A Note from Your VCNP President
With COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths rising in Virginia, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest COVID-related information. Yesterday Governor Northam announced new restrictions that will take effect at 12:01 am on Monday, December 14 and remain in place through January 31, 2021. Virginia’s new restrictions include:
  • Modified stay-at-home order from midnight-5 am daily unless commuting to or from work
  • Limits on social gatherings to 10 people (down from 25)
  • Limits on spectators for recreational sports (25 people per field indoors and 2 guests per player for outdoor sports)
As part of the modified stay-at-home order, Governor Northam encouraged people to stay home whenever they can. He also reminded Virginians to wear masks at all times when around others outside their household indoors and when they can’t be 6 feet apart from others outdoors.
Virginia Department of Health updates
The VDH recently provided updates on these issues –
  • Prioritizing case investigation and contact tracing in Virginia
  • Updated guidance on the duration of quarantine
  • COVID-19 vaccination Phase 1a vaccine allocation
  • COVID-19 vaccination resources
  • COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring
  • National Influenza Vaccination Week
  • Upcoming holidays guidance for social gatherings
Take COVID vaccine survey
ImmunizeVA, the Commonwealth’s new, multi-stakeholder immunization coalition, is gathering information about the thoughts, attitudes and concerns of health care professionals regarding Virginia’s COVID-19 immunization effort. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Deadline to respond is December 16. Thanks to VCNP member Alissa Wong for serving on the board of the VA Immunization Coalition.
CDC updates isolation and quarantine guidelines
The CDC recently updated its guidelines for when a person can be around others after the person had or likely had COVID. Recommendations range from 10-14 days depending on the situation.
Additional updates were made to guidelines about when to quarantine. Guidelines range from 7-14 days depending on symptoms, testing and test results.
AAP updates youth sports guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its guidelines to strongly encourage children to wear cloth masks or face coverings when participating in most sports. Guidelines do not include swimming, diving, gymnastics, wrestling and cheerleading.
Welcome to VCNP’s new PAC chair
Tricia Cox, ANP, Chair, VCNP PAC

Thanks to Chris Daley for serving as our PAC chair this year, and welcome to Tricia Cox who has accepted this new role. Tricia is the former president of the Blue Ridge Region and is eager to begin her new position.
To ensure that Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC.
Support VCNP’s 2021 legislation – talking points available
During the 2021 General Assembly session and 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.
Please reach out to your legislators, and ask them to sign on as co-sponsors of HB 1737. It’s also never too early to ask for their support of this legislation.
Earlier this week, VCNP sent a message about this bill via the Muster platform. Additional talking points about HB 1737 are available.
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.
If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, contact VCNP staff.
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!
Update from Governor’s Task Force on Primary Care
Based on feedback from Virginia’s primary care providers, the Governor’s Task Force on Primary Care was able to secure and distribute 750,000 pieces of PPE to front line primary care clinicians last month. HoChong Gilles, VCNP’s immediate past president, serves on this task force.
Take the Larry A. Green Center Survey
The Larry A. Green Center, in partnership with the Primary Care Collaborative, is conducting a quick clinician survey to better understand response and capacity of US primary care practices to COVID-19. Responses required by Tuesday, December 15, 11:59 p.m. PST.
As NPs, it’s been a stressful nine months with more to come. I hope you’re able to find some time for yourself as we head into the winter holidays and cold and flu season. Starbucks is offering a free, tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) to front line responders throughout December. If you know of other discounts or promotions to honor health care heroes, please let us know, and we’ll share the information in future communications.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our profession. As always, 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