VNA Gov't Relations Commissioner Apple on Hand for Signing of NP Autonomy Bill

“Nurses get things done!”

So said assistant professor and family nurse practitioner Ashley Apple (BSN '18, MSN, '20, DNP '21), commissioner on government relations for the Virginia Nurses Association, who, in June, joined leaders from the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) and Gov. Glenn Youngkin for the ceremonial signing of House Bill 971, which importantly reduces the transition to practice period for nurse practitioners from five years to three.

"A shining example of nurse advocacy."

professor Ashley Apple on the historic signing of House Bill 971 in June 2024

The passage of HB 971 was several years in the making, and what Apple called “a shining example of the power of nurse advocacy.”

“NPs provide high-quality care," Apple said, "and autonomous practice expands our state’s ability to meet the needs of patients, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.”

Attendees also included the current VCNP president Alysia Pack and past VCNP president Olivia Newby, among other leaders. 

Apple also recently returned from taking part in the first-ever cohort of Healing Politics and its Campaign School for Nurses and Midwives, a network of clinician-educator-advocates (including fellow UVA alumna and DNPs of Color founder Danielle McCamey) interested in running for elected office "up and down the ballot."

###