One of the biggest hurdles for nurse practitioners in the telehealth space is navigating collaborating physician agreements, especially when practicing in multiple states. In order to practice medicine with full authority, many states require some degree of physician supervision for nurse practitioners. This is where collaborative agreements come in.
A collaborating physician agreement is a contract between a nurse practitioner and a supervising physician that outlines the working relationship between the two providers. These agreements are typically state-specific, so it's important to make sure you're familiar with the rules and regulations in each state where you plan to practice.
One of the challenges of setting up a collaborating physician agreement is finding a physician who is willing to serve in this role. Many physicians are already stretched thin and may not be open to taking on additional responsibility. However, there are a few ways to increase your chances of finding a willing collaborator:
Start by reaching out to your personal network of physicians. Ask if they know anyone who might be open to working with you in this capacity.
Try contacting your state medical board. They may have a list of physicians who are willing to serve as collaborators.
Use social media to reach out to potential collaborators. LinkedIn is a great platform for making these connections.
Once you've found a potential collaborator, the next step is to start negotiating the terms of the agreement. Some of the key points that should be addressed include:
The scope of practice for the nurse practitioner. This should be clearly defined so that both parties are on the same page.
The frequency and method of communication between the nurse practitioner and the physician. This is important for ensuring that the relationship stays compliant.
The compensation for the physician's services. This is typically a per-visit fee, but can be negotiated depending on the needs of both parties.
Once you've reached an agreement, it's important to put everything in writing and have both parties sign off on the document. This will help to protect both parties in the event that there are any problems down the road.
If you're a nurse practitioner looking to practice in the telehealth space, navigating collaborating physician agreements can be a challenge. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a willing collaborator and setting up a compliant relationship!