Telehealth is transforming how healthcare is delivered, especially for nurse practitioners (NPs). However, state-specific regulations often dictate the level of supervision required for NPs providing telehealth services. In this guide, we’ll explore the key supervision requirements for NPs in telehealth, offering a state-by-state overview to help you stay compliant and provide the highest level of care.
Access Plus Health offers a solution by providing NPs with expert medical directorship and tailored supervision arrangements that align with each state's regulations. With Access Plus Health’s support, you can focus on delivering patient care with the assurance that your practice remains compliant across different states. Whether you’re expanding your telehealth practice or need state-specific guidance, Access Plus Health is here to navigate the complexities of supervision so you can focus on what matters most.
In Full Practice Authority states, NPs have the most autonomy and do not require physician supervision or collaboration to practice independently. This includes telehealth services such as diagnosing, treating, and prescribing medications.
In these states, NPs can practice without the need for a formal collaboration or supervision agreement, making telehealth practice straightforward.
In Reduced Practice Authority states, NPs can perform most clinical duties but must enter a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for certain tasks, particularly around prescribing medications.
Telehealth providers in these states must ensure that collaboration agreements are in place and clearly define the supervision level required for telehealth services.
Restricted Practice states require NPs to work under direct physician supervision or within a structured agreement to provide care. This often includes limitations on prescribing and managing complex patient cases.
In these states, NPs must be mindful of supervision requirements and ensure they have formal agreements outlining the level of physician oversight required for telehealth services.
One of the most critical aspects of NP supervision in telehealth is prescribing authority, especially for controlled substances. Many states require NPs to collaborate with or be supervised by a physician to prescribe certain medications via telehealth.
Regardless of the level of practice authority, NPs providing telehealth services must adhere to state-specific documentation requirements to remain compliant. This includes maintaining proper records of supervisory activities, chart reviews, and consultations with collaborating physicians.
Telehealth supervision requirements for NPs vary by state, making it essential to stay informed of your specific state's laws. Whether you are practicing in a full, reduced, or restricted practice authority state, understanding and adhering to these regulations ensures that you provide safe and compliant care.
