Q: Who are health care providers?

A: In Virginia, health care providers are defined by statute. The statutory definition is broad and includes any person, corporation, facility or institution licensed by Virginia to provide health care or professional services as a physician or hospital, dentist, pharmacist, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, licensed dental hygienist or health maintenance organization. The statutory definition also includes nursing homes, professional corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies whose members are licensed health care providers or which employ licensed health care providers and primarily render health care. See Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-581.1.