Please ask your legislators to support a 2 year transition to autonomous practice for NPs!

Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners
Delegate Kathy Tran (HB 971) & Delegate Wendell Walker (HB 983) 

This legislation would bring Virginia in line with many other states by reducing the requirement that a Nurse Practitioner (NP) must practice as part of a physician practice agreement from five to two years prior to practicing autonomously. Current law requires NPs to practice as part of a physician practice agreement for five years before being permitted to practice to the same scope of practice independently.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the public health benefit of having more qualified providers practicing autonomously, the Governor and General Assembly enacted temporary measures to reduce this transition period. Unfortunately, COVID-19’s impact on healthcare is likely to continue for years. Patients and providers need the certainty and continuity of ensuring NPs can deliver health care without restrictions. In addition, easing these restrictions would allow more NPs to volunteer or re-enter the healthcare workforce in their communities.

Please use the following screens and information to contact your legislators in support of this issue!