Finding a Collaborating Physician in Indiana
Are you a nurse practitioner (NP) looking for a collaborating physician in Indiana?
In Indiana, a nurse practitioner is required to have a collaborating physician. Indiana is classified as a Reduced Practice Authority state.
Zivian handles all the challenges of forming strong collaborations so that you can stay focused on caring for patients. We’ve created a guide for identifying and establishing a compliant collaboration with a physician in the Hoosier State.
Read on to learn more!
What Is the Practice Environment for NPs in Indiana?
In which category does the state fall: NP independent practice, transition to independence, or collaboration required?
A collaboration is required in order for an APRN to prescribe.
Delegation Authority and Process
Is an agreement required?
Yes, a Practice Agreement is required for an APRN to have prescriptive authority.
What form of agreement is required and what are the requirements for the substance of the agreement?
To learn the required components of a collaboration agreement in Indiana, contact Zivian today!
Where must the agreement be stored?
There is no requirement.
Does the agreement need to be filed with the state?
Written practice agreements must be submitted to the Indiana State Board of Nursing with the NPs application for prescriptive authority and a mandatory Cover Sheet. Written practice agreements for NPs applying for prescriptive authority shall not be valid until prescriptive authority is granted by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
Are there requirements to file the agreement after the initial filing (e.g., for updates or on a specified frequency)?
Prescriptive authority for the advanced practice nurse expires on October 31 in each odd-numbered year. Applicants for renewal of prescriptive authority shall submit the following to the board along with the renewal form and fee:
Proof of at least thirty (30) actual contact hours of continuing education during the two (2) years immediately preceding renewal, including at least eight (8) actual contact hours of pharmacology, approved by a nationally approved sponsor of continuing education for nurses.
A current signed and dated written collaborative practice agreement.
APRNs must immediately notify the Indiana State Board of Nursing in writing of any changes in, or termination of, the written practice agreement, including any changes in the prescriptive authority of the physician.
Who must sign the agreement?
The NP and the collaborating physician.
How often must the agreement be reviewed/reauthorized?
See above for filing requirements.
What are the qualifications for the collaborating provider (licensure, same scope, active practice in state, etc.)?
The law says the collaborating provider must be a “licensed practitioner” and is not specific as to geography or scope.
What are the qualifications for the NP?
See requirements in 848 IAC 5-1-1.
Is an alternate collaborating physician required?
No, not required.
Collaboration Requirements
Are there ratios/limits on the number of NPs that a collaborator may supervise or enter into collaboration agreements?
No restriction.
Is there an express requirement to review a certain number/percentage of charts?
The physician must review at least 5% of a random sampling of the charts and medications the NP has prescribed for patients on an ongoing basis.
Is there a requirement to meet and, if so, how often and how?
No restriction.
Are there proximity requirements (e.g., between the NP/collaborator or practice site)?
“Geographic proximity” between the APRN and physician is required though not defined more specifically.
Are there location-specific requirements (e.g., that collaborator must go to practice site at some frequency)?
No restriction.
Is remote supervision allowed/are there limitations on remote supervision?
No restriction.
Physician and NP Filing Requirements
Outside of filing the collab agreement, must the physician and/or NP file any separate forms?
See above for prescriptive authority requirements.
Prescription Requirements and Controlled Substance Prescribing
What are the prescription requirements?
No additional restrictions.
What are the requirements for controlled substance prescribing?
To administer, dispense, or procure controlled substances in Indiana the APRN must obtain an Indiana controlled substances registration (CSR) and a DEA registration.
Specific opioid prescribing requirements are set forth in 848 IAC 5-4.
Sources
848 IAC 5-1-1.
848 IAC 5-1-3.
848 IAC 5-4.
Instructions & Information for Prescriptive Authority as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
