Dear Boards of Medicine and Nursing:

I respectfully ask that you would approach the regulatory process with the same bipartisan spirit that overwhelmingly approved the proposed legislature.  Nurse practitioners (NPs )have unique skills and expertise that are a compliment to the health care team caring for all of the citizens of Virginia.  The result of the five-year transition to practice requirement is the result of compromise in the political arena and there is no evidence to support the regulations proposed.  Moreover, this distinguishes Virginia with the most arduous practice environment in the nation for NPs. I have practiced in this state for over twenty years and I am devoted to the patients that I have had the honor to serve. NPs are prepared at the graduate level and are deemed competent clinicians upon graduation and subsequent passage of the national board certification.   I ask you to make the process fair, succint and timely.  I would like for you all to consider a simple attestation form that may include the patient care physician (MD, DO or DPM) that has practiced with the NP for the equivalent of at least five years.  Moreover, please consider allowing office adminstrators, health system administrators, credentialing documentation to also be used as evidence.  Please also consider that any NP in any state working for the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces, U.S.  Veterans Administration or the Public Health Services submit evidence that the five year full time equivalent collaborate requirements have been met with signature from the employer, physician, or practice administrator.  Sincerely, Barbara G. Schimming FNP-BC