Collaborative practice agreements (CPA) between pharmacists and physicians have been shown to improve patient outcomes in many disease states, including diabetes. A CPA allows pharmacists to work with physicians to manage and adjust medication therapies, implement lifestyle modifications, and monitor and assess treatment response. Here, we will discuss a sample collaborative practice agreement for pharmacists managing patients with diabetes.
The purpose of this CPA is to establish a collaborative relationship between the pharmacist and the physician in the management of patients with diabetes. The agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties and provides a framework for the pharmacist to provide medication therapy management services to patients with diabetes.
Scope of Practice
Under the terms of this CPA, the pharmacist is authorized to:
– Perform patient assessments, including reviewing medical history, medication regimens, and monitoring and assessing treatment response
– Collaborate with the physician to adjust medication therapies, implement lifestyle modifications, and monitor and assess treatment response
– Provide patient education on medication use, diabetes self-management, and lifestyle modifications
– Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the patient`s medical record
– Collaborate with other healthcare providers involved in the patient`s care, as necessary
– Refer patients to the physician if there are concerns or issues beyond the scope of practice
Collaborative Practice Agreement Requirements
To participate in this CPA, the pharmacist must:
– Be licensed and registered to practice pharmacy in the state in which the agreement is in effect
– Have completed a diabetes education and management program, or equivalent experience
– Have experience in medication therapy management and in managing patients with diabetes
– Maintain professional liability insurance in accordance with state requirements
The physician is responsible for:
– Reviewing and approving the CPA
– Providing oversight and direction to the pharmacist in managing patients with diabetes
– Consulting with the pharmacist as necessary
– Maintaining communication with the pharmacist to ensure continuity of care
– Ensuring the pharmacist`s services are within the scope of practice and consistent with state laws and regulations
Conclusion
Collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians are an effective way to improve patient outcomes in diabetes management. This sample agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacist and physician to ensure safe and effective medication therapy management services for patients with diabetes. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the population, the need for collaborative practice agreements is more important than ever to ensure optimal care for patients with diabetes.