The VCNP Government Relations regional representatives are working hard to schedule their regional legislative events. The purpose of these events is to gather VCNP membership with legislators to exchange ideas and explore solutions to improve access to healthcare in the Commonwealth.
Be on the lookout for event information from your regional Government Relations Committee representative and check out the VCNP calendar for scheduled receptions.
For more information on VCNP government relations work, contact the state VCNP Government Relations Chair, Kim Bednar, DNP, FNP.
Category Archives: All News
VCNP Member and Lynchburg Region Past President speaks at the White House
Amy Johnson, DNP, FNP-C, Lynchburg Region immediate past president, was invited to speak at the White House on July 16 for a press event about telehealth deregulation and the benefits to rural health.
Watch her interview!
VCNP is a non-partisan organization. While we did not coordinate Amy’s presentation, we are proud to recognize her and the work she does in support of patient care and the NP profession.
Autonomous Practice Licensure – Let VCNP be your resource!
Do you have questions about the process, completing the application, or how it will impact your practice?
VCNP is your resource!
Use the buttons below to visit the Board of Nursing Application Wizard, or send an email to connect with a VCNP member who can and answer your questions.
Select an option:
Fredericksburg Regional VCNP Board Meeting
6/8/20
From the state conference: There have been 991 applications for autonomous practice. Digital NP licenses are being issued. NP Wright confirmed that her autonomous practice was listed on her digital license. Credentials Lang is still a problem and practices and hospitals. 2020 is the year of the nurse with the focus on advocacy and the ability of nurses to adapt.
There are still issues with in person meetings. There are still issues of lack of participation. Brain storming new ways to engage with telehealth and providing more regional support was discussed. There is some threat loss of jobs.
From membership: Considering virtual live chats, remote meetings, and non voting members having membership roles. Automatic license renewal. Constant contact was approved for education and the VCNP is paying the yearly fee.
From the regional CE planner: Conference planner and Public Relations: considering an alternative to the largest late of reception. Considering implicit bias training for the conference. Paying for a lawyer. Having a representative for state legislator.
Regional philanthropy possibilities for the spring: Reach out and Read, Fredericksburg Area Service league, the Dr. Yum project, Hindsite.org, Discussed Juan More Taco providing meals for the elderly and people donating money for them to continue doing this. Decision was made to grant a $250 check to Juan More Taco to continue their good deeds.
Courtney Miller’s husband had a medical crisis, she works at Elite Woman, Hishani Perera will reach out to find out what address or contributions we can make to their go fund me account.
September meeting: Hishani Perera was asked to present her Doctorate Thesis and poster that she presented for the VCNP conference for CE for our next local meeting.
VCNP’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
The events of recent weeks have brought feelings of anger, sadness, pain and confusion. VCNP is committed to supporting our black, brown and African American colleagues, patients and communities and to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and profession. As an association of healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to use our platform for justice. We will be meeting as a Board this weekend and will follow-up next week regarding action steps we will take to further this mission.
Governor waives some NP practice requirements during COVID-19
On April 17, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 57, titled “LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN RESPONSE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)” which was amended on April 23 and extended on June 10.
Read EO 57 Now!
Supporting NPs During COVID-19
COVID-19 is presenting NPs, and the nation, with an unprecedented health care challenge while placing considerable demands and stressors on NPs, both professionally and personally. VCNP is working to share resources and support our members during this time. We hope you will refer to our dedicated web page to find valuable online resources and updates as they impact your practice during this time.
Please let us know how we can continue supporting you by contacting us at vcnp@vcnp.net.
For updates, check back regularly for an up-to-date resource list.
Fredericksburg Region VCNP meeting minutes 3/9/2020
Meeting was held at Castiglia’s, sponsored by Amovig for Migraines.
Rachel Farrar has agreed to President Elect role.
Hishani Perera graduated her DNP program 12/2019 and will now be State Conference Committee Chair. She presented her poster at the VCNP conference. Her doctorate project won 2 awards:
Nicole Brooks, Membership, updated us on the last call meeting. Having CEs at the local meetings make NPs attend more meetings. They are considering automatic renewal for VCNP membership and dues. VCNP liked the fact that the last few meetings included NPs and PAs.
