What is a collaborative practice agreement called in California?

In California, a collaborative practice agreement is called “Standardized Procedures” or “Protocols.” These documents formalize an NP’s authorized functions, supervision parameters, and periodic review requirements within an organized health care system¹.

Standardized Procedures must meet specific content requirements. They must be written, dated, and signed; specify the functions NPs (registered nurses) may perform and under what circumstances; state any specific requirements for performing those functions; establish methods for initial and ongoing competence evaluation; define the scope of supervision; set patient record-keeping requirements; and provide for periodic review¹.

These procedures are the framework for collaborative practice activities, such as ordering durable medical equipment and coordinating care for home health services after appropriate examination, consultation, and physician approval². Physician supervision is not required to be physically present and may consist of collaborating on and approving the Standardized Procedures and being available by phone during patient examinations³.