A note from your VCNP President
Top Story
The CDC has updated quarantine and isolation guidelines for individuals testing positive for COVID-19 as well as those who are considered close contacts. To get the latest information from the Virginia Department of Health and CDC, please bookmark these sites.
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Virginia NP Practice
VDH updates
The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates and information about the following -
  • CDC prefers mRNA vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
  • Providers required to report all immunizations to Virginia Immunization Information System starting January 2022
  • Updated and shortened isolation and quarantine guidance for the general population
  • Updated guidance for the management of healthcare personnel with SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure
  • Therapeutics update
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VCNP PAC
What is the cost of NP practice to you? As we approach the 2022 General Assembly session, we need your PAC donations to support legislators who support NP practice. VCNP is introducing legislation to make permanent the two-year requirement for autonomous practice. If legislators do not support our bill, NPs in Virginia will return to the 5-year requirement for autonomous practice. Please donate today so NPs can continue providing greater access to healthcare for your patients, families and friends.
 
Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
Important Reminders
VCNP News
Make conference & hotel reservations now
Reservations are open for VCNP’s conference at the Omni Homestead Resort March 2-5, 2022. Hear the latest advances in acute care, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health and more during breakout sessions, and learn from keynote speakers about opioid therapy, racial disparity, COVID, professional topics and more. Register today before breakout sessions and workshops are full.
If you haven’t made your hotel reservations, please reserve your room as soon as possible. We expect the VCNP group room block to sell out quickly.
Help support 2022 legislation
VCNP plans to introduce legislation during the 2022 General Assembly that seeks to make permanent the two-year requirement for autonomous practice. (Last year’s bill was passed with the stipulation that it would be reviewed in 2022.) We are looking for NPs who have been able to practice autonomously under the two-year regulation.
NP Practice News
Autonomous practice
Did you know you can apply for autonomous practice licensure without a physician signature on your attestation form? Official employment records, military service records, Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement records, or other similar records that verify full-time clinical practice in the category for which an NP is certified and licensed can be provided in situations where you are unable to provide a physician signature.
 
Even if autonomous practice won’t benefit you in your current job, applying is an investment in you and the NP profession – and sends a message to legislators about the importance of this licensure. As of December 1, there were 1,799 NPs with this licensure. You’re eligible to apply if you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours).
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 printed license until your next license renewal. Contact vcnp@vcnp.net with questions or for assistance with your application.
Apply for Nursing Preceptor Incentive Program
The General Assembly established the Nursing Preceptor Incentive Program to provide financial incentives for practitioners who serve as otherwise uncompensated preceptors for APRN students. By participating in this program, preceptors will help solidify future funding for preceptors of NPs in both primary and specialty areas. Registration is open now, and only one registration is needed per school year. We are working on more detailed application instructions, which we will share in the new year.
I know the last few weeks have been anything but restful, which is why it’s even more important to take time for self care right now. VCNP is committed to providing professional updates and information to you, our members. Please let me know how we can be a resource for you. Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy new year!
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com