A Note from Your VCNP President
With COVID cases rising in Virginia and across the nation, the CDC issued new mask guidance last week. The CDC now recommends that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people mask indoors in areas with significant community spread. The CDC also recommends that all students, teachers and staff in K-12 schools wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

At this time, Governor Northam is not planning to issue a new mask mandate, and masking and other prevention measures are being guided by each school division. The Virginia Department of Health is currently reviewing the CDC's updated recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals and will be updating guidance in the coming weeks.
APRN compact model information
VCNP has been in touch with the Board of Nursing about adopting the APRN compact model. At this time, the requirements differ from Virginia’s legislature in various ways making Virginia’s adoption several years away. VCNP is continuously working to support legislation that expands NP practice and encourages access and equity in healthcare provided to all Virginians.
Have you applied for autonomous practice?
Almost 1,500 NP’s in Virginia have applied for and received their autonomous practice license! Have you?
 
As of July 1, all NPs in Virginia must have a practice agreement or autonomous practice licensure. Let others know why you applied, 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 - to alissa@commonwealth-pr.com for use in future VCNP communications.
 
You’re eligible to apply if you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours). Note that you will not receive an email when your license is approved. To check the status of your application, log in to your online account about 4-6 weeks after submission. You will not receive a new license until your next license renewal.
Budget proposal addresses recent legislation
Under current Virginia law, nurse practitioner is used as an umbrella term for all advanced practice registered nurses. CNSs became licensed as a nurse practitioner in the category of clinical nurse specialist on July 1.

The terminology used on the Board of Nursing website is licensed nurse practitioner, specialization clinical nurse specialist. This is the same terminology used for certified nurse midwives (CNM) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). Their licenses say licensed nurse practitioner, specialization certified nurse midwife and licensed nurse practitioner, specialization certified registered nurse anesthetist. 
COVID vaccine updates
As of July 30, more than 4.6 million Virginians had been fully vaccinated, and more than 5.1 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). 
Make your point with your PAC donation
A decimal point is small but powerful—its placement can turn hundreds into thousands. Help us make our point with Virginia’s legislators by making a donation in support of our 2022 legislation! Whether you contribute $5.00, $50.00, or $500.00 your donation to VCNP’s PAC will help us make our point!
 
Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
Apply for VCNP doctoral scholarship
Applications are being accepted for VCNP’s annual NP doctoral scholarship. If you’re enrolled in a DNP or PhD program, apply by September 1.
Coming soon: nominations for VCNP state elections
Beginning September 1, VCNP members will be able to nominate candidates for state positions of president-elect, secretary and treasurer. If you or someone you know may be interested in one of these roles or would like more information about the positions, log in to your vcnp.net member account and go to Our Association-Bylaws & Policies – VCNP Policies & Procedures. Many regions also will be holding elections this fall so contact your regional leadership to learn about open positions.
Additional Opportunities
Please take and/or share ImmunizeVA’s VIIS Survey! – Link to Survey
  • The survey aims to better understand the barriers to use of Virginia’s Immunization Information System (VIIS) encountered by key groups of healthcare providers. 
  • The survey is intended for healthcare providers. Please help us share the survey with healthcare providers across VA!
  • The survey will remain open until Friday, September 3rd.
Click the images below for more information
As we move into the last official month of summer, be sure to take time to relax and recharge, and allow VCNP to support your professional needs. Thank you for your commitment to your patients and our profession, and please let me know how VCNP can be a resource for you.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com