CNSs are advance practice registered nurses, a vital part of the health care team and recognized as APRNs in the new LACE model and in the Model Nurse Practice Act and Regulations of the National Council of Boards of Nursing.  By adopting the language of the LACE model, the VIrginia Board of Nursing can ensure uniformity in licensure, accreditation, certification, and education to facilitate the regulation of safe and competent advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including Clinical Nurse Specialists, to meet the growing health care needs of the Commonwealth.  

CNSs MUST be officially recognized as APRNs in each state and allowed, indeed, protected, to practice their profession to the fullest extent as called for in the Institute of Medicine's Report on the Future of Nursing and meet the mental health needs of the community.

Thank you for your consideration,

Dr. Cynthia Taylor Handrup, DNP, APN