For Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants
If you are a nurse practitioner or physician assistant building an independent practice, you may be required by your state to have a collaborating physician. Doctor Staffers connects NPs and PAs with qualified, licensed collaborating physicians across all 50 states — handling the matching, contracting, and compliance documentation so you can focus on building your practice.
In many states, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are required to have a formal collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician in order to prescribe medications, operate independently, or open their own clinic. Even in states with full practice authority, having a collaborating physician can strengthen your compliance posture and provide clinical backup.
The collaborative practice agreement defines the scope of your practice, your prescribing authority, consultation protocols, and the physician's supervisory responsibilities. Getting this agreement right — with the correct language for your state — is critical to operating legally and protecting your license.
Doctor Staffers has helped hundreds of NPs and PAs across the country secure qualified collaborating physicians, navigate state-specific requirements, and build the compliance infrastructure needed to practice independently and confidently.
A collaborating physician is a licensed MD or DO who enters into a formal collaborative practice agreement with a nurse practitioner, providing the required medical oversight and supervision under state law. Many states require NPs to have a collaborating physician in order to prescribe medications or practice independently.
Collaborative practice requirements vary significantly by state. Some states grant NPs full practice authority, while others require a collaborative agreement for prescribing or independent practice. Doctor Staffers has physicians available in all 50 states and can advise on your specific state's requirements.
A collaborative practice agreement typically defines the scope of practice, prescribing authority, consultation protocols, documentation requirements, and the physician's supervisory responsibilities. Doctor Staffers provides compliant agreement templates and physician matching for NPs nationwide.
Doctor Staffers maintains an active network of physicians across all 50 states. Timelines vary by state and specialty, but the team works to match NPs with qualified collaborating physicians as efficiently as possible. Book a strategy session to discuss your timeline.
This depends on state law. Some states allow out-of-state collaborating physicians for telehealth NPs, while others require the collaborating physician to be licensed in the same state. Doctor Staffers advises on state-specific requirements during the matching process.
Book a Healthcare Strategy Session to discuss your state's requirements, your practice model, and how Doctor Staffers can connect you with a qualified collaborating physician.
Book a Healthcare Strategy SessionDisclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Collaborative practice requirements vary by state. Consult a qualified healthcare attorney for advice specific to your situation.