A note from your VCNP President
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VCNP News
Make conference & hotel reservations now
Reservations are now 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.
Virginia NP Practice
VDH updates
The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates and information about
  • Update on the Omicron variant
  • CDC’s Health Alert Network health advisory about increasing seasonal influenza A (H3N2)
  • Upcoming webinars on monoclonal antibodies and COVID-19 vaccines
  • Omicron variant detected in Virginia
  • COVID-19 booster doses recommended for everyone age 16+
  • COVID-10 therapeutics update
  • Widespread flu activity in Virginia
AND
Changes to Va. Immunization Information System requirements
Effective January 1, all health care providers in the Commonwealth who administer immunizations must report patient immunization information to the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). If you are not currently using VIIS, contact VISSInfo@vdh.virginia.gov for assistance getting enrolled.
A free webinar on these requirement changes will be held on Thursday, January 27 from 12-1 pm.
VCNP PAC
VCNP continues to work to improve health care for all Virginians and move NP practice forward in the Commonwealth – including through our 2022 legislation to make permanent the two-year requirement for autonomous practice. Your donations support legislators who champion NP practice and help advance the NP profession in Virginia.
 
Thanks to these members for their recent donations – Carola Bruflat (NOVA), Nadya Carriger (NOVA), Sherrie Doss (Blue Ridge), Nachama Haas (Tidewater), Samantha Rothman (NOVA), Kasey Saunders (Shenandoah), Mary Slagle (Piedmont) and Loretta Vece (NOVA).
 
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
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.
Autonomous
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.
The holiday season is upon us. I hope you’re able to give yourself the gift of relaxation during this busy time of year, and I hope to see you at VCNP’s conference and other VCNP programs in the coming year. Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season!
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com