Client Alert: Updates to the Ohio Nurse Practitioner Standard Care Arrangement

Since February 1, 2021, Ohio nurse practitioners can update their standard care arrangements to allow for greater flexibility. The changes in the Ohio Administrative Code eliminate several provisions that were required previously for standard care arrangements. Most importantly: nurse practitioners and their collaborating physicians no longer need to complete a regular review of prescriptions with their collaborating physician or review the standard care arrangement biannually. The totality of these changes allow nurse practitioners to have more flexibility in their practice and less mandatory oversight.

Effective February 1, 2021, the following provisions can be eliminated from the standard care arrangement (SCA):

• Biennial review of the standard care arrangement
  
  • The only time a nurse practitioner will need to review their SCA is when it has a modification
• Provisions for use of drugs with non-FDA approval
• Provisions for use of drugs approved by the FDA and reviewed by the committee on prescriptive governance subsequent to the date of the SCA
• Provisions for use of drugs previously reviewed by the committee on prescriptive governance but approved by the FDA for new indication subsequent to the date of the SCA  
• Opioid analgesics for the treatment of acute pain
• Provision to ensure review of Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS), consultation with the collaborating physician prior to prescribing based on the OARRS report and signs of drug abuse  
• Procedure for a regular review of prescription
• Arrangement regarding reimbursement

If you have any questions about these changes, would like to revisit your current agreements or need assistance with anything related to nurse practitioners, contact your attorney at Brouse McDowell.