18VAC90-70-10: Definitions

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Acute pain" means pain that occurs within the normal course of a disease or condition or as the result of surgery for which controlled substances containing an opioid may be prescribed for no more than three months.

"Approved program" means a midwifery education program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education or its successor.

"Boards" means the Virginia Board of Nursing and the Virginia Board of Medicine.

"Chronic pain" means nonmalignant pain that goes beyond the normal course of a disease or condition for which controlled substances containing an opioid may be prescribed for a period greater than three months.

"Committee" means the Committee of the Joint Boards of Nursing and Medicine.

"Independent practice midwife" means (i) a licensed certified midwife who has completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice, is authorized to practice without a practice agreement, and has practiced independently for two years or (ii) a certified nurse midwife who is authorized to practice without a practice agreement and has practiced independently for two years.

"Licensed certified midwife" means an advanced practice midwife who is jointly licensed by the Boards of Nursing and Medicine pursuant to § 54.1-2957.04 of the Code of Virginia.

"MME" means morphine milligram equivalent.

"Practice agreement" means a written or electronic statement, jointly developed by the consulting licensed physician or independent practice midwife and the licensed certified midwife, that describes the availability of the physician for routine and urgent consultation on patient care.

"Prescription Monitoring Program" means the electronic system within the Department of Health Professions that monitors the dispensing of certain controlled substances.