Collaborative Practice Agreement for Nurse Practitioners in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know

A Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) is a legal document that outlines the parameters of the working relationship between a nurse practitioner (NP) and a physician in the state of Georgia. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the NP is able to provide safe, effective, and efficient care to patients, while working within the scope of their licensure.

In 2015, Georgia passed legislation that allowed NPs to practice without physician supervision. However, NPs are still required to have a CPA with a collaborating physician. The CPA outlines the specific conditions and protocols under which the NP can practice, including prescribing medications, ordering tests, and making referrals.

The Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) requires that a CPA be established and signed by both the NP and the collaborating physician. The GBON also requires that the CPA be kept on file at the primary practice site, and be made available to patients upon request.

To establish a CPA in Georgia, the NP and the collaborating physician must meet and agree on the terms of the agreement. The CPA must include the following:

– The name and license number of the NP and the collaborating physician

– The specialty area of the NP`s practice

– The specific services that the NP will provide, including prescribing medications, ordering tests, and making referrals

– The timeframe for reviewing and updating the CPA

– The procedures for obtaining consultations and referrals

– The procedures for handling emergency situations

– The procedures for resolving conflicts between the NP and the collaborating physician

Once the CPA is established, the NP must work within the parameters outlined in the agreement. Any changes to the CPA must be reviewed and agreed upon by both the NP and the collaborating physician, and submitted to the GBON for approval.

In addition to the CPA, NPs in Georgia must also maintain a collaborative relationship with a physician. This means that the NP must have access to a physician for consultation and referrals, and must notify the physician of any changes to the NP`s practice.

Overall, the collaborative practice agreement for nurse practitioners in Georgia is an important legal document that ensures safe and effective patient care. NPs must work within the parameters outlined in the agreement, and maintain a collaborative relationship with a physician. By doing so, NPs can provide high-quality care to their patients while working within the scope of their licensure.