VCNP Southwest Region President, Carole Everhart, provided an Op Ed piece in the The Roanoke Times titled, “Everhart: HB 1737 Benefits Patients, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians” published February 7, 2021.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
VDH’s COVIDWISE exposure notification app joins national key server to increase effectiveness across state lines
Virginia joins D.C., 15 other states participating in the unified server; COVIDWISE surpasses 885,000 downloads
(Richmond, Va.) — Virginia’s first-in-the-nation COVID-exposure notification app will now work across DC and all 15 states that have such an app. More than one in ten Virginians have downloaded and are using COVIDWISE, which notifies people if they have been physically close to someone who tested positive. COVIDWISE, Virginia’s free COVID-19 Exposure Notifications app, is now participating with the Association of Public Health Laboratories’ (APHL) National Key Server, allowing COVIDWISE interoperability with Washington, D.C. and other states’ apps that also use the server. Now COVIDWISE can communicate with other state notification apps to share anonymous bits of information or “exposure notification keys” using a national server that will enable users to find out when they may have been exposed by users from other states.
Anthem cuts reimbursement rates
One of Virginia’s largest insurance companies is lowering reimbursement rates for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. VCNP’s president-elect recently Olivia Newby spoke to the reporter of the Virginia Mercury article.
Olivia Newby said there would be an “absolutely devastating” effect on Primary Care Specialists, the independent practice where she works. The cuts would end up reaching the surrounding community, she added — predominantly working-class people of color.
“We were already busy, overwhelmed, short-staffed in trying to accommodate the patients,” Newby said, pointing out that nurse practitioners make up half of the providers on her practice’s four-person medical staff. “That loss of income may mean we can’t afford support staff. Or maybe we put off buying new equipment. It’s that trickle-down effect that impacts the quality of patient care.”
Have you seen this news from Anthem? How will this change in reimbursement rates impact your practice? Share with us.
VCNP Regional Legislative Events
The VCNP Government Relations regional representatives are working hard to schedule their regional legislative events. The purpose of these events is to gather VCNP membership with legislators to exchange ideas and explore solutions to improve access to healthcare in the Commonwealth.
Be on the lookout for event information from your regional Government Relations Committee representative and check out the VCNP calendar for scheduled receptions.
For more information on VCNP government relations work, contact the state VCNP Government Relations Chair, Kim Bednar, DNP, FNP.
VCNP Member and Lynchburg Region Past President speaks at the White House
Amy Johnson, DNP, FNP-C, Lynchburg Region immediate past president, was invited to speak at the White House on July 16 for a press event about telehealth deregulation and the benefits to rural health.
Watch her interview!
VCNP is a non-partisan organization. While we did not coordinate Amy’s presentation, we are proud to recognize her and the work she does in support of patient care and the NP profession.
Northern Virginia Region – September Member Meeting
Maggianos Tysons Galleria Mall
Networking 6-7; Dinner presentation 7-8; and then Business meeting
Sponsor: Boehringer- Ingelheim, Topic Diabetes
Speaker Dr. Donohue from the Endocrinology Group in Arlington.
VCNP MEMBERS AND MEMBER INVITED NP GUESTS ONLY
RSVP via newsletter link.
Questions contact Membership Chair, Brittany Adams @ novavcnp.membership@gmail.com
Fredericksburg Region VCNP board meeting minutes 7/15/19
The programs for the year are set!
August: Lapetite on a drug to reverse new anticoagulants
Sept: Legislative reception @ Moss Free Clinic
Oct: Dr Sherwood speaking on robotic surgery, place TBA
Nov: New guidelines for TAVR, place TBA
Dec: Dr Mauer to speak, place TBA
The legislative will be held 9/16/19 at the Moss Free Clinic. Invitations will be sent out, Cathy Duncan will contact the VCNP, as they have helped with this in the past. We plan to send out electronic save-the-dates. (Wine, water, iced tea, shrimp cocktail, cheese platter, veggie platter.) Invitations to ALL NPs, CRNAs, mayor, CEO of MWH, admin of Moss Clinic
PR: Article planned for The Front Porch on “Unsung Heros of Healthcare”. Featuring NPs varied roles delivering health care, helping to expand access to health care for patients, highlighting our philanthropy and local programs, as well as our connection to and influence on legislation. Also emphasizing the change in the state regarding independent practice!
Timmes Ross- PR, will be getting admin rights from Michele Earnest so she can add pictures to our facebook page and look into Instagram. She reminded everyone to use the # at the bottom of any picture you submit with #FredericksburgNP or #NursePractitioner, so when people scroll or search, they will be more likely to come across our info!
Night of 1000 pies, 8/24/19 from 7-10pm. Philanthropy to go towards Empowerhouse. Consider “Dream For You”- a philanthropy project that supports an underpriviledged high school student in Spotsylvania, Louisa or Orange towards a degree in STEAM or healthcare track.
Nicole Brooks suggesting a membership newsletter. A summary to members regarding local programs and philanthropy as well as updates on legislative happenings- GREAT suggestion Nicole!
VCNP Peninsula Business Meeting June 19, 2019
Fredericksburg Region VCNP meeting minutes 6/10/19
Presentation regarding Aimovig for migraines
Our next meeting will be in August, with a speaker regarding reversing the new anticoagulants.
There is a push for attestation with possible U-tube video involvement. Discussion regarding increasing continuing education availability, access to VCNP websites.
PR- writer for the Front Porch article would like to feature our local VCNP group possibly regarding attestation.
Consider a July Board meeting- with attestation documents and a picture for our facebook page or the VCNP website.
The VCNP will be changing the conference venue to a new one in Norfolk.
Membership numbers have rebounded, goal is to reach up to #2020 in 2020. There is talk of extending the student fee for the first year in practice.
Legislative reception: There are 140 members up for re-election. Consider dates 9/9/19 or 9/16/19.
Treasurer report.
Philanthropy: We are sponsoring the Cancer walk, Tiffany and Linda will attend and may be provided with a water station- banner will be displayed.
Submitted 7/11/19 JPSF
Fredericksburg Region VCNP meeting minutes 4/8/19
Our officers are now:
President: Linda Hazelgren
President Elect: Vacant
Past President: Cherie Wright
Program Chair: Lisa Keel
Public Relations: Timmye Ross
Conference Chair: Hishani Perera
Membership: Nicole Brooks
Secretary: Piper Schlesser-Foresman
Treasurer: Tiffany Simons
Legislative Chair: Cathy Duncan
Timmye talked to a writer for the Front Porch who is interested in writing and article in the future. Amy Sales of the VCNP with commonwealth PR can help with writing a local article on NPs.
We do not know if we will have a sponsor for the 5/2019 program. A program is set for June on Migraines. The nephrology group, specifically Dr Nouraldeen would like to do a CKD talk.
Cathy Duncan is wanting to have a legislative meeting again in September. Possible dates are 9/9 or 9/16.
Submitted 7/11/19 JPSF
Events and Conferences
No Events