By Ann F. Bennett, RN, MS, ANP (2009), updated by Kristen Johnson MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC (2021)
1971
The Board of Nursing was notified that the University of Virginia was offering a nurse practitioner course.
1972
In May, the Board of Nursing adopted the Statement of Belief and Proposal for the Extension of Nursing Practice in Virginia, recognizing the need for change in Virginia law and for regulation of nurses in advanced practice.
1973
The General Assembly changed the Medical Practice Act authorizing expanded nursing practice under regulations promulgated by the Boards of Nursing and Medicine.
1974
In January, six nurse practitioners (NP) met in Norfolk with the intention of organizing as a professional group.
1975
The first Regulations Governing the Certification of Nurse Practitioners were adopted. Nurse anesthetists were included under these regulations.
The first NP certified was Barbara T. Walker, then Executive Director of the Virginia Nurses Association (VNA).
The Joint Boards of Medicine and Nursing Committee (Joint Boards) approved VCU/MCV’s OB/GYN NP Program and UVA’s Emergency Room NP Program.
Richmond organized a Nurse Practitioner Professional Practice Group (PPG) under the VNA.
1976
Nurse Midwives were included in the Regulations Governing NPs. There were then 11 categories of primary care NPs, plus Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwife Practitioners.
1977
VCU/MCV’s Pediatric NP Program and UVA’s Adult NP Program were approved.
1979
The Board of Nursing recommended an advisory committee to assist the Joint Boards in their work regarding NPs in the state.
1980
The Regulations Governing the Certification of Nurse Practitioners that went into effect July 1, 1980 included 13 categories of NP (Adult, Family, Pediatric, Family Planning, Ob/Gyn, Emergency Room, Geriatric, Nurse Anesthetist, School, Medical, Maternal Child, Neonatology, Midwife).
These Regulations provided that the Joint Boards could appoint an Advisory Committee on the Certification of Nurse Practitioners composed of four NPs and four MDs to advise the Joint Boards on education and practice issues.
The first Mid-Atlantic Nurse Practitioner Conference was planned and held by the Richmond NP group.
1982
Charlottesville, Tidewater, Southwest Virginia, Northern Virginia, and Lynchburg joined Richmond in becoming NP/PPGs of the VNA.
The first NP representatives to the new Advisory Committee to the Joint Boards included Judy Collins, Patricia Rowell, Debra Sivertson, and Ronald Small.
1984
The NP/PPG became the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP), maintaining its association with the VNA. The change from PPG to Council status was within the VNA structure. Diane Hanna was the first VCNP president.
The General Assembly enacted legislation creating provisional practice status for NP’s pending certification.
1985
VCNP Northern Virginia Region founded.
1986
The first VCNP Bylaws were developed and approved, under VCNP President, Ann Bennett.
Professional certification of NPs by a national certifying agency was required for state certification to practice as of July 1, 1986.
A 14th category of NP, Women’s Health Care NP, was added to the Regulations.
1987
The VCNP formed the Coalition of Virginia Nurses in Advanced Practice (COVNAP).
A crisis occurred when it became impossible for NPs to obtain malpractice insurance. Judy Collins participated in the resolution of this problem.
1988
The status of NPs in the state changed from certification to licensure. NPs became Licensed Nurse Practitioners (LNP) through change in the regulations, which had become the Regulations Governing the Licensure (vs. Certification) of Nurse Practitioners. In addition, the regulations were becoming less restrictive to NP practice through modification of the definition of supervision in the working relationship between NP and MD.
1989
Changes in the law made it possible for Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialists to receive reimbursement, which was the first opportunity for APNs to get reimbursement.
1989 – 1990
Donna S. East lobbied for prescriptive authority.
1991
The VCNP joined the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
NPs gain limited prescriptive authority (schedule IV) patroned by Delegate Mary Marshall (HB 1402) and Senator Elliott Schewel (SB 606).
The General Assembly changed the Medical Practice Act and the Drug Control Act, giving prescriptive Authority to LNPs for Schedule VI drugs.
The Advisory Committee to Assist with the Promulgation of the Regulations for Prescriptive Authority was formed. The LNP representatives on this first committee were Judy Collins (Chair) and Sharon Bailey.
Judy Collins became the first LNP to sit on the Board of Nursing.
VCNP President, Beverly James 1991-1992.
VCNP Public Relations Committee founded.
1992
Nurse Midwives could obtain hospital privileges.
The new Regulations Governing the Licensure of Nurse Practitioners had included material on prescriptive authority, and by September, 24 LNPs has obtained prescriptive authority.
VCNP began to consider contracting for administrative assistance services.
