I have been successfully practicing for 14years as a registered APRN, and am a  PMHCNS-BC in Utah.  Prior to that I was registered as a CNS in VA where I had a private practice .  I was involved in the efforts to obtain third party reimbursements at that time in VA.  We had to make concessions then in order to be able to practice independently and be given the recognition of our expertise and education.   CNS have unique qualifications to offer their clients and are well educated to be able to provide comprehensive quality mental health services .  When I moved to Utah I was immediately accepted as an APRN based on their Nurse Practice Act regulations by reciprocity.  There is no reason VA should restrict CNS from being fully recognized with other Mental Health professionals just as most other states do. APRN's in Utah prescribe and contribute significantly to expanding health care services . Please vote "Yes" to bring the excellent CNS professionals in VA into full recognition as the quality professionals they are.