Statewide health care organizations to develop team-based care model
17 January 2011
PDF Version
Richmond, Virginia —The leadership of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) have begun working together to pursue an agreement that outlines a team-based health care model in which all members of the health care team can utilize their full education, skills and talents in the best interests of efficient, quality patient care.
Both organizations have a strong desire to help develop solutions that address the systemic challenge of access to health care, particularly in medically underserved areas of the Commonwealth. To that end, physicians and nurse practitioners have also been working together as participants in the Virginia Health Reform Initiative (VHRI) capacity taskforce.
MSV and VCNP leadership share a commitment to this process and to creating an environment where physicians and nurse practitioners are working together with mutual respect for each other’s training, education and unique role in a safe, efficient team.
“Many physicians count on nurse practitioners as valuable members of the care team,” said Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., FAAFP, MSV president. “Those of us who already work in these models know that it works and that patients benefit.”
MSV and VCNP are focused on creating a team-based model, building on the existing professional relationships, which are not dependent upon independent practice, thus enabling physicians and nurse practitioners to more fully use their training to best serve patients.
Cynthia Fagan, president of VCNP said, “The council looks forward to continued dialogue with the Medical Society of Virginia as we work towards advancing our common goal of maximizing access to safe, high-quality and affordable health care for citizens of the Commonwealth. It is crucial that Virginia confront today’s growing health care challenges and for nurse practitioner and physician colleagues to partner to be a part of the solution.
Both MSV and VCNP appreciate the leadership of Secretary of Health and Human Resources William A. Hazel Jr., M.D. and Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple who have been advocates for the need to meet Virginia’s growing demand for health care services. Both Sec. Hazel and Sen. Whipple have been supportive of MSV’s and VCNP’s shared efforts.
“It is exciting to see these provider groups come together with a shared energy for improving the health care system in Virginia,” said Sec. Hazel. “Both the physicians and nurse practitioners have been active participants in the taskforce and are using taskforce recommendations to inform their work together,” he continued.
Sen. Whipple said, “I am pleased that the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and the Medical Society of Virginia are engaged in continuing dialogue. I hope that further discussions between these organizations will lead to mutual agreement in order to address emerging health care issues. I will continue to track the work of the associations and I look forward to working with them on these important issues. “
Sec. Hazel added, “At different points in history MSV and VCNP have tried to work together to resolve scope of practice issues. At times this left them as adversaries in the legislative process. It is fulfilling to know that now both are working as allies toward a common goal that will benefit citizens of the Commonwealth,” added Sec. Hazel.
The Medical Society of Virginia is the professional association for physicians in the Commonwealth. Dedicated to supporting physicians in the practice of medicine, MSV advocates on their behalf to ensure physician influence on health care legislation and policy improvements and provides a variety of educational and support activities that assist physicians in the practice of medicine.
The Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners is the professional association for nurse practitioners in the Commonwealth. The VCNP mission is to facilitate the advancement and foster the professional growth of nurse practitioners and to advocate for the improvement of health and access to care for all Virginians.