WVBOM: Policy Statement - Guidelines for Physicians in Collaborative Relationships with Advanced Nurse Practitioners

On May 10, 2010, the West Virginia Board of Medicine has issued a new Policy Statement - Guidelines for Physicians in Collaborative Relationships with Advanced Nurse Practitioners or Certified Nurse Midwives; Standard of Practice.

The new Policy Statement provide West Virginia physicians with guidance on the role and responsibility they play in the collaborative relationship with advanced nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwifes. In summary, the guidance provides:

A. The physician must be permanently and fully licensed in West Virginia without restriction or limitation.

B. There should be a written collaborative agreement should should include certain specific provisions as outlined in the Policy Statement.

C. Other considerations that are outlined in the Policy Statement

The Policy Statement indicates that the failure by a physician to adhere to these minimum requirements and guidelines may result in discipline by the Board of Medicine.