I am a Virginia licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)–Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and appreciate the opportunity to comment on the periodic review of 18 VAC 90?30 pursuant to Executive Order 19.

As a  doctoral-educated, nationally certified APRN, and Nurse Manager with over 20 years of healthcare experience and a deep passion for nursing—particularly in serving vulnerable populations I’ve gained valuable insight into the barriers that impact both patient outcomes, nursing practice and organizations.

Regulation of APRNs according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and CNS specific regulatory language and alignment between 18 VAC 90?30 and 18 VAC 90?40  are essential. In the 2021 DHP REPORT ON ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES: 2021 BUDGET BILL, supported the following actions:

(for the full list of supported actions, see this link, pg. 17) https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2021/HD18/PDF

-Granting all APRNs the ability to practice independently, 

-Regulate APRNs solely through the Board of Nursing

-Pursue participation in the APRN Licensure Compact

These are essential to improve access to care in an already overwhelmed healthcare environment with decreased providers.