As a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and member of the VACNS, I fully support the amendment to PROPOSED LEGISLATION-HB 1057. This amendment would extend the current statute to include all CNSs who render any and all health care services, which aligns with the reimbursement practices of governmental payers. Current legislation recognizes mental health CNSs as providers by commercial payors in the commonwealth. If passed, all clinical nurse specialists would be able to bill for services that are entirely within their scope of practice as Clinical Nurse Specialist.

CNSs are recognized for Part B participation in Medicare, Title 18 and may independently bill for those services. They also are recognized as eligible for Medicare’s Primary Care Incentive Program in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.