As a nurse practitioner, it is essential to have a collaborative practice agreement in place. This agreement outlines the working relationship between a nurse practitioner and a collaborating physician. The document specifies the scope of practice, communication protocols, and procedures for patient management.
Here is a sample collaborative practice agreement for nurse practitioners:
1. Purpose of the Agreement
This agreement is intended to establish a collaborative practice relationship between the nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician to provide safe and effective patient care.
2. Scope of Practice
The nurse practitioner is licensed to provide healthcare services within the scope of practice allowed by their state board of nursing. The collaborating physician will provide physician oversight and guidance, and the nurse practitioner will consult with the physician as needed for patient management.
3. Communication Protocols
The nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician will maintain open and timely communication. They will meet regularly, no less than once every three months, to discuss patient care and any changes in the plan of care. The nurse practitioner will inform the physician of any significant changes in the patient`s condition or if a referral to a specialist is needed.
4. Clinical Practice Guidelines
The nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician will base their clinical practice on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. They will review and update these guidelines as necessary.
5. Prescription Authority
The nurse practitioner will prescribe medications within the scope of practice allowed by their state board of nursing. The collaborating physician will provide oversight of the nurse practitioner`s prescribing practices and will review and sign prescriptions as required by state law.
6. Quality Assurance and Improvement
The nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician will participate in quality assurance and improvement activities. They will review patient outcomes and make changes to the plan of care as needed to improve patient care.
7. Termination of Agreement
Either party may terminate this agreement with a written notice of 30 days. Upon termination, the nurse practitioner will transfer the care of their patients to another healthcare provider.
In conclusion, a collaborative practice agreement between a nurse practitioner and a collaborating physician is essential to ensure the safe and effective delivery of healthcare services to patients. The agreement should be clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date to reflect changes in the healthcare industry.