DEA sponsored initiative providing citizens of the Commonwealth with an opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous controlled substances from their medicine cabinets in an environmentally safe manner.  This Take-Back Day coincides with Prescription Opioid & Heroin Awareness Week, a new proclamation from President Obama.

Visit the DEA online for more information, and to find a collection site near you.

 

Growing number of Zika virus cases reported in Virginia

Primarily a mosquito borne disease, the Zika virus is most impactful in warmer seasons when illness can be transmitted by insects carrying the virus from one person to another.  In fact, 15 cases have been reported in the Commonwealth as of May 12, 2016.  Maintaining a keen awareness for the transmission and treatment of Zika virus infection is an imperative for healthcare practitioners.  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers a variety of related information and tools on its website.

Download the Virginia State Zika Response Plan
For quick information, consult VDH’s Zika Fact Sheet

Background checks

Effective January 1, 2016, the Virginia Board of Nursing will incorporate both state and federal criminal background checks as part of the application process for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses seeking licensure. This requirement applies to applicants by examination, endorsement and reinstatement. Upon submission of an application, information on criminal background checks will be provided to the potential licensee.

Navigating FOIA

A vast majority of public records are available to all citizens of the Commonwealth through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  Download our guidance document to learn more about your FOIA rights and responsibilities.

Governor’s Task Force On Prescription Drug And Heroin Abuse

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order 29 on September 26, 2014, establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse. For more information click here.

DHP Now on Social Media

The Department of Health Professions (DHP), composed of Virginia’s 13 health regulatory boards, the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), the Healthcare Workforce Data Center (HWDC) and the Health Practitioners Monitoring Program (HPMP) is now live on two social media platforms, YouTube and Tumblr.
  

For agency information regarding “How to file a complaint with a health regulatory board,” “ How to register to use the Prescription Monitoring Program” or to view the National Association of Boards of Pharmacists®, ”Red Flags” video visit DHP on YouTube at VA Health Professions.

For the latest information from the DHP Healthcare Workforce Data Center, please visit DHP HWDC on Tumblr.

New Video Resource - Prescription Drug Abuse - Red Flags for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

An educational video for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to help them identify the warning signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion when dispensing prescriptions was created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® and the Anti-Diversion Industry Working Group, a consortium of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. This 12-minute video, entitled, "Red Flags," includes a foreword from Virginia Board of Pharmacy Executive Director, Caroline D. Juran.

Extension of renewal requirements for deployed military and spouses

For more information, please read attached policy and contact the applicable board for your license.

Death Certification

Virginia Department of Health training on Death Certification.

Public Health Information

Important Public Health Information from the Department of Health

Important Information on Payments

Please note DHP no longer accepts cash payments or foreign checks. Only the following payment methods are accepted:

• Personal/Business Checks
• Cashier’s/Certified Checks
• Money Orders

No cash, credit/debit cards, or foreign checks are accepted at DHP’s central office. DHP offers online and mail-in payment options. For online options click the following links:
Online Renewals | Online Applications

More announcements...

The Department’s most important priority is to ensure that citizens receive safe and competent healthcare. We have achieved a dramatic improvement in how long it takes to resolve disciplinary cases without sacrificing public safety. Click here or the chart below, to get the complete story.