I strongly oppose the proposed licensure fee increase for RNs, APRNs, as well as LPNs.

"To address the deficit in Board funding, the Board will increase fees for most categories of practitioners and programs that the Board regulates by 65 – 70%. This increase will generate approximately $10 million in additional revenue, which is needed to cover the projected deficit and will allow the Board to operate without deficit until approximately FY2033." 

An exceptionally large licensure fee increase of 65-70% for a profession that is already experiencing physical/psychological/emotional burnout will only contribute to furthering the nursing shortage - it will deter those trying to enter the field, as well as those continuing to practice in the field. The salary increases of nurses as well as APRNs does not match the proposed licensure increase nor does it match current inflation and the cost of living in Virginia. Needing to immediately fund $10 million in revenue does not seem reasonable and it does not make sense to try accomplishing this through an exorbitant increase in licensure fees. I strongly urge the Board to consider reducing this proposed increase.