Verified October 8, 2026 against the statutes and regulations cited below. Research, not legal advice. All states
What operators miss in Virginia
- To establish a relationship by telemedicine for controlled-substance prescribing, a prescriber treating an insured patient must be credentialed as a participating provider with that patient's plan (Va. Code § 54.1-3303(A)(f)).
- Virginia's insurance definition of telemedicine excludes audio-only calls, email, fax and online questionnaires; the Board treats those as outside telemedicine only for follow-up with existing patients.
Does Virginia have a telehealth registration for out-of-state clinicians?
Virginia has no telehealth registration. The Board of Medicine requires a Virginia license to practice telemedicine into the state, apart from statutory exemptions.
- No telehealth-specific registration: a clinician needs the full license or an exception.
Citation: Va. Code § 54.1-2901; Board of Medicine Guidance Doc. 85-12
When can an out-of-state clinician treat Virginia patients without a Virginia license?
Out-of-state MDs, DOs, PAs and APRNs may give continuity-of-care telemedicine to a current patient they examined in person within the previous 12 months. Out-of-state practitioners may also consult with Virginia-licensed practitioners.
- Exception for follow-up care with an existing patient
- Exception for consultation with a licensed physician
Citation: Va. Code § 54.1-2901(A)
Can a patient relationship start by telehealth in Virginia?
A relationship may be established by telemedicine if the standard of care is met. For controlled substances, the exam must use real-time two-way interactive communication or store-and-forward, with an available history, an updated history and a diagnosis at the time of prescribing.
- Audio-only cannot establish the relationship
- Asynchronous care can establish the relationship
Citation: Va. Code § 54.1-3303(A); Board of Medicine Guidance Doc. 85-12
Does Virginia require telehealth consent?
Board of Medicine guidance says evidence of informed consent for telemedicine must be obtained and kept, after disclosures about the delivery model and its limits.
- Consent required
Citation: Board of Medicine Guidance Doc. 85-12
What limits does Virginia put on prescribing by telehealth?
A prescription based solely on an online questionnaire is below the standard of care. Schedule II to V prescribing by telemedicine also requires a practice location in Virginia or the ability to refer for an in-person exam, and compliance with federal telemedicine rules.
- Questionnaire-only prescribing is prohibited
- Schedule II-V by telemedicine: prescriber must keep a Virginia practice location or be able to refer for an in-person exam; relationship by real-time interactive or store-and-forward exam meeting § 54.1-3303(A) conditions.
Citation: Va. Code § 54.1-3303(A); Board of Medicine Guidance Doc. 85-12
Does Virginia require its own controlled-substance registration?
Do private payers in Virginia have to cover telehealth?
- Private-payer telehealth coverage law
- No payment parity law
Citation: Va. Code § 38.2-3418.16
How does Virginia treat the corporate practice of medicine?
Does Virginia have a consumer health data law?
Comprehensive consumer privacy law in effect since January 1, 2023.
- Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act
Adding Virginia to your telehealth practice?
A State Expansion Pack applies Virginia's rules to your service line and lists what changes in your workflow before the first visit.