Everything Arkansas nurse practitioners need to know about collaborative practice agreements, board approval, prescriptive authority, market rates, and finding a collaborating physician. Updated for 2026.
If you're a nurse practitioner in Arkansas, there's one thing you can't skip: a board-approved Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA).
Arkansas is a reduced-practice state. Every APRN who prescribes must maintain a current CPA with a qualifying physician — and unlike many states, the agreement isn't active the moment it's signed. It has to be submitted to and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) before you can write a single prescription.
There is a pathway to independence (more on that below), but until you hit it, the CPA is the backbone of your prescriptive authority. Getting it right — a compliant agreement, a properly matched physician, and board approval before you prescribe — is non-negotiable in 2026.
This guide covers all of it.
Find a Collaborating Physician in Arkansas
24 verified physicians ready to collaborate · Fees $499–$1,049/mo
Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician | Telehealth & Mental Health Specialist | Top Collaborator on NP Collaborators! About Dr. James R. Dr. James R. is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with decades of experience spanning primary care, hospital medicine, and subacute care. Over the past seven years, he has focused on telehealth, providing care in mental health (including management of controlled substances), weight loss (including GLP-1 agonists), and primary care. His well-rounded background in both traditional and virtual medicine allows him to support providers across a variety of care settings with clinical depth and confidence. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine & Primary Care • Telemedicine & Virtual Care Models • Mental Health Treatment & Controlled Substance Management • Medical Weight Loss & GLP-1 Therapy • Subacute & Hospital-Based Care Collaboration with Nurse Practitioners Dr. James R. has a proven track record of collaborating with NP and PA-led practices, providing supportive and respectful oversight without infringing on provider autonomy. His open-door policy fosters clear communication, quick answers to clinical questions, and an approachable, team-based dynamic. He takes pride in helping NPs and PAs build successful, compliant, and patient-focused practices, offering thoughtful guidance and clinical mentorship as needed. Research & Academic Contributions Dr. James R. has contributed to the medical literature with multiple peer-reviewed publications, including basic science research, case reports, and textbook chapters, particularly in the field of nephrology. Professional Style Known for being easy to work with, responsive, and collaborative, Dr. James R. is an excellent choice for NPs seeking a reliable and experienced collaborator—especially those practicing in telehealth, weight loss, or mental health. He welcomes the opportunity to support providers who are passionate about delivering exceptional care and growing sustainable, impactful practices. ADD $50 FOR MISSOURI DUE TO STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PHYSICIAN.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
• 25+ years as a board-certified family medicine physician • Functional, integrative, and root-cause–focused approach to care • Strong interest and experience in Pediatric and Adult Psychiatry Dr. Wendy B is a highly experienced family medicine physician with more than 25 years of clinical practice, known for her thoughtful, personalized, and root-based approach to patient care. Her work blends traditional primary care with functional and integrative medicine principles, allowing her to address complex, chronic conditions by focusing on underlying drivers rather than symptoms alone. Throughout her career, Dr. Wendy B has practiced across a wide range of settings, including primary care, urgent care, mental health, and integrative medicine. Her functional medicine expertise includes hormone optimization, gastrointestinal health, and cardio-metabolic disorders, with an emphasis on lifestyle, nutrition, and individualized treatment plans. She has a particular passion for mental health and approaches psychiatric care through a holistic lens that integrates physiology, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. She recently completed a pediatric and adult psychiatry fellowship (2025), further strengthening her ability to support patients and advanced practice clinicians working in mental health–adjacent and integrative practices. Dr. Wendy B intentionally works part-time so she can invest deeply in collaborative relationships. She genuinely enjoys teaching, mentoring, and learning alongside NPs and PAs, and is known for being accessible, supportive, and generous with her clinical insight. Her collaboration style emphasizes respect for APC autonomy while providing thoughtful guidance and education when needed. Areas of Expertise • Family Medicine & Full-Spectrum Primary Care • Functional & Integrative Medicine • Mental Health Care (Holistic & Integrative Approach) • Hormone Optimization & Bioidentical Hormone Therapy • Gastrointestinal & Cardio-Metabolic Disorders • Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine • IV Nutrition Therapy • Urgent Care & Acute Care Across the Lifespan • APC Supervision, Teaching, & Clinical Mentorship NOTE: THE RATE OF $549 A MONTH IS FOR NP'S WITH STARTUP PRACTICES OR VERY PART TIME. FOR AN ESTABLISHED PRACTICE, DR BURTON WILL GIVE YOU HER RATE.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Tuvia B. is a board-certified psychiatrist with subspecialty board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. With more than 15 years of clinical experience, he provides comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of practice settings, including private practice, telepsychiatry, outpatient behavioral health, correctional psychiatry, and community mental health. Following the completion of his psychiatry residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Dr. Tuvia B. has built an extensive career caring for patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions. He currently practices through his private practice and multiple national telepsychiatry organizations, providing accessible, high-quality psychiatric care to patients across numerous states. His broad multi-state licensure and extensive telemedicine experience allow him to effectively support patients and healthcare providers in diverse clinical environments. Throughout his career, Dr. Tuvia B. has worked in community mental health centers, correctional healthcare, hospital-based services, and