Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment. I have been a nurse practitioner (NP) for 5 years practicing in hospital settings, most recently in the City of Richmond. Completion of graduate level education and national board certification deems that I am a competent clinician. In addition, most nurse practitioners have several years of clinical experience at the RN level before entry into practice as a nurse practitioner. I currently hold licenses in other nearby jurisdictions that recognize independent practice authority. Please keep these points in mind as rules are being promulgated.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments on these important regulations which affect access to health care for many Virginians.