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Florida Laws for Collaboration Between a Physician and ARNP

Florida law requires that Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) enter into a collaborative agreement with their physician employers. The governing rule mandates that the agreement, often referred to as the "protocol," contain certain information, including the ARNP's job duties and the physician's supervision responsibilities.

  1. Protocol's General Information

    • Every time an ARNP practicing in Florida enters into a collaborative agreement with a Florida-licensed doctor or dentist, the resulting protocol must include several basic items. The protocol must state the ARNP's name, address and certificate number. The physician's name, address, license number and Drug Enforcement Agency number must also be included. Information about the medical practice must be set forth, including the nature of the practice and all locations. The protocol must be dated, including any amendment dates, and signed by all parties.

    ARNP Duties

    • The agreement must specifically delineate the ARNP's ability to diagnose and treat patients. There must also be a description of the ARNP's ability to administer any therapies and treatments, including any drug therapies that the ARNP may prescribe, oversee or alter. The protocol must also contain a list of specific conditions that require direct evaluation or consultation with the physician.

    Physician Duties

    • The protocol must also set forth the "degree and method of supervision" performed by the physician with respect to the ARNP. The degree of supervision must be suitable for "prudent health care providers under similar circumstances." Furthermore, the number of ARNPs to be supervised must be limited to guarantee that the quality of medical care provided takes into account patient risk, procedure risk, ARNP experience, practice setting and physician availability.

    Annual Requirements

    • The original copy of the protocol must be filed annually with Florida's Department of Health. A copy of the protocol must be retained at the site of practice of all parties to the agreement. The protocol must also contain a provision requiring annual review by the parties.

    Amendment Filing Requirement

    • Any changes or amendments to the protocol must be be signed by the ARNP and physician, and then filed with the Department of Health within 30 days.

    Post-Termination Requirement

    • After the termination of the relationship between the ARNP and physician, each party must ensure that a copy of the protocol is kept for a period of four years.

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