The strength of our unity in collaboration was evident in June when the Virginia Nurses Association joined VCNP leadership for the Governor’s ceremonial signing of HB 971. This bill reduces the transition to practice period for NPs from 5 to 3 years and became effective July 1. You should have received an email last week highlighting the legislation’s key points, including the process for continuing to practice if you lose your physician collaborator. To review the details or share the information with NP colleagues, visit here.

To top off an already thrilling month, last week I was also honored to represent VCNP during the 2024 AANP National Conference in Nashville (see pics below), where we were greeted by Loretta Ford, foremother of our practice at 103 years young - alive and vivacious as ever! It was even more exciting to celebrate our recent legislative victory with so many colleagues, learn about new and innovative practices and technologies, and showcase our VCNP strengths before countless state and national industry leaders. Thanks to all of you for your amazing NP work and for strengthening the unity of NP practice in the Commonwealth!

NPs from across the nation, including many VCNP members, gathered in Nashville last week for AANP’s 2024 National Conference. The six-day event included an appearance and welcome from 103-year-old Dr. Loretta Ford and a keynote address from former Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes.

It was exciting to see many of our members shine on the national stage. Southwest Region members Dr. Cassie Sheffey, Tauna Gulley and Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, Blue Ridge Region member Dr. Katie Katz, and Richmond Region member Dr. Leigh Ann Breckenridge gave presentations at the conference. VCNP past president Dr. Becky Compton was recognized as AANP’s State Award of Excellence recipient. AANP state liaison Dr. Deborah Gray was honored for her years of service as she passed the duties to Virginia’s new AANP state liaison, Dr. Compton.

Save the date for the 2025 AANP National Conference, June 17-22 in San Diego!

Dr. Deborah Gray was recently selected as a Fulbright scholar and will travel to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in August to support nursing education and increase telehealth opportunities.