Can NPs own a specialty clinic?

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 14, 2012

Short answer, yes.

bsnanat2 · Nov 14, 2012

Slippery slope. This may be possible, but it is not wise nor is it practical. While the role of NP has evolved since it was first conceived, moving too far away from primary care into the role of a solo specialist is far from the original intent. If you think the family practice physicians have been rough in their opposition, just wait 'till the specialists start to fight. Legally you'd probably lose too. Much also depends on what you mean by "specialty", where you were located and the intent/extent of your practice. Coumadin specialty practice is one thing....a solo neuro practice is something else. Some may not like to admit this but NP's do have limitations. Don't get in over your head.

Lovanurse · Nov 15, 2012

If I understand your question correctly, absolutely! The CEO of my workplace doesn't even have a medical/nursing degree. I think he has a MBA or something. But, I would also think if your training is in cardiology as an NP (and not family), and you have independent practice in your state... I can see where you may run into some limitations as far as hospital privileges and surgeries and things of that nature.

Lovanurse · Nov 15, 2012

Also, we offer podiatry, dental and mental health services.

nursetim, NP · Nov 23, 2012

I'll just drop this here. Weight loss clinic

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 23, 2012

In my state there are several very profitable NP owned specialty clinics: women's health/GYN(w/o OB), endo (I believe they are diabetes specific and do not delve into anything else, but I could be wrong), cardio (I am *certain* this clinic specializes in CHF, but I don't know what else they do), and derm (cosmetic, not cancer tx) practices. The derm clinic has 3 locations! None of these have any MD/DO providers attached in any capacity. These are just those that I am acquainted with them through the state NP association. I am sure there are others I don't know about.

I am surprised I haven't heard about a NP run weight loss clinic actually. They are cash cows. There is one in town run by a PA. Of course there must be a MD/DO affiliated with it, but s/he is behind the scenes someplace and I don't think participates directly.

OP, any restrictions are going to be entirely dependent on the state in which you intend to practice. Check your state practice act.

rynophiliac · Dec 12, 2012

The reason why I am asking this question is because I really don't want to work in a family practice. I chose the FNP route because it has more options but after I graduate I would like to work in a specialty clinic like dermatology or rheumatology. However, it seems like if I choose a specialty type clinic I am cutting myself off of the possibility of owning my own clinic (which I would like to do in maybe 10 years or so).

This I do know for sure, that in Arizona ANYONE can own a medical practice, dental practice, etc. By law, they MUST have qualified individuals performing the work (obviously). So I was thinking it still may be a possibility to own a specialty clinic. I do plan to work with a doctor in the specialty that I choose. But if I found a doctor interested in partnering and then later he/she decided to leave, I am unsure as to what would happend at that point? I would have to get a doctor in of that specialty but could I not see patients until I get a new doctor in? Even though at that point I will have 10+ years experience in the specialty?

Thanks for the help

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Dec 13, 2012

Again, this is entirely dependent on the state practice act. However the practice act reads at the time, that is what applies. So you can read it now, which I believe would tell you that you do not need any physician collaboration in AZ. Therefore, if you had a partner that left, you wold have the option of finding a new partner, or not. That could change at any time, of course.