SB 811 - CALL TO ACTION: Testimonials needed

We are seeking CNSs to submit testimonials to the Senate Chairwoman of the Health & Education Committee. The committee meets next week and are considering sending our bill for study. APRNs have already been studied as safe to practice in Virginia. This is an unnecessary waste of the Commonwealth's resources. Several templates are included in the attached advocacy packet for your use. 

For further emphasis, please email your House and Senate legislators. To find yours, go to: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

Senator Favola's email: senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov

This is what I sent to Madame Chairwoman Favola, along with an attached testimonial for the committee. 

Every day, I care for medically complex patients whose outcomes depend on timely, evidence‑based wound interventions. Yet unnecessary administrative barriers continue to delay the treatments we are fully trained and qualified to implement. With 30 years of nursing experience and doctorate‑level preparation, I have seen firsthand how these delays contribute to preventable suffering and increased length of stay.

SB 811 is a practical, safety‑focused solution. It establishes a structured pathway that allows experienced CNSs to provide the prompt, specialized care our patients urgently need—while maintaining all existing oversight. This bill strengthens patient safety, continuity of care, and hospital performance without expanding the scope of practice.

I respectfully ask that the Education and Health Committee strongly consider passing SB 811. Our patients cannot afford further delays in access to excellent advanced nursing specialty care.

Thank you, 

Erin Smith, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, HEC-C

VaCNS Legislative Chair