A Note from Your VCNP President
The events that took place last week in our Nation’s Capital bring to mind the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” VCNP condemns the violence that took place in Washington, D.C. and reaffirms our commitment to civil discourse, diversity of backgrounds and respect for one another. As a nation and as health care professionals, we must take care of ourselves so we can take care of our community.
Don’t delay - Ask your legislators to support VCNP’s 2021 legislation
The General Assembly session starts today and may last only 30 days. Please contact your legislators now, and ask them to support HB 1737. The bill reduces from five to two the number of years of clinical experience an NP must have to be eligible to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement.
Do you have patients, colleagues, family members or friends who would be willing to support NPs in Virginia? Check your email from Monday for a message you can share with patients, family, friends and colleagues, and ask them to contact their legislators about supporting HB 1737.
Hear from Delegate Adams about HB 1737
We were honored to have Delegate Dawn Adams, patron of HB 1737, join us for our Town Hall meetings last week. If you missed the meetings, check out Del. Adams’ message.
Participate in VNA virtual lobby days
The Virginia Nurses Association will host virtual lobby days this month. All nurses are welcome, and you do not need to be a VNA member to attend. Sessions will last one hour and will be held:
  • Monday, Jan. 18 at 9 am
  • Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 9 am
  • Thursday, Jan. 21 at 9 am
  • Thursday, Jan. 21 at noon
  • Friday, Jan. 22 at 9 am
Virginia Department of Health updates
The VDH recently shared the following updates:
  • Updates on COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for Phases 1b and 1c
  • Submitting intent to administer COVID-19 vaccine
  • Enrolling to become vaccination provider in Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps
  • FDA update about genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 and false negative results
  • FDA update about risk of false results with the Curative SARS-CoV-2 test
Resources for getting your COVID vaccine
Are you having trouble getting vaccinated? The VDH has assembled a list of local health department contacts to assist you. Please contact your local department to schedule your vaccine. Visit the VDH COVID dashboard for information about cases, testing and vaccines.
Volunteer with COVID-19 vaccine campaign
Volunteers are urgently needed for Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Medical Reserve Corps vaccine volunteers can serve in their own community when they are available. 
Free COVID vaccine safety panel
Join the VDH for a COVID vaccine safety panel this Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9-10 am. The event is free and open to all healthcare professionals.
Share your COVID vaccine photos
Many NPs have already rolled up their sleeves to get the COVID vaccine. We’d like to share photos of these momentous occasions so please share your pictures with us for use in future VCNP communications.
Apply for autonomous practice 
Even if autonomous practice won’t help in your current job, legislators will be looking at these numbers as they consider future legislation. Please submit your application, and show your support for Virginia’s NPs. As of January 12, there were 1,108 NPs with autonomous practice licenses in Virginia. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact vcnp@vcnp.net.
Share your autonomous practice stories
Have you received your autonomous practice license? Have you been able to practice under the temporary 2-year regulations during the state of emergency? We need your stories! Let us know why you applied, how autonomous practice is impacting your practice and why you think it’s important for other NPs to apply. Send your stories – and a photo if you have one.
Make your voice heard – donate to VCNP’s PAC
In recent years we’ve benefitted from HB 793, HB 1640 and EO 57, legislation advancing the role of NPs in Virginia – and in 2021 we’re introducing HB 1737. To ensure Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to your patients and the NP profession. Please be sure to take some time to care for yourself, and let me know how VCNP can continue to be a resource for you.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com