Regulations & Statutes

Whenever the General Assembly determines a profession or occupation should be regulated in order to protect the public, it passes laws (also known as statutes) establishing a general framework for licensing, certification, or registration. The legislature may direct a regulatory body or agency—such as DPOR or one of its boards—to “promulgate” or develop regulations that go into detail about entry requirements as well as the standards of practice governing the profession/occupation.

STATUTES

The primary laws governing the professions and occupations regulated at DPOR are found in Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia (available online). Amendments (changes, additions, or deletions) to laws can be made only by the General Assembly.

REGULATIONS

DPOR and its boards propose and make changes to regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), which provides opportunities for public meetings and comment. Regulations are codified in Title 18 of the Virginia Administrative Code (available online).

As a licensee or certificate-holder, it is your responsibility to keep up-to-date on the laws and regulations governing your profession/occupation. You can stay informed about regulatory actions by registering on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.

You should read and become familiar with all the regulations you must know and obey in order to obtain, maintain, and renew your credential. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action ranging from monetary penalty to the loss of your license, certificate, or registration to practice.

To locate the Regulations for your profession/occupation:

1. Choose the appropriate Board from the list below. If you are unsure, go to the list of Professions & Occupations and select the type of license.
2. From the main Board page, scroll to the “Laws & Regulations” menu.