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, which is not currently happening in Virginia. As health care reform becomes a reality, rapid change will need to take place. 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. Those willing and able to provide care to will require support from their peers within the healthcare industry as well as from our government officials in order to meet the demands that will be required.

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