Dear Colleague,

Isn’t it a shame we still need to talk about collaboration?  Of course it is...

Unfortunately, our profession has to address this topic until the laws in all states have been revised; until every last NP has the freedom to work with full  practice authority.  But until that day, NPs in almost 60% of all states in the US are required to have collaborative agreements in place.

Collaboration is a major hurdle for NPs wanting to practice to the full extent of their education - regardless of employment status.  Additionally, forced collaboration reduces access to healthcare, often where it is needed the most.

To the uninitiated, collaboration doesn’t seem to be a “big issue”.  Many don’t understand why it matters to you, the NP and why it should matter to them, as patients.  Some say, what’s the difference?  “Nurse Practitioner or Doctor, don’t they all pretty much do the same?”

If only it were that simple! 

Hi, I'm Barbara C. Phillips, APRN, GNP,  FNP-BC, FAANP.  Like you, I’m an advanced practice clinician.  I’ve worked in critical care, primary care, specialty care, and more.  I’ve owned my own clinical and non-clinical businesses.  I’ve done a lot and I’ve seen a lot…

In 2015,  I relocated from Washington, a full practice state, to Missouri, a state requiring collaboration.  I took my own front row seat observing just how restrictive collaborative rules really are.

Here are just some examples of what I learned about collaboration in Missouri:

• NPs cannot practice if the collaborator does not reside within a certain radius.

• Established patients still need to be seen by the physician when presenting with a new complaint… AFTER they have been seen by their NP.

• After losing a collaborator, the NP may have to practice with the new collaborator for a period of time before being able to return to his/her own office.

But don’t think for a minute that Missouri is the only state with narrow and restrictive rules… far from it.  Outdated, unrealistic rules and requirements still dictate what can and cannot be done in far too many states.

And here is the problem…

Forced Collaboration is Restrictive and may be Harmful.

Sadly, outdated laws and rules requiring collaboration also create problems for patients and NPs alike.

• Nurse Practitioners wanting to start their own practices or operate as Independent Contractors must abide by  collaborative rules.

• NPs may have to pay too much for collaboration, making it challenging to start their new practice.

• Employed nurse practitioners may find themselves without a collaborator after their physician collaborator leaves the job.

• Patients may not be able to see the provider of their choice, in their own community.  

• Patients may be forced to travel a great distance to access care or forgo care altogether.

• Some collaborative requirements result in duplication of effort and services, leading to excess spending for medical care.

The current “State of Affairs” defies any and all logic!

You have to wonder how it is possible that a nurse practitioner is qualified to practice independently in one state, but not another?  And how do you explain that a nurse practitioner can practice independently in Iowa, yet is “deemed unqualified” to work independently in Missouri, across the state line?

But Nevertheless…

If you want to practice in a collaborative state, you need to find and work with a collaborator.  And until the laws in all states reflect 21st-century reality, collaboration is real and you need to know about it.  You need to be well informed about what is required of you.

For example, do you know:

• How to find a collaborator?

• What to look for in a collaborator?

• Where to find collaborative rules for your state?

• If you need a contract?

• If and how much to pay for collaboration?

• How to spot potential problems?

• How to protect yourself and your practice?

These are questions many NPs ask themselves.  As a matter of fact, often it’s these questions that hold NPs back from starting their own practices.

A Quick Guide to Collaboration

I receive questions from Nurse Practitioners every day.  Frequently these questions are about collaboration.  NPs want to know how they should handle collaboration, how they can find a collaborator, and what they can expect to pay. To do the topic justice and cover it in depth, I decided to cover it in a book.  I want you to know I just published and released my new e-book, “A Quick Guide to Collaboration”.

Now anyone wanting to learn and understand collaboration can absorb all the information in one place. Click here to reserve your copy of "A Quick Guide to Collaboration" today.

Here is what you'll  learn in “A Quick Guide to Collaboration”

• What collaboration is and how to make it work for you.

• How to quickly find collaborative requirements for your state.

• What you need to know BEFORE looking for a collaborator… this information alone will keep you out of trouble.

• Why you must know and understand your state practice act; ignorance is not an excuse!

• Which areas of practice may or may not require collaboration, so you know exactly what is required of you.

• How to know what type of documentation is required in your state, so you're clear on what you must do to stay in compliance.

• How to know what you and your practice need from a collaborator… because this is not as obvious as you may think.

• How to approach the financial side of collaboration... why pay a dollar more than you have to?

• Why you need a written contract and what you must include.

• Why one is a dangerous number and why you want to avoid it.

• How to make sure you stay in compliance and avoid potential problems.

Click here to reserve your copy of "A Quick Guide to Collaboration" today.

If you’ve been looking for information on how to find and work with a collaborator, successfully, “A Quick Guide to Collaboration” gives you all the information you need to get started at once.

If you're new to collaboration, the knowledge presented in this book will get you started finding and working with your own collaborator.

And if you’re already working with a collaborator, use the information to check the “quality” of your collaborative agreement.  Verify all areas are covered and you and your practice are well protected.

Best regards,

Barbara C. Phillips, APRN, GNP, FNP-BC, FAANP

PS:  Until full practice authority is a reality, you must know and understand your collaborative rules... don’t take a chance, get informed!

PPS:  Please note, this is a digital, not a physical product. If you have questions before making your purchase please contact us at [email protected].