Virginia DPC Guide¶
Quick Summary: Virginia has DPC-enabling legislation (Va. Code § 38.2-4601) and permits physician medication dispensing with registration. Proximity to DC creates opportunities in Northern Virginia and throughout the state.
[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Virginia Board of Medicine and review Code of Virginia Title 38.2 for the most current statutory language.
At a Glance¶
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| DPC Legislation | Yes — Va. Code § 38.2-4601 |
| Medication Dispensing | Permitted — Registration required |
| Medicare Opt-Out | Standard federal process |
| Tier | 2 (Moderate) |
DPC Law Status¶
Legislation¶
Statute: Code of Virginia § 38.2-4601
Statute URL: Code of Virginia Title 38.2
Virginia has DPC-enabling legislation exempting DPC agreements from insurance regulation.
Key provisions: - DPC agreements not considered insurance - Primary care services defined - Written agreement required
What This Means¶
- DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
- Legal clarity for membership model
- Standard business regulations apply
Medication Dispensing¶
Regulatory Status¶
Virginia permits physician dispensing with registration.
Requirements¶
- DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
- State Registration: Register with Virginia Board of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Board: dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy
- PMP Requirement: Check Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program
- Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records
Licensing and Registration¶
Medical License¶
Board: Virginia Board of Medicine
Website: dhp.virginia.gov/medicine
Business Registration¶
Entity Registration: Virginia State Corporation Commission
Website: scc.virginia.gov
DEA Registration¶
Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov
Medicare Considerations¶
MAC for Virginia: Palmetto GBA (J11 jurisdiction)
See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.
Key Resources¶
State Agencies¶
| Agency | Purpose | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Board of Medicine | Physician licensing | dhp.virginia.gov/medicine |
| Virginia Board of Pharmacy | Dispensing regulations | dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy |
| Virginia State Corporation Commission | Business registration | scc.virginia.gov |
Professional Organizations¶
| Organization | Website |
|---|---|
| Medical Society of Virginia | msv.org |
State-Specific Considerations¶
Northern Virginia¶
- DC suburb, high income
- Federal employees (FEHB considerations)
- Competitive market
- Higher cost of living
Richmond/Hampton Roads¶
- Established medical communities
- Growing DPC presence
- More moderate costs
Shenandoah Valley and Rural¶
- Primary care shortage
- Lower overhead
- Telehealth valuable
Federal Employees¶
- Large federal workforce
- Consider FEHB implications
- May need to explain DPC relationship to federal benefits
Checklist for Starting DPC in Virginia¶
- Obtain or verify Virginia medical license
- Register business entity with State Corporation Commission
- Obtain EIN from IRS
- Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
- Register with Board of Pharmacy (if dispensing)
- Secure malpractice insurance
- Develop membership agreement
- File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)