A Note from Your VCNP President
It’s National NP Week! Richmond Region president Molly Sandel and I were proud to represent Virginia’s NPs in an editorial that was published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on November 8.
I’m excited about all the great recognition happening across our regions this week. Be sure to send your NP Week photos to us so we can share in future communications.
As part of our celebrations, we are encouraging virtual walks/runs/bike rides across the regions. Be sure to print our Moving Together sign, share your NP love and connect with fellow NPs this month. #vcnpmoving
Virginia Department of Health updates
With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise, the VDH recently provided updates for health care providers. Updates include:
  • Interim COVID-19 antigen testing recommendations
  • COVID-19 transmission in acute care hospitals
  • Tools for evaluating a child with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure
  • Recommendations for isolation and quarantine
  • Vaccination for flu and other diseases
2021 legislation supports change to autonomous practice requirements
With the support of Del. Dawn Adams, VCNP is introducing HB 1737, which 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, during the 2021 General Assembly session. At this time, there is no action needed from you, but we will follow up with more information later this year so you can begin reaching out to legislators to ask for their support.
In the meantime, if you meet the five-year requirement for autonomous practice, please apply.
Legislators will be looking at these numbers as they consider HB 1737 next year. Even if autonomous practice won’t help you in your current job, please apply to show your support for NPs in Virginia. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact vcnp@vcnp.net.
Update on EO 57
Budget language Item 309 #1h, which added language to the budget bill extending Executive Order 57, is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Now that the General Assembly has returned for its veto session, and our budget language went unchallenged by the Governor, we can expect the budget to be finalized and signed shortly.
EO 57 allows NPs with two or more years of clinical experience to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement until the termination of the declared COVID-19 public emergency. Because EO 57 expired in September, until the budget is approved, NPs must practice under the current five-year requirement.

Note that even after the budget is approved, the two-year requirement is temporary until the end of the state of emergency. We are hopeful that our 2021 legislation will make these changes permanent.

Be Antibiotic Aware campaign
Antibiotic Awareness Week is Nov. 18-24. The CDC has developed a national campaign to help fight antibiotic resistance and improve antibiotic prescribing and use. In U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency departments, at least 47 million antibiotic prescriptions each year are unnecessary, which makes improving antibiotic prescribing and use a national priority.
Code and guideline changes
The American Medical Association recently issued code and guideline changes for office and other outpatient and prolonged services, which will be effective January 1, 2021.
Acknowledge an important year in your NP career
To ensure that Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, we need your help! Recognize an important year in your NP career, and consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC in that amount. Maybe it’s the year you graduated or the year you received your DNP or autonomous practice license.
Thanksgiving CDC guidelines
Earlier this week, the CDC issued guidelines for Thanksgiving activities during the pandemic. Cooler temperatures and small household gatherings are an important contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
I know the pandemic continues to be a stressful and isolating time for many people. Please be sure to take some time for yourself, reach out to family and colleagues, and let me know how VCNP can be a resource for you. Thank you for allowing me to represent Virginia’s NPs during this unprecedented time in our profession’s history.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com