As a physician practicing in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the limitations and regulations surrounding collaborative agreements. Collaborative agreements are legal agreements between a physician and a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) or physician assistant (PA) that allow them to work together in a partnership. These agreements are necessary for CRNPs and PAs to provide care to patients independently within the scope of their practice.

So, how many collaborative agreements can a physician have in Pennsylvania? The answer is that it depends on a few different factors.

First, physicians must consider their scope of practice. Pennsylvania law allows physicians to have up to four collaborative agreements with CRNPs or PAs within their scope of practice. However, if a physician has a subspecialty, they may have more or less than four collaborative agreements depending on their area of expertise.

Additionally, physicians must consider their level of supervision. If a physician is supervising a CRNP or PA, they may only have one collaborative agreement. However, if the physician is not providing any supervision, they may have up to four collaborative agreements.

It’s important to note that all collaborative agreements must be reviewed and approved by the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. These boards ensure that collaborative agreements are in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Physicians should also ensure that they are meeting all requirements for collaborative agreements, including completing the necessary training and documentation. Failure to comply with state regulations can result in disciplinary action, including fines and suspension or revocation of licensure.

In conclusion, physicians in Pennsylvania can have up to four collaborative agreements within their scope of practice, with the potential for more or less depending on their subspecialty area. It’s important to comply with state regulations and ensure that all collaborative agreements are reviewed and approved by the appropriate state board. By following these guidelines, physicians can provide high-quality care to their patients in collaboration with CRNPs and PAs.