The unique role/talents of the CNs are not avialable to the health care system through the training models of other APRNs. The multi-focus ability of a CNS to to identify and resolve health care issues within the realm of direct clincial, administrative/process, research application/measurement of clinical outcomes and eduction of subsequent clinical experts, often in sub-specialty fields, is of paramount value to the future stability of our communities and regional heath care systems.

I fully agree with the excellent comments previously poseted below by Sally Hough, MS, APRN, PMHCNS

"CNSs are a vital part of the health care team and recognized as APRNS in the Model Nurse Practice Act and Regulations of the National Council of the Boards of Nursing. CNSs must be officially recognized as APRNs in each state and protected, to practice their profession to the fullest extent as called for in the Institute of Medicine's Report on the Future of Nursing. I fully support regulatory action in Virginia and all states to recognize CNSs as APRNs.  Many states already recognize CNS as an APRN. I feel that it is vital that all states, including Virginia, recognize CNS as an APRN for the access to medicine, safety and welfare of all patients."