VA HB1254

Amends multiple sections of the Virginia Code governing the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, updating terminology from "partnership, corporation or other entity" to "business entity" and adding clarifying cross-references to the Uniform Statewide Building Code throughout licensing exemption provisions.

Removes outdated 1992 grandfathering language for unlicensed state and local government employees practicing engineering, architecture, or land surveying, while retaining the exception allowing agencies to hire unlicensed individuals for responsible charge positions after unsuccessful searches for qualified licensed professionals.

Updates building code use group references from "A-4" to "A-3" for license exemptions related to electrical and plumbing/mechanical system installations in certain structures.

Creates new permit categories for hearing aid specialists, establishing "training permits" for those in training and "work permits" for those eligible for examination, replacing the previous "temporary permit" system and exempting apprentices from licensure requirements.

Adds an exemption from optician licensing requirements for individuals enrolled in registered optician apprenticeship programs approved by the Board and conducted in accordance with Department of Workforce Development and Advancement standards.