I am in favor of the HB 793 as drafted without any additional changes. In my position as a NP at a family practice office in Altavista, Va, we have had numberous physicians come and go. The physicians are unable to collaborate with more than a certain number of NPs. This has effected us greatly as a lot of NPs practice in this rural area. I have been practicing for 7 years and feel completely confident practicing autonomously and working with the physicians as colleagues. The collaborative contract has only been a hindrance to my practice. By being able to practice without these restrictions it would help our patient population significantly by allowing as many NPs as the organization wants to hire, be able to practice.

Thanks,

Melissa Tucker, FNP-C