A Note from Your VCNP President
Happy holidays! The COVID vaccine arrived in Virginia last week, and many NPs have already rolled up their sleeves to get their first dose. We’d like to share photos of these momentous occasions so please share your pictures with us for future VCNP communications.
New Paycheck Protection Program coming soon
With a new PPP program coming, we encourage any of you who own your own practices or businesses to reach out to your banking institution as soon as possible to see if your practice qualifies and to place your name on their list in case the program becomes oversubscribed quickly.
VCNP virtual town halls & legislator town halls
Want to learn more about VCNP’s 2021 legislation, HB 1737? Save the date for a 30-minute virtual town hall on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 12:30 pm OR 8 pm. The meeting is free for members and non-members. Watch for registration information next week.
In addition to VCNP’s Town Hall meetings, many legislators will host their own virtual town halls in the coming weeks. We will share these details as they are available and encourage you to let us know if you learn about the meetings first. This is a great opportunity to ask your legislators for their support and educate other constituents about the importance of passing HB 1737. Be on the lookout for information by email or on vcnp.net.
Ask your legislators to support VCNP’s 2021 legislation
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 now, and ask them to support HB 1737. The session begins January 13 and may last only 30 days so we need to act now! Additional talking points about HB 1737 are available by selecting the link below.
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. As of December 7, there were 1,088 NPs with autonomous practice licenses in Virginia.
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.
Make your voice heard – donate to VCNP’s PAC
In recent years we’ve benefitted from HB 793, HB 1640 and EO 57, legislation advancing the role of NPs in Virginia – and in 2021 we’re introducing HB 1737. To ensure Virginia’s legislators continue hearing from NPs, please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation to VCNP’s PAC.
I know the last nine months have been stressful, and this year’s holiday celebrations may look different for many of us. I hope you’ll find time to create new memories this year, and take some time to relax and recharge. If you or anyone you know are experiencing anxiety or stress related to COVID-19, please call or text VA COPES, a free and confidential COVID-19 response warmline, at 877-349-6428, Mon-Fri 9 am-9 pm and Sat-Sun 5-9 pm. Spanish speakers are available.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com