What are the requirements of a physician to collaborate with a New Jersey NP?

To collaborate with a New Jersey NP, a physician must enter into a written, signed joint protocol with the APN that governs the NP’s prescriptive activities¹². The physician must be present or readily available through electronic communications and participate in timely or periodic review of patient charts in inpatient and outpatient settings, respectively³⁴⁵.

The joint protocol must be maintained at each practice site, updated on an ongoing basis, include an acknowledgment to report violations to the appropriate board, and be reviewed and signed at least annually¹⁶. It must also address the nature of the practice, patient population and settings, categories and specific medications (including refills), prescription recordkeeping, conditions requiring direct consultation, the frequency and method for record review, means of direct communication, coverage arrangements, procedures for emergencies, and reference materials containing practice guidelines or standards⁷.

When the APN prescribes in outpatient settings, any prescription must be written in accordance with joint protocols or the specific direction of a physician and must include the collaborating physician’s name, address, and telephone number⁸⁹. Collaboration is an ongoing process, and the physician’s accessibility and participation in record review are integral to compliant practice¹⁰³.