Collaborative Practice Agreement for Nurse Practitioners in Illinois: An Overview

As of January 1, 2018, nurse practitioners (NPs) in Illinois are able to practice independently, without a physician`s collaborative agreement, under certain conditions. This change in policy has been a long time coming, but it has finally opened up new paths for NPs to provide patient care and improve access to healthcare in the state.

However, the path to independent practice for NPs in Illinois is not without its challenges. The state`s legislative requirements for NPs practicing independently are some of the most stringent in the country, and it is essential for NPs to understand the details of the Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) in order to ensure that they are providing quality, legal healthcare services.

What is a Collaborative Practice Agreement?

A CPA is a written agreement between a physician and another healthcare provider, such as an NP, that outlines the scope of practice, prescribing authority, and other provisions governing the working relationship between the two parties. NPs must have a CPA in place before they can practice as independent healthcare providers in Illinois.

Under Illinois law, an NP must have a CPA with a collaborating physician for at least three years or 4,000 hours of clinical practice before they can practice independently. Once they have met this requirement, NPs can apply for full independent practice authority.

CPAs must be renewed every four years and may be terminated by either party upon written notice. The agreement should outline the specific responsibilities of both parties, including the physician`s supervision of the NP`s clinical practice and prescribing authority.

How Does the Collaborative Practice Agreement Work in Illinois?

Illinois is unique in that it requires NPs to have a written CPA with a collaborating physician for a specified period of time before they can practice independently. The CPA must include specific provisions for prescribing authority, coordination of care, and communication between the collaborating physician and the NP.

Under the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, an NP`s scope of practice includes the ability to:

– Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses and injuries

– Order and interpret diagnostic tests

– Develop and implement patient care plans

– Prescribe medication and medical devices within their scope of practice

– Refer patients to other healthcare providers as needed

However, prescribing authority for NPs in Illinois is limited. NPs can prescribe Schedule II medications only if they have a written CPA with a collaborating physician that includes a provision for Schedule II prescriptions.

Additionally, NPs are required to collaborate with physicians in specific ways, such as:

– Consulting with the collaborating physician when necessary

– Providing the collaborating physician with patient records and other relevant information

– Referring patients to physicians or other healthcare providers when necessary

These provisions ensure that NPs are practicing within their scope of practice and that patients receive the highest quality of care.

Conclusion

The Collaborative Practice Agreement is an essential component of nurse practitioner practice in Illinois. It enables NPs to provide independent, high-quality healthcare services while ensuring that patients receive coordinated care that meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

As a nurse practitioner in Illinois, it is important to understand the requirements and provisions of the CPA, and to work collaboratively with physicians in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. By doing so, NPs can make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare system in Illinois and help to improve access to care for all.