54.1-3000 - Definitions.
§ 54.1-3000. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Board" means the Board of Nursing.
"Certified nurse aide" means a person who meets the qualificationsspecified in this article and who is currently certified by the Board.
"Clinical nurse specialist" means a person who is registered by the Boardin addition to holding a license under the provisions of this chapter topractice professional nursing as defined in this section. Such a person shallbe recognized as being able to provide advanced services according to thespecialized training received from a program approved by the Board, but shallnot be entitled to perform any act that is not within the scope of practiceof professional nursing.
"Certified massage therapist" means a person who meets the qualificationsspecified in this chapter and who is currently certified by the Board.
"Massage therapy" means the treatment of soft tissues for therapeuticpurposes by the application of massage and bodywork techniques based on themanipulation or application of pressure to the muscular structure or softtissues of the human body. The terms "massage therapy" and "therapeuticmassage" do not include the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease orany service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, nursing,chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, orpodiatry is required by law.
"Practical nurse" or "licensed practical nurse" means a person who islicensed or holds a multistate licensure privilege under the provisions ofthis chapter to practice practical nursing as defined in this section. Such alicensee shall be empowered to provide nursing services without compensation.The abbreviation "L.P.N." shall stand for such terms.
"Practical nursing" or "licensed practical nursing" means the performancefor compensation of selected nursing acts in the care of individuals orgroups who are ill, injured, or experiencing changes in normal healthprocesses; in the maintenance of health; in the prevention of illness ordisease; or, subject to such regulations as the Board may promulgate, in theteaching of those who are or will be nurse aides. Practical nursing orlicensed practical nursing requires knowledge, judgment and skill in nursingprocedures gained through prescribed education. Practical nursing or licensedpractical nursing is performed under the direction or supervision of alicensed medical practitioner, a professional nurse, registered nurse orregistered professional nurse or other licensed health professionalauthorized by regulations of the Board.
"Practice of a nurse aide" or "nurse aide practice" means the performanceof services requiring the education, training, and skills specified in thischapter for certification as a nurse aide. Such services are performed underthe supervision of a dentist, physician, podiatrist, professional nurse,licensed practical nurse, or other licensed health care professional actingwithin the scope of the requirements of his profession.
"Professional nurse," "registered nurse" or "registered professionalnurse" means a person who is licensed or holds a multistate licensureprivilege under the provisions of this chapter to practice professionalnursing as defined in this section. Such a licensee shall be empowered toprovide professional services without compensation, to promote health and toteach health to individuals and groups. The abbreviation "R.N." shall standfor such terms.
"Professional nursing," "registered nursing" or "registered professionalnursing" means the performance for compensation of any nursing acts in theobservation, care and counsel of individuals or groups who are ill, injuredor experiencing changes in normal health processes or the maintenance ofhealth; in the prevention of illness or disease; in the supervision andteaching of those who are or will be involved in nursing care; in thedelegation of selected nursing tasks and procedures to appropriately trainedunlicensed persons as determined by the Board; or in the administration ofmedications and treatments as prescribed by any person authorized by law toprescribe such medications and treatment. Professional nursing, registerednursing and registered professional nursing require specialized education,judgment, and skill based upon knowledge and application of principles fromthe biological, physical, social, behavioral and nursing sciences.
(Code 1950, § 54-326; 1970, c. 116, § 54-367.2; 1988, cc. 580, 765; 1989, cc.7, 278; 1990, c. 104; 1996, c. 166; 1998, c. 458; 2004, c. 49.)