1993
Diane Hanna chaired the Board of Health (1993-95), the first nurse to hold that position.
Prescriptive authority went into effect in January.
The Mid-Atlantic Nurse Practitioner Conference became the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners Conference, initially rotating responsibility for the annual education conference among three regions, each formed of two regional groups.
Week of the nurse declared as the first week in November under Virginia Governor Wilder.
1994
VCNP President, Lynne Pool (1994-1995 and 1996-1998) formed the Legislative Committee, which would become the VCNP Government Relations Committee.
1995
SB 984 proposed by Senator Elliott Schewel made NP/MD ratio 4:1 from 2:1.
1996
Janet Younger RN, PhD, LNP was appointed to the Board of Nursing. She remained on the Board to become President.
1997
The VCNP Bylaws made provision for redistribution of members, to facilitate participation of LNPs in all parts of the state. This change created the possibility of adding regional groups.
1998
The database for VCNP membership was completed after redistricting the regional groups and contracting administrative services.
Three new regional groups formed – Shenandoah, Northern Shenandoah, and Blue Ridge.
“NP Certification” language changed to “NP Licensure.”
1998-1999
VCNP President, Micah Scott.
1999
VCNP’s website came on line in May.
VCNP Bylaws were updated and modernized, the first major change in many years.
SB 744, HB 1958, and HB 2341 proposed by Senator John Edwards and Delegate Chris Jones respectively, maintained NP/MD ratio at 4:1.
1999-2000
Under VCNP President, Susan Donckers, SB 744 and HB 1958 waas proposed by Senator John Edwards and Delegate Chris Jones respectively to allow NPs and PAs to dispense manufacturers’ samples.
2000
Fredericksburg became the newest VCNP regional group.
The law had expanded prescriptive authority to include all drugs except those with the greatest potential for abuse. This was to be accomplished by 2003.
VCNP concerns included: How to increase VCNP’s membership, develop other sources of income besides the VCNP Conference, maintain the necessary level of legislative work and involvement, continue the administrative services which had become essential, and maintain forward momentum.
2001
A new category of NP was recognized, the Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner.
2002
The newly formed Peninsula Regional Group increased the number of VCNP Regional Groups to 11.
The Board of Nursing adopted final regulations on continued competency requirements for licensing and for prescriptive authority.
Senator Janet Howell introduced SB 101, which authorized NPs to refer directly to physical therapists.
First to serve six-year term served by Elaine Ferrary: two years as President-Elect, two years as President, and two years as Immediate Past President. She worked on financial sustainability of the organization through membership dues and income from conference fees.
2003
In July, Schedule III drugs were added, so that prescriptive authority included Schedules III – VI.
2004 – 30th Anniversary of the VCNP
The Distinguished Nurse Practitioner Award and the Educational Award were given by the VCNP for the first time.
The practice doctorate for NPs entered VCNP discussion.
Legislative issues continued to be important, needing the persistent surveillance and active participation on the part of the VCNP. These included: PCP status, reimbursement, supervision, protocols, prescriptive authority, supply of NPs, hospital scope of practice, malpractice, and Provider Neutrality Legislation.
2005
The Founders Award was presented by the VCNP for the first time.
Administrative support by Ruggles was associated with increase in services, notably expanded electronic communication for the VCNP membership and Board members.
The Public Relations Committee was formed.
2006
Senator Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis patroned SB 456, which allowed schedule II drugs to be added to the prescriptive authority for VA NPs.
Retirees were beginning to be seen as a new group of members, emerging at a rapid rate.
Reimbursement Task Force was rejuvenated.
Doctors of Nurse Practice introduced.
VCNP President, Carola Bruflat, 2006-2008, assisted with regulations surrounding prescriptive authority.
2007
Electronic communication had increased. Examples include: publication of a newsletter resumed on a quarterly basis; a variety of information about the VCNP, such as how it serves its members and works to improve health care; its Annual Conference; and voting online.
2008
Strong use of the website by membership had been demonstrated. There was first time online registration and evaluation of the Annual Conference, and the syllabus for its educational program was presented on a CD-ROM.
Senator Janet Howell patroned SB 63, which mandated at least one of the seven seats on the Board of Nursing to be a Nurse Practitioner.
VCNP President, Diane Walker, pushed for the introduction of SB 1063, which introduced autonomous practice in Virginia. The bill was defeated in subcommittee.
Awareness was raised on the importance of equitable reimbursement.
VCNP State Membership Chair position was created.
2009 – 35th Anniversary of the VCNP
The VCNP at 35 – Signs of Growth and Progress
The number of LNPs in VA has increased in the past 10 years, from 3,804, with 1,571 having prescriptive authority in 1999, to 5,524 LNPs with 3,203 having prescriptive authority in 2009.
