Lsbn Aprn Collaborative Practice Agreement
20. August 2022

LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement: What You Need to Know

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are essential members of the healthcare team. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high-quality patient care. However, in Louisiana, APRNs are required to have a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed physician to prescribe medications, perform certain diagnostic tests, and other advanced practice functions.

In 2018, the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) made changes to the CPA requirements for APRNs. The new regulations, effective January 1, 2019, created a new type of CPA called the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement.

What is the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement?

The LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement is a simplified version of the traditional CPA. It is a written agreement between an APRN and a collaborating physician that outlines the scope of practice for the APRN.

The LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement allows APRNs to practice independently within their scope of practice. They can prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and perform other advanced practice functions without the direct oversight of a physician.

However, there are still some limitations to the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement. APRNs cannot perform certain functions without the supervision of a physician. These include performing surgery, administering anesthesia, and prescribing controlled substances for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Why was the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement created?

The LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement was created to promote patient access to quality healthcare. By simplifying the CPA requirements, it allows APRNs to practice independently within their scope of practice. This increases access to care, especially in areas where there is a shortage of healthcare providers.

The LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement also aligns with national efforts to increase APRN autonomy. Many states have already adopted similar regulations, and the Institute of Medicine has recommended that APRNs be allowed to practice to the full extent of their training and education.

What are the benefits of the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement?

The LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement has several benefits for APRNs, collaborating physicians, and patients.

For APRNs, the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement allows them to practice independently within their scope of practice. This increases their autonomy and job satisfaction, and it also allows them to provide high-quality patient care without the direct supervision of a physician.

For collaborating physicians, the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement reduces administrative burdens and allows them to focus on their own patients. It also creates a collaborative relationship between the APRN and physician, promoting teamwork and shared decision-making.

For patients, the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement increases access to care, especially in underserved areas. It also allows APRNs to provide timely and cost-effective care, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement is a simplified version of the traditional CPA that allows APRNs to practice independently within their scope of practice. It promotes patient access to quality healthcare, increases APRN autonomy, reduces administrative burdens for collaborating physicians, and improves patient outcomes and satisfaction. If you are an APRN practicing in Louisiana, it is essential to understand the LSBN APRN Collaborative Practice Agreement and how it impacts your practice.