Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment regarding HB 793. I have been a NP for 35 years and practice in Virginia. I, as well as my NP peers, have completed Post Graduate Nursing Education & have National board certification.  Please keep in mind that the rules you make will impact quality health care to all Virginians.

•   The five year equivalent experience requirement creates additional barriers to health care across our state.  This is especially true in our rural areas. 
• NPs already pay fees for RN, NP, & Prescriptive Authority licenses.  Any additional fees for attestation should not create a financial barrier for qualified NPs to practice in Virginia.
• There is no demonstrated need for additional requirements on the attestation beyond what is listed in HB 793
• Thank you again, Lydia D. Shelton, WHNP/FNP