If you are a nurse practitioner in the state of New York, you must have heard of the collaborative agreement. The collaborative agreement or the written practice agreement is a legal document that outlines the professional relationship between a nurse practitioner and a collaborating physician. The agreement is a requirement for nurse practitioners to practice within their scope of practice as defined by the New York State Education Law.
The collaborative agreement is necessary because nurse practitioners have a limited scope of practice. They are certified to provide primary care services to individuals and families. However, they must work under the supervision of a physician. The physician is responsible for providing oversight, guidance, and consultation to the nurse practitioner.
The written practice agreement allows nurse practitioners to prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and provide a range of primary care services to patients. The agreement should be signed by both the nurse practitioner and the collaborating physician. It serves as a legal document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties.
To obtain a collaborative agreement in New York, nurse practitioners must meet certain requirements. They must be licensed and registered in the state of New York. They must also have a master`s degree in nursing and hold national certification as a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners must also complete a certain number of continuing education credits each year.
The collaborative agreement must be renewed every three years. Nurse practitioners must notify the New York State Education Department of any changes to the agreement. Failure to renew the agreement or comply with its terms can result in disciplinary action by the state board of nursing.
In summary, the collaborative agreement is a vital document that enables nurse practitioners to provide primary care services to patients in New York. It outlines the professional relationship between a nurse practitioner and a collaborating physician and specifies the roles and responsibilities of each party. Nurse practitioners must meet certain requirements to obtain and renew the agreement and must comply with its terms to avoid disciplinary action.