Heather A. H. Deihls

The meeting scheduled various disciplinary and licensing proceedings for nursing professionals, including privilege to practice cases, reinstatement requests, and applicant reviews for Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants.

The board discussed and adopted the new National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to ensure federal regulatory compliance. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the inspection and maintenance program regulations to include a new program coordinator fee as required by the 2024 acts of assembly. A brief report was provided on the status of controversial permits, noting no new developments. The meeting concluded with recognition of outgoing board members and a formal statement emphasizing the importance of environmental justice in policy decisions.

The Board meeting agenda covers the review of various traditional and physician-administered drugs, including Enbumyst, Kygevvi, Lasix ONYU, Lifyorli, Myqorzo, Pivya, Yuviwel, Casgevy, and Lyfgenia. Key discussion topics include the concurrent use of opioids with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, as well as the utilization of Naloxone and Buprenorphine for members on opioids. The meeting also features a review of the quarterly newsletter, the Prime Therapeutics pipeline, ProDUR and RetroDUR program reports, utilization analysis, and an opportunity for public comment.

The meeting focused on the criteria for citing environmental monitors, including requirements for power, security, and ensuring samples are representative of the local area. Participants discussed the specific locations selected for installing monitors, including sites at the Elizabeth River Trail, near the local fire station, and on the Old Dominion University campus, along with challenges related to underground infrastructure and environmental site conditions. The committee also touched upon the project's use of PM10 samplers and the intention to gather data on pollutants from construction activities, as well as the need for transparency and community-focused communication in future project phases.

The board discussed the 2026 amendment and reissuance of the general Virginia pollutant discharge elimination system watershed permit regulation for total nitrogen and total phosphorus discharges and nutrient trading in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Key topics included a review of the regulatory process, EPA comments regarding monitoring frequencies, public comments from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other stakeholders, the handling of waste load allocations upon permit termination or consolidation, and the status of chlorophyll criteria in the lower James River. The meeting concluded with staff recommending the adoption of the proposed regulatory amendments.