RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia's attorney general has refused to certify the new abortion clinic regulations passed by the Virginia Board of Health last month.

Republican Ken Cuccinelli's office sent a memo to Health Commissioner Karen Remley on Monday saying the board exceeded its authority. The memo cites an amendment that struck a provision that would have required clinics to meet the same strict building standards as new hospital construction.

The board adopted that amendment against the advice of Senior Assistant Attorney General Allyson Tysinger, who wrote the memo to Remley.

Abortion-rights supporters had complained that the building standards would force most clinics in Virginia to close.

The regulations still must go to the governor, who could order the board to reconsider.