Timmye Ross, Public Relations chair, informed us there is a new form to obtain CEs for the group.
Linda Hazelgren, president, Shared that Jill Sarbaugh, NP with Cardiology Associates will be doing a talk on the Watchman procedure for our group.
Consideration for a Autumn local conference.
Consideration of a philanthropy project for the spring. Linda has done the presentation for “Athletes Don’t” a few times. This is about going in to high schools and educating/talking about the hazards of vaping.
Volunteer opportunities at Living Waters, Moss Free Clinic.
Moss Free Clinic is sponsoring a 5K run.
Next meeting Orofino’s on Invokana 4/13/2020.
Submitted 3/12/2020 JPSF
VCNP Shenandoah Region – General Meeting Minutes |February 2020
February 20, 2020
Members in attendance: Maria Circosta, Barbara Call, Amy Graham, Maretta Yoder, Erin Morris, Beth Poore-Bowman, Sue Klassen
NP Students in attendance: Kymber Beers, Heather Codding
Meeting Location: Rocktown Kitchen, Harrisonburg Virginia
Business Meeting: Future Meeting Dates and Topics
April 16, 2020 will be at Montpelier restaurant in Harrisonburg. Speaker: Grayce Kim – Pharmacist with Gilead Sciences. Topic: “Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease State Overview.”
Additional 2020 Meetings: 9/17/2020 and 11/19/2020
Erin Morris shared that she is stepping down as President. Maria Circosta will move into this role effective immediately.
Topics for future meetings were discussed:
- Dr. Domingus – Motivational Interviewing
- Dr. Kent Folsom – X-ray lectures
- Dr. Schofield, Cardiologist – Lifestyle medication
- Dr. Martin, Rheumatologist – Lupus
Adjourned
Respectively submitted – Maretta Yoder, Secretary
Shenandoah Region-General Meeting Minutes November 2019
VCNP-Shenandoah Region
November 2019 Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2019
Members in attendance: Maria Circosta, Barbara Call, Amy Graham, Chris Moore, Andrea Knopp, Kasey Saunders, Allison Chupp, Maretta Yoder, Vicky Sullivan, Mary Faith Dudley, Sharon Strang, Susan Adamson, Sarah Stowell
NP Students in attendance: Kymber Beers, Heather Codding, Cheryl Miller, Allison MonterroZo, Ashley Singleton, Emily Johnson, Crystal O’Connor, Sarah Gibson, Natalie Detrich
Meeting Location: Taste of Thai Restaurant. Harrisonburg, VA.
Speaker: Allison Chupp FNP discussed details regarding the start up and daily operations of her NP run health clinic, North Mountain Clinic in Broadway VA.
Business Meeting:
- Future meetings were discussed. Further details TBD.
-Dates tentatively set for 2/20/20, 4/16/2020, 9/24/2020, and 11/19/2020
- Maria Circosta shared information from the VCNP Board Meeting:
– Lynchburg and Charlottesville CME opportunities.
– Education regarding dangers of vaping.
– Further discussion about opioids and prescribing practices.
-There was extensive discussion regarding autonomous practice. There is frustration with the low number of NP’s in Virginia obtaining their license to practice independently- only 15% of eligible NP’s have obtained the licensure. Eligible nurse practitioners are encouraged to apply for this license. VCNP is willing to help members through the attestation process if needed. VCNP is looking into targeting AANP members residing in Virginia for membership.
-There was discussion about adding a student liaison to the board as a non-voting member,
but details regarding their role and length of term need to be finalized.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Respectively submitted.
Maretta Yoder, Secretary
Events and Conferences
Lynchburg November Membership Meeting
11/26/2024
Tidewater Region December Membership Meeting
12/11/2024
2025 Lobby Day | January 23, 2025
1/23/2025
2025 VCNP Piedmont Pharmfest & Beyond
1/25/2025
2025 VCNP Annual Conference
3/26/2025 - 3/29/2025