Missouri APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement: What You Need to Know

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the state of Missouri have a unique opportunity to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The Missouri APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) has been in effect since 2017, allowing APRNs to work under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician or dentist.

What is the Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA)?

A CPA is a written agreement between an APRN and a physician or dentist, outlining the scope of practice and collaboration between the two healthcare providers. The CPA must be reviewed and updated annually and kept on file for inspection by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The CPA allows APRNs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication to patients within their scope of practice without the direct supervision of a physician.

Who is eligible for the CPA?

APRNs who hold a current Missouri license to practice and meet specific education and certification requirements are eligible for the CPA. The APRN must hold a national certification in their specialty area, such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, and must maintain current certification and licensure.

How does the CPA benefit APRNs?

The CPA allows APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and training, providing access to quality healthcare for patients in underserved areas. APRNs can provide care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The CPA also increases job opportunities, as APRNs are no longer limited to working under the direct supervision of a physician.

What are the requirements for the CPA?

The CPA must include specific details, such as the scope of practice, the number of days the physician and APRN will collaborate per month, and the communication plan between the two providers. The CPA must also include a protocol for handling emergency situations and a plan for reviewing patient outcomes.

What are the limitations of the CPA?

While the CPA allows APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and training, there are limitations. APRNs cannot practice independently, and they must work under the supervision of a physician or dentist with whom they have a CPA. The CPA must be renewed annually, and the physician or dentist must be licensed in Missouri and practicing in the same specialty area as the APRN.

In conclusion, the Missouri APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement provides APRNs with the opportunity to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The CPA allows APRNs to work collaboratively with a physician or dentist, increasing access to quality healthcare for patients in underserved areas. While there are limitations to the CPA, it is a positive step forward for APRNs in Missouri.