The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the state must work collaboratively to provide optimal patient care. One of the most vital components of this partnership is the Collaborative Agreement.
The Collaborative Agreement is a written agreement between the APRN and a physician or podiatrist regarding the APRN`s role and responsibilities while providing patient care. The agreement must be current, signed, and maintained at the APRN`s primary place of employment or practice location.
APRNs in Kentucky must work under the supervision of a collaborating physician or podiatrist. The supervising physician or podiatrist must be licensed in Kentucky and hold a valid collaborative agreement with the APRN. The agreement outlines the APRN`s scope of practice, the physician`s or podiatrist`s responsibilities, and the collaborative plan of care.
The Collaborative Agreement includes the specific categories of healthcare services that the APRN is authorized to provide. These categories include the following:
1. General health assessments and physical exams
2. Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
3. Prescribing medications
4. Minor procedures
5. Providing health education and counseling
6. Referring patients to other healthcare providers as needed
The agreement further clarifies the APRN`s authority to prescribe medications. APRNs in Kentucky must have a written agreement with a collaborating physician or podiatrist to prescribe controlled substances. The agreement must specify the categories of controlled substances that the APRN is authorized to prescribe.
The Collaborative Agreement must be reviewed and updated annually. The APRN and collaborating physician or podiatrist must sign and date the agreement. The agreement must also be readily available for review by the KBN or any other regulatory authority.
In conclusion, the KBN APRN Collaborative Agreement is an essential document that guides the relationship between APRNs and collaborating physicians or podiatrists. It outlines the APRN`s scope of practice and responsibilities, including the authority to prescribe medications. This agreement ensures that patients receive optimal care in Kentucky while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.