In Tennessee, nurse practitioners (NPs) must have a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician in order to provide medical services to patients. The CPA outlines the specific working relationship between the NP and the physician, including the scope of practice, consultation and referral procedures, and the protocols for managing patient care.

If you`re a nurse practitioner in Tennessee, it`s essential to have a well-crafted CPA that reflects your unique practice and meets the state`s requirements. Here are some key elements to consider when creating a sample collaborative practice agreement for a nurse practitioner in Tennessee.

Scope of Practice

The CPA should clearly define the range of medical services the NP is authorized to provide under the supervision of the physician. This may include diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting lab tests, and performing physical examinations.

Consultation and Referrals

The CPA should specify the circumstances under which the NP must consult with the physician or refer a patient to a specialist. This may include situations where the patient`s condition is outside the NP`s scope of practice or requires a higher level of expertise.

Patient Management

The CPA should outline the protocols for managing patient care, including the frequency of follow-up visits and the process for communicating with patients about their treatment plans. The agreement should also include provisions for maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring patient confidentiality.

Liability and Malpractice Insurance

The CPA should address liability and malpractice insurance requirements for both the NP and the physician. This may include provisions for shared liability, individual coverage, or a combination of both.

Conclusion

Creating a collaborative practice agreement that meets the state`s requirements and reflects your unique practice is crucial for nurse practitioners in Tennessee. By including key elements such as scope of practice, consultation and referrals, patient management, and liability and malpractice insurance, you can ensure that your CPA is comprehensive and effective in guiding your collaborative relationship with a physician. With a well-crafted CPA in place, you can provide quality and safe medical care to your patients.