Note from Your VCNP President
As the weeks of social distancing and number of coronavirus cases continue to increase, I want to thank all of you who are working on the front lines, finding new ways to provide access to care, and sharing your practice barriers and concerns with us so VCNP can support all our members.

Clarification of recent executive order and CMS CARES Act
On April 17, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 57, which allows Virginia’s NPs and CNMs with two or more years of clinical experience to practice in the area in which they are certified and licensed and prescribe without a written or electronic practice agreement during the state of emergency. If you meet this criteria, no further application or action is necessary. This order will remain in effect until June 10, 2020 unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order.
 
I also wanted to clarify some questions related to the recent CMS CARES Act.

  • Home health orders including DME and medical supplies and certifications can be authorized by an NP. There will be no audits during the public health emergency.
  • NPs can admit Medicare patients to hospitals, however admission protocols have to be consistent with an individual state’s plans.
  • CMS has waived minimum personnel qualifications, but NPs still need to meet state requirements for licensure and scope of practice.
 
In addition to these temporary changes, permanent Medicare CMS changes under the CARES Act include the ability of NPs to document face-to-face assessment, certifying and recertifying patient eligibility for home health.
Autonomous practice licensure
Executive Order 57 does not reduce the need for autonomous practice licensure. If you are eligible, apply now to eliminate future practice barriers.
If you have received your license, we want to hear from you! Please share your photo and 1-2 sentences about why you applied for use in future VCNP communications.
Elective surgeries and protections for healthcare workers
The Governor’s ban on elective surgeries and procedures expires this Friday, May 1. VCNP was proud to join the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and other professional healthcare groups in urging the Governor to honor this date. In addition, we are looking for ways to partner with these groups to educate the public about the safety precautions Virginia’s healthcare workers are following as they provide important preventative and urgent care to patients.
 
VCNP also joined with other groups to advocate for liability protections for Virginia’s healthcare workers. On April 28, Governor Northam signed Executive Order 60, which reinforces certain existing statutory liability protections in cases of emergency. The order does not prevent liability in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
 
Virtual conversations with colleagues
Still have questions? Miss networking with colleagues? VCNP is hosting casual, members-only virtual events to allow you to support and encourage each other, ask questions, and share practice changes and adaptations during this pandemic. Space for each session is limited to the first 20 registrants, and registration is required. Once registered, attendees will receive an email with the GoToMeeting log-in information. Registration is now open for the May 1 and 5 calls. Watch your email for information about registering for the May 12, 18 and 22 events.

VCNP on social media
Be sure to follow VCNP on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Photos needed
2020 is the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. We want to share photos of our members at work, with colleagues, or volunteering in the community. If there are other people in your photo, please confirm that you can share their image, and identify who is in the photo. Please do not send photos that include patients.
I know this is a stressful and tiring time for everyone. Thank you for your commitment to caring for Virginia’s citizens. Please be sure to take time for yourself, and let us know how VCNP can support you.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors