A Note from Your VCNP President
Tuesday is Election Day, and if you aren’t one of the nearly two million Virginians who have already voted, please exercise your right to vote on November 3. VCNP is a nonpartisan organization, but we recognize that our members come from a variety of backgrounds and political affiliations. We are committed to being an inclusive organization in which diverse perspectives are respected and encourage you to engage in civil discussions while taking care of yourselves and those around you.

For healthy voting tips for public health and medical professionals including the latest CDC guidance for polling locations and voters, click the button below.
2021 legislation supports change to autonomous practice requirements
With the support of Del. Dawn Adams, VCNP is introducing HB 1737 during the 2021 General Assembly session, 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.
At this time, there is no action needed from you, but we will follow up with more information in the coming weeks 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 by selecting the button below.
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. 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 – but it 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.
CDC updates definition of close contact
On October 21, the CDC updated its definition of close contact. The new guidelines say “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. * Individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period (e.g., three 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).”
Update on Anthem’s reduced reimbursement rates
Last month we shared information about how Anthem is lowering reimbursement rates for NPs and PAs to 85%. We recognize that reduced reimbursement rates will impact many of us, but we need specific examples of how this will impact you.

We have shared concerns through letters to the editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Virginian Pilot. If you’d like to submit a letter to your local paper, please contact staff, so they can track submissions. They can also share some key messages if you need assistance.

VCNP will continue to partner with other advanced practice provider organizations in Virginia to share our concerns with Governor Northam and raise awareness with legislators and Virginia’s citizens.
Support VCNP’s PAC
In less than a week, Virginians will head to the polls to elect new leaders. To ensure that Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, we need your help! Please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC.
Get Moving during National NP Week
National NP Week is November 8-14. As part of our celebrations, we are encouraging virtual walks/runs/bike rides across the regions. Watch your email for more details about how to get moving, connect with fellow NPs and raise awareness of our profession. #vcnpmoving
Halloween safety
Halloween is this weekend, and like all the upcoming holidays, it will look different this year. Be sure to review the CDC’s recommendations for safe ways to celebrate in 2020.
I am proud to represent Virginia’s NPs during this most unique time in our professional history. Please take care of yourself, and let me know how VCNP can be a resource for you.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors