Patients across the state of Virginia deserve access to quality care.  Clinical Nurse Specialists are trained according to the same foundational requirements as other Advanced Practice Nurses and are recognized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for their advanced practice training.  Clinical Nurse Specialists are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive care to populations with complex needs with goals such as reducing complications and promoting wellness by addressing system issues.  Clinical Nurse Specialists reduce barriers and faciity quality care.

Withholding practice privileges from Clinical Nurse Specialists in the state of Virginia limits the care available to many of our most vulnearble neighbors in the Commonwealth.  I fully support this petition and urge the Commonwealth to provide full practice authority to Clinical Nurse Specialists.  Barriers to care must be reduced so that residents of the State are able to receive the care that they need.