The title of CNS is recognized and title protected by Virginia law for those educated and certified as CNSs and acknowledged as advanced practice registered nurses.  This acknowledgement closely aligns with the intent of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation.  The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) also acknowledges the CNS practice as one of the four advanced practice nursing roles, which is also consistent with the long-standing recognition of CNSs as providers by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  I encourage the board to consider the changes proposed by the Virginia Association of CNSs to define regulations to standardize the language used for initial and renewal, education, certification credentialing of CNS practice in Virginia and modify the language in so that CNSs shall be recognized as being able to provide advanced services according to the specialized training received from a program satisfactory to the Board.  

Respectfully,

Sarah Taylor, AGCNS-BC, MSN, MHR, CEN