Finding a Collaborating Physician in Arkansas
The regulatory landscape for nurse practitioners (NPs) can be difficult to navigate. However, Zivian was created to handle the challenges of compliance so that you can focus on providing care. If you are an NP trying to find a collaborating physician in Arkansas, we’ve got you covered.
The state of Arkansas requires nurse practitioners to collaborate with a physician. Arkansas’ regulatory structure is Restricted Practice Authority.
In this post, we break down state regulations and key considerations for Arkansas NPs to establish a compliant collaboration with a physician.
Note: State regulations and requirements are subject to change. Always check with your state medical or nursing board to confirm the most up-to-date information.
What is the Practice Environment for NPs in Arkansas?
In which category does the state fall: NP independent practice, transition to independence, or collaboration required?
A collaboration agreement with a physician is required, but Arkansas offers transition to independent practice for nurse practitioners.
The Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee may grant a certificate of full independent practice authority to a certified nurse practitioner who submits:
An application
An appropriate application fee as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee
Proof of successful completion of six thousand two hundred forty (6,240) hours of practice under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician
Any other relevant information as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee
Delegation Authority and Process
Is an agreement required?
Yes, a collaboration agreement is required if the NP has not obtained full independent practice authority.
What form of agreement is required and what are the requirements for the substance of the agreement?
According to the Board of Nursing website, the NP must use the state collaborative practice agreement template.
Quality assurance plan requirements can be found here.
Contact us today to learn more!
Where must the agreement be stored?
There is no explicit requirement stated about where the agreement must be stored.
Does the agreement need to be filed with the state?
Yes, it must be submitted to the Board of Nursing and approved prior to beginning practice under the agreement.
Are there requirements to file the agreement after the initial filing (e.g., for updates or on a specified frequency)?
The NP must notify the Board of Nursing in writing within seven (7) days after the collaborative practice agreement is terminated. If the Board of Nursing does not have a current collaborative practice agreement on file, the NP’s prescriptive authority will be inactivated. When a new agreement has been approved by Board staff, prescriptive authority is reactivated.
Who must sign the agreement?
The NP and the collaborating physician must sign the agreement.
How often must the agreement be reviewed / reauthorized?
There is no requirement, but the prescribing protocol must be reviewed / updated at least annually.
What are the qualifications for the collaborating provider (licensure, same scope, active practice in state, etc.)?
The collaborating physician must have training within the scope, specialty, or expertise of the NP’s practice / specialty. The collaborating physician must have a current AR license to practice under the Medical Practice Act, § 17-95-201.
The collaborating physician must also have an unrestricted DEA registration number for NPs who prescribe controlled substances.
What are the qualifications for the NP?
Licensure requirements can be found here.
Is an alternate collaborating physician required?
An alternate collaborating physician is not required.
Collaboration Requirements
Are there ratios / limits on the number of NPs that a collaborator may supervise or enter into collaboration agreements?
There is no requirement.
Is there an express requirement to review a certain number / percentage of charts?
There is no requirement.
Is there a requirement to meet and, if so, how often?
There is no requirement.
Are there proximity requirements (e.g., between the NP/collaborator or practice site)?
There is no requirement.
Are there location-specific requirements (e.g., that collaborator must go to practice site at some frequency)?
There is no requirement.
Is remote supervision allowed/are there limitations on remote supervision?
There is no requirement.
Additional Filing Requirements
Outside of filing the collaboration agreement, must the physician and/or NP file any separate forms?
There are attachment requirements to the collaboration agreement, including the quality assurance plan and prescriptive protocol. Prescribing protocols must be updated at least annually, but do not need to be submitted to the Board, unless requested.
Prescription Requirements and Controlled Substance Prescribing
What are the prescription requirements?
Prescriptive authority is not automatically issued with an APRN license in Arkansas. You may apply online for Prescriptive Authority which includes a separate fee. You cannot submit the application prior to the issuance of an Arkansas APRN license.
What are the requirements for controlled substance prescribing?
Any categories of controlled substances an NP can prescribe must be identified and agreed to in the collaborative agreement. The Board of Nursing must approve the collaboration agreement.
Below are the instructions for controlled substance prescribing scope for an NP:
An NP’s prescriptive authority shall extend only to drugs listed in Schedules III — V and, if expressly authorized by the collaborative practice agreement, also to those hydrocodone combination products reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II as of October 6, 2014.
An NP’s prescriptive authority also extends to drugs listed in Schedule II if: (i) The prescription is for an opioid and the prescription is only for a five-day period or less; or (ii) (a) The prescription is for a stimulant. (b) A prescription for a stimulant shall meet the following criteria: (1) The prescription was originally initiated by a physician; (2) The physician has evaluated the patient within six (6) months before the advanced practice registered nurse issues a prescription; and (3) The prescription by the NP is to treat the same condition as the original prescription.
Find a Collaborating Physician in Arkansas with Zivian Health
Zivian handles all the challenges of compliance so that you can stay focused on providing great patient care.
If you are in need of a collaborating physician in Arkansas, contact us today!
Sources
AR ST § 17–87–314.
AR ST § 17–87–310.
