Virginia transitioned to full practice authority for nurse practitioners in 2021, removing the collaborative agreement requirement that had previously complicated NP credentialing. This change has made Virginia a more attractive state for independent NP practice, but payers have been slow to update their credentialing applications to reflect the new regulatory environment. Some Virginia payers still require collaborative agreement documentation out of outdated application workflows. The Virginia Board of Nursing issues APN licenses, and license verification is a common bottleneck. Anthem BCBS Virginia and UnitedHealthcare are the largest commercial NP credentialers in the state. Virginia's rural shortage areas benefit from NP full practice authority, and several Medicaid MCOs have prioritized NP network expansion in underserved regions. Arctic Health stays current with Virginia payer NP policies to ensure applications reflect the full-practice-authority landscape.
Virginia Medical Board
Nurse Practitioner Requirements in Virginia
Estimated Timeline
Top Payers for Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Virginia NPs still need collaborative agreements for payer credentialing?
No. Virginia enacted full practice authority in 2021. However, some payers have outdated applications that still request collaborative agreements. We work with payers to ensure NPs are credentialed correctly under current Virginia law.
Can NPs in Virginia open independent practices and get credentialed?
Yes. Virginia NPs can operate independently and credential as solo providers. Group practice is not required for payer enrollment under current Virginia regulations.
Reviewed by Arctic Health Team , Credentialing Specialists
Last reviewed: September 2026
Information on this page reflects our experience as of September 2026. Credentialing requirements, payer processes, and state regulations may change. Contact us or check the relevant state medical board and payer websites for the most current requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.