Collaborative Agreement NP Ohio: What You Need to Know
As a nurse practitioner in Ohio, you may have heard of a collaborative agreement. This is a legal document that outlines the relationship between a nurse practitioner and a physician. It is required for nurse practitioners who want to practice outside of a hospital setting or work independently.
A collaborative agreement is a legal requirement in Ohio under the Ohio Revised Code 4723.431. According to the code, a nurse practitioner must have a documented agreement with a collaborating physician to provide certain services, such as ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and making referrals to specialists.
The purpose of a collaborative agreement is to ensure that nurse practitioners are practicing within their scope of practice and that patients receive high-quality care. Working collaboratively with a physician also allows nurse practitioners to consult with someone who has a higher level of medical training and experience.
In Ohio, a nurse practitioner must enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician who is licensed to practice in Ohio and who has experience in the nurse practitioner`s specialty area. The agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties, and include a plan for periodic review and renewal.
It`s important to note that the collaborating physician does not have to be on-site or even in the same building as the nurse practitioner. However, the physician must be available for consultation, either in person or through electronic means.
The collaborative agreement must also outline the specific services the nurse practitioner is authorized to provide and the limits of their practice. For example, a nurse practitioner may be authorized to prescribe certain medications but not others, or they may be authorized to order certain diagnostic tests but not others.
It`s important for nurse practitioners to carefully consider the terms of their collaborative agreement and ensure that they are comfortable with the scope of their practice. The agreement can be amended or terminated at any time, but both parties must agree to any changes.
In summary, a collaborative agreement is a legal requirement for nurse practitioners in Ohio who want to work outside of a hospital setting or work independently. It outlines the relationship between the nurse practitioner and a collaborating physician and ensures that patients receive high-quality care within the scope of practice of the nurse practitioner.