Virginia Law

Article 3. Licensure of Practical Nurses.

Any person who holds a license or a multistate licensure privilege to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Virginia shall have the right to use the title "Licensed practical nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N." No other person shall assume such title or use such abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs or devices to indicate that the person using the same is a licensed practical nurse.

1970, c. 116, § 54-367.23; 1988, c. 765; 2004, c. 49.

A. An applicant for a license to practice as a practical nurse shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant:

1. Has completed two years of high school or its equivalent;

2. Has received a diploma from an approved practical nursing program;

3. Has passed a written examination as required by the Board; and

4. Has committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary action as set forth in this chapter.

B. The Board shall consider and may accept relevant practical experience and didactic and clinical components of education and training completed by an applicant for licensure as a practical nurse during his service as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States as evidence of the satisfaction of the educational requirements for licensure.

Code 1950, § 54-348; 1970, c. 116; 1979, c. 5, § 54-367.19; 1982, c. 598; 1988, c. 765; 2011, c. 390.

The Board may issue a license by endorsement to any applicant to practice as a licensed practical nurse if the applicant has been licensed as a practical nurse or a person entitled to perform similar services under laws of another state, the District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory and, in the opinion of the Board, the applicant meets the requirements for licensed practical nurses in this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 54-351; 1970, c. 116; 1982, c. 598, § 54-367.20; 1988, c. 765.