LIS Logo

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 410. Regulations for the Licensure of Hospitals in Virginia
6/24/2026

12VAC5-410-380. Nursing service.

A. Each hospital shall have an organized nursing department. A registered nurse qualified on the basis of education, experience, and clinical ability shall be responsible for the direction of nursing care provided the patients.

B. The number and type of nursing personnel on all shifts shall be based upon the needs of the patients and the capabilities of the nursing staff assigned to the patient care unit. All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses shall hold a current license issued by the Virginia Board of Nursing or a current multistate licensure privilege to practice nursing in Virginia.

C. All nursing services shall be directly provided by an appropriately qualified registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, except for those nursing tasks that may be delegated by a registered nurse according to 18VAC90-19-240 through 18VAC90-19-280 with a plan developed and implemented by the hospital.

D. Nursing personnel shall be assigned to patient care units in a manner that minimizes the risk of cross infection and accidental contamination.

E. Each hospital shall quarterly report to the department no later than 30 calendar days after January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1:

1. The total number of certified sexual assault nurse examiners employed by the hospital; and

2. The location, including street address, and contact information for each location at which the certified sexual assault nurse examiners provide services.

Each hospital shall report the information required by this subsection to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Family Health Services.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12, 32.1-23.2, and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-33-500 § 2.22, eff. July 28, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 8, eff. April 1, 1995; Volume 11, Issue 16, eff. June 1, 1995; Volume 22, Issue 8, eff. January 25, 2006; Volume 42, Issue 18, eff. June 4, 2026.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.