Page 34 - APP Collaboration - Assessing the Risk (Part One)

SVMIC Advanced Practice Provider Collaboration: Assessing the Risk

As stated previously, states have enacted laws allowing for

the delegation of medical services to nurse practitioners
and physician assistants in an effort to address the shortage

and geographic maldistribution of healthcare services and
to more efficiently use the skills of physicians. Although the

statutory scheme recognizing advanced practice nurses and
physician assistants has been effective in broadening access to

healthcare, it has also imposed certain risks and responsibilities
upon physicians who choose to participate in the management

of patient care by supervision of, or collaboration with, APPs.
Understanding the regulatory responsibilities imposed upon

supervising and collaborating physicians and anticipating
the risks associated with oversight are important in avoiding

patient harm and the associated grave financial consequences,
regulatory sanctions, and the headaches associated with

litigation.

Additionally, if any practitioner changes scope of practice, it is
important to notify SVMIC’s Underwriting Department to ensure

coverage is appropriate. It is likewise important to check the
applicable state board for any specific procedure limitations.

Collaborating Agreements are Legal

Relationships

When a physician agrees to supervise or collaborate with an
APP, the physician takes on great responsibility, particularly

when physician supervision is the legal requirement in the
practice state. Most states have some statutory or medical

practice act language that suggests the physician is responsible
for the actions of the APP and that the physician has the duty

of assuring that there is proper supervision and control of

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