March 2, 2007

I am writing on behalf of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) in support of the proposed action to amend 18 VAC 90-40 to establish standards for the management of chronic pain, consistent with proposed standards for medicine.

VCNP supports regulatory action that improves the quality of life for patients with chronic pain.  As one of the many health care practitioner groups impacted by the proposed regulations, we look forward to participating in the full regulatory process and working with the Boards of Medicine and Nursing to ensure the new regulations meet the needs of all impacted health care professionals and patients.

Sincerely,

Carola Bruflat, MSN WHNP

President

Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners

2209 Dickens Road
Richmond, VA 23230-2005