A note from your VCNP President |
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HB 1245 passed the House and is moving on to the Senate! Help us ensure your Senators are hearing from NPs and NP supporters. Contact your Senator, especially those members of the Senate Education & Health committee, and make your voice heard! |
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General Assembly updates
VCNP is monitoring multiple NP-specific bills this year including HB 1245, which makes permanent the two-year requirement for autonomous practice licensure. If HB 1245 does not pass, NPs are at risk of returning to a five-year autonomous practice requirement. This could force some NPs to restructure practices and find a new collaborating physician. Patients could also lose their NP providers.
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To view other 2022 health care-related legislation, click the buttons below. |
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Feedback needed for COVID immunization survey
Immunize VA is seeking information from health care providers related to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Please take 5 minutes to share your feedback by Feb. 28.
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COVID Therapeutics webinars
The Virginia Department of Health is hosting COVID-19 therapeutics webinars on February 9, 16 and 23 from noon to 1 pm. Register for the free webinar below.
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Apply for 2022 AANP scholarships and grants
AANP grant and scholarship applications will open on Feb. 9. Applicants must be AANP members currently enrolled in an accredited graduate school in pursuit of an advanced degree. Apply by March 23.
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Medicare to pay for home COVID tests
Last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be allowed to get as many as eight over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests per month at no cost at participating retailers and pharmacies, starting in the early spring.
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Support Blue Ridge Area Food Bank at Conference
VCNP is partnering with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank during this year’s Conference. For every $1 donation, the Food Bank can provide approximately four meals. The Food Bank serves an average of 118,300 people each month across 25 counties and 8 cities in central and western Virginia.
Donations will be collected at conference, or make an online gift now.
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Get involved with VCNP in 2022
Want to help advance NP practice in Virginia? Looking for professional development opportunities or ways to network with your colleagues? Volunteer for a VCNP committee! This week, learn about the Nomination & Awards committee, which is also looking for a state chair.
Currently chaired by Kristen Johnson, MSN, RN, CCRN, AG-ACNP-BC, the Nomination & Awards Committee includes regional representatives and members at large who are interested in serving the VCNP. The committee meets twice a year for 2-3 hours. Committee members are responsible for –
- Providing input on the selection of annual awards recipients
- Selecting the VCNP scholarship recipient
- Assisting in gaining nominations for elected board positions
- Preparing and presenting the slate of VCNP state officers, which must be verified by the committee and its chair. Election ballots are overseen by the committee chair.
- Working with regions to create gift baskets for the annual conference basket raffle
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VCNP PAC
What is the cost of NP practice to you? During the 2022 General Assembly session, we need your PAC donations to support legislators who support NP practice. Donate today so NPs can continue providing greater access to care 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!
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Autonomous practice
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 February 1, there were 1,893 NPs with this licensure. You’re eligible to apply if you have at least two years of clinical experience (equivalent to 3,600 hours).
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Have you been able to practice autonomously under the two-year regulation? If you’re willing to share your story either with legislators and/or the media, please contact alissa@commonwealth-pr.com. You can remain anonymous as well.
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Register for VCNP conference
Have you registered for VCNP’s conference at the Omni Homestead Resort March 2-5? Hear about the latest advances in acute care, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health and more during breakout sessions, and learn from keynote speakers about topics including opioid therapy, racial disparity, COVID, and professional issues. Register today before breakout sessions and workshops are full. COVID vaccines are strongly encouraged for all attendees.
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VCNP’s conference is less than a month away, and I hope to see many of you there. It will be a wonderful opportunity for professional development as well as networking and celebrating with colleagues. Until then, stay warm and well! |
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Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com
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