Collaborative Agreement for APRN in Kentucky: Understanding the Basics

As a nurse, you`ve likely heard of APRN or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. These specialized professionals have completed a master`s or doctoral degree in nursing and are trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions without physician supervision in many states across the US. However, Kentucky is one of the states that still require APRNs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician to practice.

So, what exactly is a collaborative agreement? In simple terms, it`s a written agreement between an APRN and a physician that outlines the scope of practice for the APRN. The agreement is designed to ensure that patients receive quality care and that the APRN has access to a physician for consultation, referral, and collaboration as needed.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing regulates APRN licensure and requires that APRNs have a collaborative agreement with a physician in one of the following four categories:

1. “Joint Protocol” – A written agreement between the APRN and the physician that outlines the procedures and treatment protocols that the APRN is authorized to perform.

2. “Collaborative Agreement” – A written agreement between the APRN and the physician that outlines the scope of practice for the APRN.

3. “Transition to Practice” – A written agreement between the APRN and the physician for new APRNs who have recently graduated from an accredited nursing program.

4. “Practice Agreement” – A written agreement between the APRN and the physician for APRNs practicing in a specific setting, such as a hospital or clinic.

The collaborative agreement must be submitted to the Kentucky Board of Nursing for approval and must be reviewed annually. If any changes are made to the agreement, the APRN and physician must submit the updated document to the board for approval.

It`s important to note that the collaborative agreement does not mean that the APRN is supervised by the physician. Instead, it provides the APRN with a collaborative relationship that allows for consultation, referral, and access to resources as needed.

In summary, a collaborative agreement is a necessary component of APRN licensure in Kentucky. It ensures that patients receive quality care and that the APRN has access to a physician for collaboration as needed. If you are an APRN practicing in Kentucky, it`s important to understand the requirements and regulations surrounding collaborative agreements. Taking the time to develop a strong agreement with a physician can help you provide the best possible care for your patients.