NP NEED MD?

menetopali · Apr 11, 2009

Arizona is like that - you can check the Pearson report at: http://www.webnp.net/ajnp08.html for a comparison of practice environments from state to state.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 11, 2009

Hello and Welcome to allnurses.com

Good to have you with us.

NPs have Rx authority in all 50 states, but some more restrictive than others.

Here is a link that will help you:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/440315#AR (updated 10-08) or the Pearson Report: http://www.webnp.net/ajnp08.html

We hope you enjoy allnurses.com and look forward to more of your posts.

massnp · Apr 11, 2009

Has any one out there worked without an MD

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 11, 2009

Do you mean with no "direct supervision"? Or, do you mean without having to have a collaborative agreement?

Some states (as you will see in the reports above) do allow NPs to practice without a collaborative agreement. Some state must have collaborative agreement, but the physician need not be present (except as outlined in the agreement). Others state physician must be "available". Depends upon the state.

I have to have a collaborative agreement, but the physician does not need to directly supervise with me. Agreements like these may range from "direct supervision" to "physician present every 2 weeks...months"......etc.

Jo Dirt · Apr 11, 2009

I've not yet begun NP school, but it is scary to think I would not be working under a doctor...unless I'm not understanding what it means to work independently of an MD. At any rate, I would want to have an MD to go to for guidance.

massnp · Apr 11, 2009

I think I need to clarify

I mean not having a sate mandated agreement to get a DEA number and to see patients in an independent way. I think it is imperative to have supervision and a go to MD. It seems that in some states one need have no formal or legal connection. Example: At this time I have to have a MD as a sort of sponsor or supervising MD to have an active license and Rx privs. I can work independently within the scope of the agreement that I have with my MD. Thanks for all the feedback this is a really cool thing. This is as I said my first experience with this.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 11, 2009

I've not yet begun NP school, but it is scary to think I would not be working under a doctor...unless I'm not understanding what it means to work independently of an MD. At any rate, I would want to have an MD to go to for guidance.

You need to check your state BON, Jo.

And, you always have a physician to "go to". Even if you do not require collaboration.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 11, 2009

I think I need to clarify
I mean not having a sate mandated agreement to get a DEA number and to see patients in an independent way. I think it is imperative to have supervision and a go to MD. It seems that in some states one need have no formal or legal connection. Example: At this time I have to have a MD as a sort of sponsor or supervising MD to have an active license and Rx privs. I can work independently within the scope of the agreement that I have with my MD. Thanks for all the feedback this is a really cool thing. This is as I said my first experience with this.

You need to look at you BON requirements then, massnp. It spells it out clearly there.

Yes, we all as healthcare providers...physicians, NPs, PAs, CNS, etc., must be able to consult with another healthcare provider. Being an "independent" NP does not mean you are out there on your own. You still consult, refer.......

In your situation, it sounds like you are required to have a collaborative agreement. Working independantly within the scope of the agreement=collobartive agreement. Check your state and see what it says.

massnp · Apr 12, 2009

Thanks for all the help gang I got it from here with your help