Important updates and resources

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”

– Lady Bird Johnson

VCNP has accomplished so much in the last 50 years. How will you be a part of our future?

Spring is here, and everything is blooming – including the pollen. But as the pollen gives way to vibrant trees, grasses and flowers, my wish is that you’ll see the beauty and hope that blooms this time of year. If you work with students, I hope you’ll encourage them to take advantage of VCNP’s student benefits. If you know a new graduate, consider sharing the gift of VCNP membership with them. If you’re a newer or long-time VCNP member, I hope you’ll find different ways to engage with colleagues and advance the NP profession.

As we continue to celebrate VCNP’s 50^th anniversary, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating our accomplishments and setting goals for the future of Virginia’s NPs.

Alysia Pack, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

President, VCNP Board of Directors

Calling all graduates

Northern Virginia Region member Sharmaine McCoy, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, graduated from ODU last spring.

It’s graduation time! If you’re graduating from an NP or DNP program this spring, let us celebrate you! Please send your name, credentials, a photo and program you’re graduating from to staff. Congratulations to all our grads!

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Making our mark

Congratulations to Virginia’s new AANP liaison and past VCNP president, Dr. Becky Compton! She will assume her duties following AANP’s National Conference on June 29.

VCNP gives a special thanks to Dr. Deborah Gray for serving in this role since 2019.

Northern Virginia Region member Dr. Caroline Stowe was featured in the Fairfax County Times about her work training primary care providers to better address headache care. She traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to meet with legislators during the annual Headache on the Hill event.

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Autonomous practice update

As of April 1, there were 3,322 NPs in Virginia with autonomous practice licensure. HB 971 reduces the requirement from 5 to 3 years and will be effective July 1. Watch for updates, and apply now if you’re eligible!

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PMHNP certification exam incentive

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board is launching a PMHNP-C certification examination this year. If you’re planning to take the exam between April 25 and May 30, you are eligible for reduced pricing.

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New continuing education requirement

Last fall, the Board of Medicine voted to require 1 hour of CE in human trafficking for all licensees for the 2024-2025 renewal cycle. Upon renewal, you will need to attest that you attained this training.

The Board of Medicine noted there are many reputable websites, including The Polaris Project, that provide high-quality content to meet this requirement. To view The Polaris Project’s free, online content, visit https://polarisproject.org, and select Human Trafficking from the menu at the top.

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New VMAP early childhood extension

The Virginia Mental Health Access Program has added an early childhood extension to the VMAP line. When calling for support, providers can press ‘6’ to speak with an early childhood mental health expert about patients under age 6. This program is available to Virginia PCPs at no cost

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VDH update

The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates about an increase in meningococcal disease and local detections of a separate antibiotic resistant strain.

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VCNP PAC donations

VDH info for health professionals

Autonomous Practice Application

AANP Advocacy Center

VCNP | Partners for a Healthier Tomorrow