In 1983, when the organization was still the VA NPPPG, a directory done by the PPG included 450 NPs listed on a voluntary basis.
In March of 2004, there were 1,294 VCNP members. Five years later, 1,556 were listed, with 23 being retired and having become the fastest growing group within the membership.
There were five VCNP Regional groups in 1982. Six more have been added between 1982 and 2009.
The first NP program in Virginia was begun in 1971 at the University of Virginia. The recent addition of James Madison University’s program brought the number to nine. In the early years there were certificate programs which did not require an academic degree. In 2009, programs leading to a doctoral degree have been rapidly increasing, nationally and in Virginia.
The size and complexity of the VCNP have increased. The VNA – NPPPG Officers and Job Descriptions, which functioned as bylaws in 1981, was one page in length. There were three positions: Chair, Chair – elect, and Secretary, and only two committees, Program and Nominating. Affiliated groups (regional groups) were provided for under the VNA Bylaws and the Chairmen group existed according to the General Rules of PPG’s (three pages Long + 1″ on page 4), revision date 1978.
Change from PPG to the Council status occurred in 1984, to be supported by a four page Bylaws document in 1986. Officers included Chair, Chair – elect, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary – Treasurer. The last job would seem to have been heavy duty, but Pat Newton served in that role for ten years. The Treasurer’s report, dated 7-12-86, indicated a balance of $377.59, which had been $450.16 three months previously. These amounts pale compared to present VCNP accounts. Chairs of the regional groups and of the standing committees were included. The transition from Mid-Atlantic Nurse Practitioner Conference, which had been the work of the Richmond Regional Group, took a few years to transition to the present way of functioning under the VCNP’s Conference Committee, which presents the VCNP Conference annually providing education units.
Current Bylaws in contrast expanded to 13 pages in length plus the policies. Four members of the Executive Committee became five. The Board expanded to ten Standing Committee Chairs, and the Chairs of 11 Regional Groups. The Legislative Committee, created around 1990, became the Government Relations Committee. Much energy and other resources have gone into supporting the work of this committee, resulting in many changes over the years for NP practice enabling NPs to have more positive influence on the provision of health care for Virginians.
Since the early years, when one of our members was formally accused of practicing medicine by a physician, there have been many changes. Scope of practice has evolved. Practice locations are no longer limited to geographic areas where there are not enough MDs, and in fact, are quite varied. In 1989, it was reported that the demand for NPs exceeded the supply!
Considerable resources of the VCNP have been directed into the improvement of health care for Virginians through legislative involvement, providing educational opportunities, and increasingly engaging in community activities and service. Supporting the response to programs for Katrina victims in 2005 is only one example.
The VCNP has been the organization representing and serving the increasing numbers of NPs in the state. It has spent a great amount of its resources – time, energy, and money – to remain vibrant, relevant, and abreast of changes as health care knowledge has progressed, and as health care system needs have changed. The VCNP has been the organization to support such achievements by investing its collective resources in professional and legislative organizations, providing educational opportunities, and maintaining communication with NPs in the twelve regions throughout the state.
2012
HB 346 passed eliminating the supervisory language in Virginia’s law, allowing NPs to work as part of a patient care team.
2014
NPs can signed Death Certificates.
2015
NPs can be appointed as Medical Examiners.
2018
VCNP Member, Dawn Adams, elected as the first NP to the Virginia House of Delegates.
2019
Delegate Roxann Robinson patrons HB 793, which allowed for Nurse Practitioners with five or fewer years of experience (9,000 clinical hours) can submit for autonomous practice licensure.
Reimbursement legislation HB 1640 and SB 1178 passed.
VCNP celebrated 45 years of the association
2020
The world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 57, which allowed NPs with fewer than two years of full-time clinical experience to apply for autonomous practice licensure through June 2021.
2021
Delegate Dawn Adams patroned HB 1737, which extended the two-year experience of NPs to apply for autonomous practice licensure with a sunset clause through June 2022.
2022
Delegate Dawn Adams patroned HB 1245, which makes permanent the two-year requirement for NPs to apply for autonomous practice licensure.
Sources
Dorsey, Corinne F. A History of the Virginia Board of Nursing 1903-2003.
Dorsey, Corinne F. History of the Regulation of Nurse Practitioners in Virginia, September, 1995.
Histories of the Richmond and Tidewater Regional Groups of the VCNP
Special Joint History Committee of the Virginia Nurses Association and the Virginia League of Nursing. Highlights of Nursing in Virginia, 1900 – 2000, May 2001.
VCNP Minutes 1985 – 2008.