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Published on Jul 15, 2026
The Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) staff tracked more than 80 legislative developments during the 2026 General Assembly Session that would potentially affect stakeholders, ranging from health professional studies and workgroups to updated regulatory requirements. More than 30 bills were approved that impact licensed Virginia health practitioners, the public, and the 13 health regulatory boards. Most become effective July 1, 2026
Published on Apr 21, 2026
RICHMOND, VA — April is National Occupational Therapy Month, and Virginia is celebrating with a major milestone: the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is now fully operational at the Virginia Board of Medicine. This means occupational therapists from other Compact states can practice in Virginia—either in person or via telehealth—through a streamlined “compact privilege.” Virginia therapists can also use the Compact to work in other member states with ease.
Published on Feb 5, 2026
Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed David E. Brown, D.C. as the Director of the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP). Dr. Brown returns to DHP after two previous terms as Director, serving under former Governors Ralph Northam and Terry McAuliffe.
Published on Jan 6, 2026
The Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) and its Healthcare Workforce Data Center (HWDC) have unveiled three newly updated interactive dashboards designed to inform, inspire, and empower healthcare workforce planning across the Commonwealth. These tools provide data-driven insights into healthcare supply and demand, behavioral health trends, and career pathways for students.
Published on Aug 11, 2025
Over the past three years, DHP has accelerated licensing, expanded career pathways, and modernized data systems to better support health professionals and the patients they serve. These are just a few recent highlights—the list does not capture everything, but it reflects the impact we are proud to share.
Published on Jul 17, 2025
The Department of Health Professions staff tracked more than 80 legislative developments during the 2025 General Assembly Session that would potentially affect stakeholders, ranging from health professional studies and workgroups to updated regulatory requirements. More than forty bills were approved that impact licensed Virginia health practitioners, the public, and the 13 health regulatory boards. Most become effective July 1, 2025.
Published on Jun 12, 2025
In May, Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, received the 2024 Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation and statewide honors for her collaboration with the Emergency Medical Services community and the Drug Enforcement Administration to develop emergency regulations that ensured continued access to critical medications.
Published on Apr 24, 2025
The Journal of Nursing Regulation released its signature report, the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey, which is a multi-state collaboration effort including contribution from DHP’s Healthcare Workforce Development Center staff. The report aligns closely with trends in Virginia’s nursing workforce.
Published on Mar 21, 2025
The Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) has issued a reminder regarding scams targeting health care professionals.
Published on Feb 12, 2025
A study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association identifies and characterizes pharmacy deserts in Virginia, with the goal of simulating potential locations to minimize inequities in pharmacy distribution. Board of Pharmacy staff, including DHP’s Prescription Monitoring Program colleagues, recently participated in this critical research.
Published on Dec 16, 2024
DHP and other state agency partners launch BeTheChange.Virginia.gov. The new site features career pathways, educational resources, and job listings in the behavioral and mental health workforce. The site targets students and young adults to fill these critical workforce shortages.
Published on May 30, 2024
Read the recently published article about Virginia’s dental workforce in the Virginia Journal of Public Health.
Published on May 3, 2023
2023 Findings Show Virginia’s Behavioral Healthcare Professionals are Increasingly at or Near Retirement Age as Efforts Ramp Up to Better Reflect Racial and Ethnic Diversity Among Practitioners