Collaborative Practice Agreement Michigan Nurse Practitioner: What You Need to Know
In Michigan, nurse practitioners (NPs) are required to work under a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed physician or surgeon in order to provide medical care to patients. This means that NPs must have a written agreement with a physician in order to perform certain tasks, such as ordering medications and tests, and diagnosing and treating patients.
What is a Collaborative Practice Agreement?
A Collaborative Practice Agreement is a written agreement between a nurse practitioner and a physician or surgeon that outlines the scope of practice and delineates the responsibilities and obligations of each party. The agreement must be signed by both the NP and the physician, and must be reviewed and updated at least once every two years.
The CPA must include the following:
– A description of the collaborative relationship between the NP and the physician, including a statement of the role of the NP in the practice
– The scope of practice for the NP, including the types of medical services that the NP is authorized to perform
– The specific tasks that the NP is authorized to perform, such as ordering medications and tests, diagnosing and treating patients, and providing patient education
– The procedures for communication and consultation between the NP and the physician, including the frequency and means of communication, and the procedures for making referrals to other healthcare providers
– The procedures for monitoring and evaluating the quality of care provided by the NP
Why is a Collaborative Practice Agreement Required?
The purpose of the CPA requirement is to ensure that nurse practitioners are working in a collaborative relationship with licensed physicians, and that they are providing high-quality care to patients. By working under a CPA, nurse practitioners can benefit from the expertise and support of a physician, while still being able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
How Do I Enter into a Collaborative Practice Agreement?
In order to enter into a Collaborative Practice Agreement, nurse practitioners must find a licensed physician or surgeon who is willing to collaborate with them. This can be done by networking with other healthcare professionals, or by contacting medical associations or organizations.
Once a physician has been identified, the nurse practitioner and physician must work together to draft a written agreement that meets the requirements of the Michigan Public Health Code, as well as any applicable rules or regulations.
Conclusion
If you are a nurse practitioner in Michigan, it is important to understand the requirements for working under a Collaborative Practice Agreement. By finding a licensed physician to collaborate with, you can provide high-quality care to your patients while still practicing to the full extent of your education and training. Make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes to the requirements for CPAs, and work with your physician collaborator to provide the best possible care to your patients.