NP Collaborative Practice Agreement in Georgia: What You Need to Know
Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Georgia are required by law to have a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a supervising physician. This agreement is designed to ensure that patients receive high-quality care from both NPs and physicians. In recent years, there has been a push to revise the state`s laws regarding NPs and CPAs to improve access to healthcare. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at what you need to know about the NP collaborative practice agreement in Georgia.
What is a Collaborative Practice Agreement?
A collaborative practice agreement is a written document that outlines the relationship between an NP and a supervising physician. It details how the NP and physician will work together to provide care to patients. The agreement includes a description of the scope of practice for the NP, the protocols and procedures that will be followed, and the responsibilities of both the NP and physician.
Why are Collaborative Practice Agreements Required for NPs in Georgia?
In Georgia, NPs are considered advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs are not licensed to practice independently and must have a CPA with a supervising physician. The purpose of the CPA is to ensure that patients receive high-quality care, even in situations where the NP may not have the same level of experience as a physician.
The requirement for a CPA has been somewhat controversial in recent years, as some argue that it limits access to healthcare in underserved areas, where there may be a shortage of physicians. In response, there have been efforts to revise the state`s laws to allow NPs more independence in their practice.
Recent Changes to Georgia`s CPA Laws
In 2020, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a bill that allows NPs to practice without a CPA under certain conditions. Specifically, NPs who have a minimum of three years of experience working under a CPA and have completed at least 3,600 hours of clinical practice may apply for a waiver from the CPA requirement.
The new law also allows NPs to prescribe Schedule II medications, which are highly regulated drugs with a high potential for abuse. Previously, NPs were only allowed to prescribe Schedule III-V medications.
What Does This Mean for Patients in Georgia?
The changes to Georgia`s CPA laws are likely to have a positive impact on patients` access to healthcare. NPs who meet the requirements for a waiver will be able to practice without a CPA, which could increase access to care in underserved areas. Additionally, the ability to prescribe Schedule II medications will give NPs more flexibility in their treatment plans for patients.
However, it`s important to note that not all NPs will be eligible for a waiver from the CPA requirement. Patients should check with their healthcare provider to determine if their NP is practicing with or without a CPA.
Conclusion
The NP collaborative practice agreement is an important part of healthcare in Georgia. While there have been recent changes to the state`s laws regarding CPAs, patients should be aware of whether their NP is practicing with or without a CPA. Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with high-quality care, and the CPA is one tool to help achieve that goal.