Contact Your Legislator in Support of Practice and Payment Policies that Improve Access to Care

Outdated practice restrictions and reimbursement policies can limit patient access to timely care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Virginia's healthcare system should support team-based, patient-centered care by enabling qualified nursing clinicians to practice according to their education, training, demonstrated competency, and professional standards. Regulatory oversight should remain informed by the expertise of each healthcare profession and focused on patient safety and quality outcomes. 

To accomplish this, nursing clinicians must be licensed to practice to the full extent of their education and training, and be held accountable to the Board of Nursing, rather than a Joint Board of Nursing and Medicine. Healthcare organizations should have the flexibility to utilize qualified clinicians effectively to meet community needs, while reimbursement policies should recognize the value of services provided across the healthcare team. 

Modernizing practice and payment policies can strengthen Virginia's healthcare workforce, improve access to care, and support better health outcomes, especially in areas experiencing provider shortages.