Finding a Collaborating Physician in Oklahoma
The regulatory landscape for nurse practitioners (NPs) varies widely by state and can be challenging to navigate. Zivian was created to handle the challenges of collaboration compliance so that you can focus on providing care. If you are an NP trying to find a collaborating physician in Oklahoma, Zivian is here to help!
The state of Oklahoma requires nurse practitioners to collaborate with a physician. Oklahoma’s regulatory structure is Restricted Practice Authority.
In this post, we break down state regulations and key considerations for Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
In which category does the state fall: NP independent practice, transition to independence, or collaboration required?
Oklahoma’s regulatory structure is Restricted Practice. A collaboration with a physician is required for NPs prescribing medications, and supervision is required for general practice.
Delegation Authority and Process
Is an agreement required?
Yes, a collaborative agreement is required for prescriptive authority. No agreement is required for general practice.
What form of agreement is required and what are the requirements for the substance of the agreement?
Contact our team to learn more about the required components of an Oklahoma collaboration agreement.
Where must the agreement be stored?
There is no requirement.
Does the agreement need to be filed with the state?
Yes, the agreement must be filed with the state.
Are there requirements to file the agreement after the initial filing (e.g., for updates or on a specified frequency)?
Any changes to the written statement previously filed shall be filed with the Board within thirty (30) days of the change and will be effective upon filing.
Who must sign the agreement?
The collaborating physician must sign the agreement.
How often must the agreement be reviewed / reauthorized?
There is no requirement.
What are the qualifications for the collaborating provider (licensure, same scope, active practice in state, etc.)?
In Oklahoma, a collaborating physician must hold a current Oklahoma license to practice as a physician and is not in training as an intern, resident, or fellow.
To be eligible to serve as collaborating physician for NPs with prescriptive authority, an allopathic physician must meet the following criteria:
Have possession of a full and unrestricted Oklahoma medical license with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) permits for any drug on the formulary as defined in the Physician Assistant Practice Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act.
The physician shall be in an active clinical practice in which no less than twenty (20) hours per week shall involve direct patient contact.
The supervising physician shall be trained and fully qualified in the field of the NP’s specialty.
To be eligible to serve as a supervising physician for NPs, an osteopathic physician shall meet the following criteria:
Have possession of a full and unrestricted Oklahoma license to practice osteopathic medicine; with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) permits.
The collaborating physician shall be trained and fully qualified in the field of the NPs specialty.
What are the qualifications for the NP?
See requirements outlined by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Is an alternate collaborating physician required?
There is no requirement.
Collaboration Requirements
Are there ratios / limits on the number of NPs that a collaborator may supervise or enter into collaboration agreements?
A physician cannot supervise more than a total of six (6) physician assistants and/or advanced practice nurses regarding their prescriptive authority. The Board may make an exception to any limit upon request by the physician.
No limit exists for allopathic physicians supervising general practice.
Is there an express requirement to review a certain number / percentage of charts?
According to Oklahoma regulations, for prescriptive practice: “The supervising physician should regularly and routinely review the prescriptive practices and patterns of the advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority. Supervision implies that there is appropriate referral, consultation, and collaboration between the advanced practice nurse and the supervising physician.”
There is no explicit number of charts to review.
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?
Remote supervision is permitted. The supervising physician must be available for consultation, collaboration, assistance with medical emergencies and patient referral through direct contact, telecommunications or other appropriate electronic means.
Additional Filing Requirements
Outside of filing the collaboration agreement, must the physician and/or NP file any separate forms?
Contact us today to learn more about filing requirements for Oklahoma collaboration agreements.
Prescription Requirements and Controlled Substance Prescribing
What are the prescription requirements?
Please see the Oklahoma Board of Nursing’s exclusionary formulary for NPs with prescriptive authority.
For more details on prescribing requirements, contact the Zivian team.
What are the requirements for controlled substance prescribing?
An NP with prescriptive authority who prescribes Schedule III-V drugs must comply with state, DEA and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug (OBNDD) requirements prior to prescribing controlled substances.
Even after receiving DEA and OBNDD registration, the NP may not prescribe Schedule I or II drugs. Schedule III-V drugs may be prescribed for no more than a 30-day supply.
Find a Collaborating Physician in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma, contact us today!
