A Note from Your VCNP President
With Virginia’s state of emergency ending on Wednesday, NPs will need a practice agreement or autonomous practice licensure beginning July 1. NPs with at least two years of clinical experience are now eligible to apply for autonomous practice licensure.

If you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours), you have two options –
  • Apply for autonomous practice licensure
  • Re-enter a practice agreement
Note that you will receive an email when your application is approved. You will not receive a new license until your next license renewal.
Donate to VCNP’s PAC by June 30
The VCNP PAC’s 2020-2021 year ends this Wednesday. So far, we’ve raised $9,450. Thanks to Maribeth Capuno (Blue Ridge), Michelle Hayes (Richmond), Sharon Simon (NOVA) and Valerie Wrobel (NOVA) for their recent donations.
 
VCNP uses these funds to support members of the insurance and health committees in Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates. Help us raise at least $10,000 before June 30 by making a one-time or recurring donation.
New Virginia laws take effect July 1
In addition to changing the experience requirement for autonomous practice licensure, other new laws will take effect in Virginia on Thursday. Laws include:
  • Requiring drivers to change lanes when passing a bicyclist
  • Expanding the Va. Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability
  • Allowing compensation under the Workers’ Compensation Act when COVID-19 causes the death or disability of health care providers
  • New vaccination requirements for kindergarten, 7th and 12th graders attending school or daycare in Virginia 
  • Permitting adults 21 years and older to possess one ounce or less of marijuana for personal use.
Contact VCNP’s leaders
Want to contact a member of VCNP’s Executive Committee but not sure how to reach them? VCNP has updated email addresses to make it easy to contact these NP volunteers from year to year. Visit https://www.vcnp.net/board-of-directors/ for contact information.
Volunteer to represent NPs in Virginia
As part of our effort to increase the visibility of NPs in Virginia, VCNP is assembling a list of NP volunteers who may be interested in serving on local and state-wide boards. If you would like to be considered for future board service, please send your name, professional interests, work location and specialty to vcnpgovernmentrelations@gmail.com.
We need to hear from you
Please take two minutes, and let us know how you’re improving access to health care in Virginia. This information will be helpful when we’re talking with legislators and preparing for the 2022 General Assembly session. If you’ve already responded, thank you. If not, take the survey via the button below.
Virginia vaccine updates
As of June 28, more than 4.3 million Virginians had been fully vaccinated, and more than 5 million Virginians had received one dose. Please encourage your patients, family and friends to use Virginia’s centralized system to preregister for free COVID-19 vaccines – online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by phone at 877-VAX-INVA (829-4682). 
A web site helps individuals locate clinics, pharmacies and other locations that are offering vaccines in their area. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org.
Share your autonomous practice stories
Do you plan to apply for autonomous practice now that the experience requirement has been reduced to two or more years? We want to hear from you! Let us know how autonomous licensure will impact your practice and why you think it’s important for other NPs to apply.Send your stories – and a photo if you have one.
As we approach the Independence Day holiday, I hope each of you will find time to relax and spend time doing something you enjoy. Please remember to take time to support your mental and physical health, and let me know how VCNP can continue to be a resource for you. Thank you for your commitment to your patients and our profession.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com