COVID-19 Request for Response
Dear VCNP Member,

During this pandemic, you may have come across or been confronted with barriers that have inhibited you from providing the care you are educated, licensed, and trained to provide. As your professional organization, we understand your challenges and want to hear about these barriers.
 
VCNP is working to make sure Governor Northam hears from Virginia’s NPs. We ask that you share the barriers you are facing and how you are managing the COVID-19 crisis in your practice area. Please send us your experience so that we can present one very loud united voice. We want to provide him with specific ways this has impacted NPs from being able to provide care in this time of need.

We hope everyone is staying safe and well during this very challenging time. We know each of you continues to provide exceptional care as nurse practitioners, as well as provide emotional support and care for your families, friends, and colleagues. 

Kindest of regards,
Becky Compton, DNP, FNP, VCNP President
Kim Bednar, DNP, FNP, VCNP Government Relations Chair
On March 28, VCNP sent a letter to Governor Northam requesting that practice restrictions for NPs be temporarily waived during the COVID-19 crisis. The intent was to achieve temporary removal of the required practice agreement so NPs could help fill health care gaps. VCNP shared with Governor Northam that during this crisis NPs and other advanced practice providers are being furloughed to units or areas outside of their normal practice setting or are being asked to practice in ways they may not be accustomed. The shift in practice site or setting may indeed prove a barrier for some in that their collaborating physician colleague may not be associated with the site the NP is being asked to cover. VCNP noted that by temporarily lifting the practice agreement requirement, we can help alleviate at least one burden to providing care. Temporarily removing these restrictions also will allow NPs to volunteer with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps without the need for a collaborative agreement. Unfortunately, during Governor Northam's most recent press conference (see below link), when asked if he is submitting an executive order to remove practice barriers for NPs, Governor Northam said he would be interested in hearing from NPs about their challenges. We want to provide him with specific ways this has impacted Nurse Practitioners from being able to provide care in this time of need.

Please go to 20:00 minutes into his remarks, and you can hear the Governor’s thoughts.