Dentists in Virginia can now legally use Botox for both medical and cosmetic purposes.
On July 1st, new laws will go into effect in Virginia, changing many facets of daily life.
New limitations on medical marijuana producers, new rules for driving across the state, and much more are all part of the massive overhaul.
The following are some of the most significant recent changes to Commonwealth law.
TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
Banning blue light (SB855)
This new regulation effectively prohibits changing headlights to appear blue after acquiring a vehicle. This is applicable to all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards, and others.
Allowing dash-cams (SB1058)
As long as the wiring and installation of the dashboard camera abide by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, they will be legal to use. You need to hide all of your gear, including cameras and cables, behind the rearview mirror.
Extra precautions when passing stationary vehicles (HB1932)
While approaching a stopped vehicle that is flashing its danger lights or displaying a caution sign, drivers may need to change lanes or slow down. Stopped vehicles on specific roads that have been signaled with flares or torches should also be given extra space “when safe and reasonable to do so.”
Owners made sure that items in totaled cars could be accessed (HB1516)
Towing companies and other operators must let the owners of towed cars get back into their cars for free and get their personal belongings (no fees allowed).
A longer grace period for issuing tickets to people who allegedly pass halted school buses (HB1723)
The statute of limitations for issuing summonses to persons who allegedly pass a halted school bus has been extended from 10 to 30 business days.
LEGISLATIVE SHIFTS IN THE MARIJUANA BUSINESS
Changes to the Labeling Requirements for Medical Marijuana (HB2368)
Labeling on medicinal marijuana products will become more uniform as a result of new regulations. Labeling must now include the following details “in a visible font”: product name, active and inactive substances, percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), amounts per serving, directions for use, cautions for children, and more. Both the products and their labels must meet the standards set forth by the Board of Pharmacy.
Marijuana advertising restrictions (SB1233)
Marijuana and synthetic or synthetic derivative THC product advertising “other than those that may be legitimately sold in the Commonwealth” is now a Class 1 misdemeanor. The new rules prohibit promoting marijuana to minors or anywhere near or during public gatherings frequented by such people, such as schools, playgrounds, sports events, and others.
THE PRICE OF MEDICAL CARE
Alterations to Who Pays for a Deceased Spouse’s Medical Expenses (HB2343)
When the spouse receiving medical care dies before the spouse who did not receive treatment, the non-patient spouse will not be held responsible for paying for the deceased spouse’s medical bills.
Removing surcharge for tobacco users (HB1375)
Healthcare companies can no longer change patients’ premium rates based on whether or not they smoke cigarettes, which can be as much as 1.5 times higher for smokers.
OTHER ALTERATIONS TO THE COMMONWEALTH:
Stiletto knives are prohibited; however, switchblades are allowed (HB2298)
Switchblade knives are permitted to be carried openly once again, as they were previously banned as a type of concealed weapon. Stiletto blades have been added to the list, making their carrying in public illegal.
Alterations to how parents split the cost of the pregnancy (HB2290)
If the initial petition for the establishment of parentage is filed within six months of the child’s birth, the judgment or order must use the legal parents’ gross incomes to determine monthly child support payments, the mother’s uncovered pregnancy and delivery costs, and other reasonable costs incurred by either parent “for the benefit of the child prior to the birth of the child.” Unless there are justified exceptions or parental consent, this rule does not apply.
Covering burial fees for military spouses (SB924)
The state will pay for the funerals of all members of the National Guard and Reserve, as well as the wives of all active-duty military and veterans.
Injecting Botox can be done by dentists for aesthetic reasons (SB1539)
Dentists can now inject patients with Botox for cosmetic reasons in addition to using it for dental purposes. Dentists are required to have the proper education and licensing before they can work.
Several states have stringent rules about who can do Botox and related procedures. The laws in each state can be further subdivided by the board, and the laws in many states are subject to frequent change. This makes it hard to know for sure who in your area is qualified to administer Botox and other cosmetic procedures.
For up-to-date details, it’s best to contact your state’s medical board. Visit https://dentox.com/medical-dental-and-nursing-state-boards/ for a list of state medical boards and their contact information.
Training from Dentox will help you improve your services to patients and grow your business. Visit https://dentox.com/all-courses/botox-training/ and https://dentox.com/live-courses/ for online Botox training and live training with patients, respectively.
Firearm safety device tax credit (HB2387)
A nonrefundable income tax credit will be given to Virginians who purchase a weapon safety device between 2023 and 2027. Credits can be worth up to $300 each, with a cap of $5 million for the entire tax year.
Increase in jury duty allowance (HB2317)
The daily jury duty allowance has been raised from $30 to $50.
