As a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Virginia, I am in support of changes petitioned to the Board of Nursing to recognize CNSs as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (ARRN) in Virginia and grant licensure rather than registration. Recognition of the CNS as an APRN is consitstent with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) support of the position. CNS practice in Virginia is inconsistent with other states across the nation. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report: The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health supports APRNs nationwide to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training. As health care reform becomes a reality, rapid change will need to take place to meet the growing health care needs of Virginians. With millions of Americans entering the health care system for the first time, we will see a shortage of nurses and providers in the near future. CNSs have a long and consistent history of providing high quality care and improved outcomes across patient populations and healthcare systems. The scope of practice for the CNS in the Commonwealth of Virginia is severely restricting and does not support the health care needs of our citizens.

I am in support of the changes requested on this petition.