Note from Your VCNP President
Virginia is moving into Phase 3 of its reopening plan today. Hundreds of new laws also take effect in the commonwealth today. Holding a cell phone while driving is banned, insurers are limited to charging a maximum of $50 per month for insulin, and Virginians no longer need to state an excuse to vote absentee.
Membership renewal changes
Membership renewals will be sent by email in mid-July. NEW this year, VCNP has set up auto-renewal for memberships beginning in 2021. When you renew this year, you’ll have the option to request auto-renewal for next year, which will be charged on September 1, 2021. (Easter does not receive or store credit card information – this information is managed by a third-party merchant services account.)

We are also asking for cell phone numbers for important action alerts. This is an opt-in program, and you can change your selection at any time through your member record.
Virginia Department of Health updates
VCNP’s Board of Directors has been listening to the VDH’s update calls and sharing key points with our members. Highlights from the most recent call include:
  • Hurricane awareness and preparedness information is being developed and will include COVID guidelines due to the possibility of sheltering in large numbers.
  • Free training: N95 Respiratory Fit Testing Train-the-Trainer Course Information. Registration required.
  • Free COVID testing is available at 76 CVS locations throughout Virginia. Testing is free regardless of income, insurance or immigration status. Check the VDH web site for locations.
  • Due to the possibility of mass vaccinations in fall, it may be reasonable to keep over adequate supplies of syringes, needles, sharp containers and swabs.
Emergency funding for health care providers
Governor Northam is redirecting $30 million in state funds to pay for a 29% increase in Medicaid rates paid to primary care doctors, pediatricians and other health care providers. The rate increase is retroactive to March 1.
Help keep voters safe
In June, Dawn Bourne, DNP, FNP-C, HEC-C, volunteered as an election officer after receiving a request sent to state employees. “Retired Virginians traditionally serve as election officers and are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. I felt compelled as an NP to serve my community, and my healthcare knowledge was a tremendous asset to helping my polling precinct stay socially distanced and safe. While voting absentee is the safest option, it is important to me that ALL are able to safely exercise their right to vote. I highly encourage other NPs to volunteer as officers of election in your own localities in November."
Diversity resources
The YWCA Richmond, YWCA South Hampton Roads and YWCA Central Virginia are sponsoring a 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge across the Commonwealth from July 1-29. For 21 days, participants will receive a daily email to examine the history of systemic inequities in America and how it impacts communities of color today in order to help foster awareness, understanding and collective action toward the elimination of racism.
Returning to college and staying healthy
If you know a student returning to college this fall, here are some tips to share before they leave. Because most young adults will not need to be hospitalized if they contract COVID-19, they need to be ready to take care of themselves and prevent the spread to others.
  • Isolation is key. Have a plan for how to isolate if you become ill or are exposed to someone who has been ill or tested positive for the virus.
  • Be sure you know what your college or university’s plans and resources are for managing COVID-19. Understand that resources may vary based on changing conditions and guidelines as well as if a student is living on or off campus.
  • Be prepared with enough self-care supplies, food and medications so you don’t have to have items delivered right away.
Assistance with autonomous practice licensure applications
Do you have questions about the autonomous practice licensure process, completing the application, or how this licensure will impact your practice? Contact vcnp@vcnp.net to be connected with a VCNP member who will answer your questions and guide you through the application process, or click on the autonomous practice banner at vcnp.net and select the option to ask a question.
If you’ve received your license or know of someone who did then let us acknowledge them and/or celebrate with you! Please share your/their photo and why you/they applied – but be sure to get their permission first.
How can Executive Order 57 benefit you?
If you meet the requirements under Executive Order 57, you are able to volunteer without a collaborative agreement and may be able to provide telehealth services through your employer or one of the telehealth companies that serve Virginia. This order, which allows NPs with two or more years of clinical experience to practice without a collaborative agreement during Virginia’s state of emergency, also allows you to take on new roles outside of your current one and to continue practicing if your collaborating physician retires, moves or passes away. The order remains in effect through September 8.

If you’re able to practice autonomously because of this order, please let us know. We’d like to share these examples with the Board of Nursing and our legislators as we continue to promote the safety and value of NP-provided care.
I hope these weekly emails are providing helpful content for you. Please let me know if there is additional information you’d like to receive and how VCNP can continue to be a resource for you. Best wishes for a safe and healthy July 4 th weekend.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors