A Note from Your VCNP President
The delta variant now accounts for almost 99% of new U.S. COVID infections, according to the CDC. The Biden administration recently announced that individuals who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can receive a booster shot eight months after the date of their second vaccine dose. Officials said they are waiting for additional data before setting a plan for people who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
VDH updates
The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates about:
  • Additional dose of COVID vaccine for some immunocompromised individuals
  • Vaccine recommendation for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Reminders about testing and masking recommendations for clinicians
Input needed: Telehealth & Medicaid
The Department of Medical Assistance Services is developing a policy that will permit the clinically appropriate delivery of audio-only health services for Virginia Medicaid. This policy, once developed, will remain in effect after the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. To inform policy development, DMAS is seeking input from stakeholders.
If you have questions about this survey or other Virginia Medicaid telehealth-related questions, contact vatelemedicine@dmas.virginia.gov.
Free VDH COVID webinar
Join the Virginia Department of Health on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 6-7 pm for a webinar featuring COVID-19 updates. While the rate of COVID-19 cases has decreased in Virginia and the U.S., the pandemic is not over and new challenges have emerged.
 
Webinar topics include:
  • Update on monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19
  • Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for REGEN-COV for post-exposure prophylaxis
  • Clinical experience in the use of mAb therapy
  • Reimbursement
  • Q & A

Be on the lookout for more information, including registration information, regarding this program.
Nominations open for AANP awards
Do you know an NP who has demonstrated excellence in clinical practice or made a significant contribution to increasing awareness and recognition of NPs? Nominations are open through Sept. 10 for AANP’s State Awards for Excellence.
Have you applied for autonomous practice?
As of August 1, nearly 1,500 NPs in Virginia have received their autonomous practice license! You’re eligible to apply if you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours).

Note that you will not receive an email when your license is approved. To check the status of your application, log in to your online account about 4-6 weeks after submission. You will not receive a new license until your next license renewal.
Share your autonomous practice stories
If you’ve received your autonomous practice license, let us know why you applied, how autonomous licensure will impact your practice and why you think it’s important for other NPs to apply. Send your stories – and a photo - to alissa@commonwealth-pr.com for use in future VCNP communications.
Renew your VCNP membership now
VCNP members were sent information about membership renewal in early August. The renewal period ends September 30. To continue receiving membership benefits, renew now!
 
Want one less thing to do? Consider auto renewal! Opt-in to auto renewal on your renewal application by answering “yes” under the “Automatic Renewal” option. NOTE: If you selected the automatic renewal option last year, you will need to sign up again for auto renewal, since we upgraded our system this year.
Make your point with your PAC donation
A decimal point is small but powerful—its placement can turn hundreds into thousands. Help us make our point with Virginia’s legislators by making a donation in support of our 2022 legislation! Whether you contribute $5.00, $50.00 or $500.00, your donation to VCNP’s PAC will help us make our point!
 
Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
VCNP doctoral scholarship deadline – Sept. 1
Applications are being accepted for VCNP’s annual NP doctoral scholarship. If you’re enrolled in a DNP or PhD program, apply by September 1.
Coming soon: nominations for VCNP state elections
Beginning September 1, VCNP members will be able to nominate candidates for state positions of president-elect, secretary and treasurer. If you or someone you know may be interested in one of these roles or would like more information about the positions, log in to your vcnp.net member account and go to Our Association-Bylaws & Policies – VCNP Policies & Procedures. Many regions also will be holding elections this fall so contact your regional leadership to learn about open positions.
COVID vaccine updates
As of August 23, more than 4.7 million Virginians had been fully vaccinated, and more than 5.3 million Virginians had received one dose. Please encourage your patients, family and friends to use Virginia’s centralized system to preregister for free COVID-19 vaccines – online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by phone at 877-VAX-INVA (829-4682). 
It can be difficult to keep track of all the changes with COVID and our practice so I hope these emails and VCNP are serving as a resource for you. Please be sure to take care of yourself, and let me know how VCNP can support you.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com