outpatient psychiatry, giving him experience managing both routine and complex psychiatric presentations across the lifespan. His clinical approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based psychopharmacology, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate, patient-centered care. Areas of Expertise • General Adult Psychiatry • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry • Telepsychiatry • Outpatient Psychiatry • Community Mental Health • Correctional Psychiatry • Psychopharmacology & Medication Management • Mood Disorders • Anxiety Disorders • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Behavioral Disorders in Children & Adolescents • Trauma-Related Disorders • Psychotic Disorders • Psychiatric Evaluation & Diagnostic Assessment • Collaborative Psychiatric Care Philosophy of Collaboration Dr. Tuvia B. believes that successful physician–NP collaboration is built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to providing high-quality psychiatric care. He values Nurse Practitioners as important members of the mental healthcare team and believes collaborative relationships should support both excellent patient outcomes and continued professional development. His collaborative approach emphasizes accessibility, timely communication, and thoughtful clinical consultation. He encourages open discussion of complex cases, evidence-based treatment planning, and shared clinical decision-making while respecting each provider's experience, autonomy, and clinical judgment. With extensive experience practicing across multiple healthcare settings and delivering telepsychiatry services nationwide, Dr. Tuvia B. understands the importance of being responsive and dependable in collaborative practice. His goal is to build long-term partnerships where Nurse Practitioners feel supported, confident, and equipped to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence. CA- Add $100
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
See all 24 collaborating physicians in Arkansas
Dr. Hope B. is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 25 years of clinical experience across diverse settings, including general adult psychiatry, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, geriatric psychiatry, addictions treatment, and correctional psychiatry. She is highly skilled in the evaluation and medication management of major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. In recent years, Dr. Hope B. has focused on consultation-liaison psychiatry within major hospitals across the United States, as well as providing psychiatric care in emergency departments and crisis stabilization units. She also has extensive experience with telepsychiatry, enabling her to deliver accessible, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations nationwide. Areas of Expertise • Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry & Emergency Psychiatry • Inpatient Psychiatry & Crisis Stabilization • Geriatric Psychiatry & Complex Comorbidity Management • Addiction Psychiatry & Suboxone Treatment • Telepsychiatry & Remote Care Models • Corrections Psychiatry & Forensic Psychiatry • Major Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, OCD, Schizophrenia • Supervision and Collaboration with NPs and PAs Philosophy of Care: Dr. Hope B. brings a compassionate, whole-patient approach to psychiatry, integrating her broad experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. She believes in collaborative treatment models that prioritize safe, effective care while fostering the growth and independence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Jane S. is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 30 years of continuous outpatient clinical practice, primarily serving vulnerable and medically underserved populations. She is also board certified in Obesity Medicine and maintains multi-state licensure, allowing her to support care delivery across diverse geographic regions. Dr. Jane S. has held leadership roles including Medical Director, Chief Medical Officer, practice founder, and co-owner. She currently leads an advanced primary care model delivering virtual preventive services, chronic disease management, and acute care, with strong emphasis on quality metrics, behavioral health integration, and equitable access. She played a pivotal role in achieving NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition for a fully virtual practice and has extensive experience in workflow development, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary team leadership. Throughout her career, Dr. Jane S. has remained committed to evidence-based medicine guided by published clinical standards. Her professional mission centers on expanding healthcare access, improving care coordination, and delivering patient-centered services across both in-person and telehealth platforms. Areas of Expertise • Comprehensive Outpatient Family Medicine • Chronic Disease Management • Preventive Health and Evidence-Based Care • Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Health • Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations • Telehealth and Virtual Primary Care Delivery • Quality Improvement and Performance Metrics • NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Development • Behavioral Health Integration • Workflow Design and Clinical Operations • Medical Directorship and Regulatory Oversight • Interdisciplinary Team Leadership Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Jane S. values collaborative, respectful partnerships with Advanced Practice Clinicians and has worked alongside APCs throughout her career. She enjoys mentoring, teaching, and uplifting the work of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, helping them practice confidently and effectively within evidence-based frameworks. Her collaborative approach emphasizes clear communication, guideline-driven care, and coordinated team-based decision-making. She supports APCs practicing at the top of their license while maintaining shared accountability for patient safety, quality metrics, and continuity of care. Dr. Jane S. believes collaboration strengthens both access and outcomes—especially for vulnerable populations. By fostering supportive professional relationships and structured clinical oversight, she helps build sustainable care models that prioritize health equity, operational efficiency, and compassionate, patient-centered medicine. ADD $100 FOR CA AND MO. CA AND MO MAY NOT BE USED AS ADD-ON STATES AND NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MULTI-NP DISCOUNTS.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Brian H. is an Emergency Medicine physician with six years of experience practicing in high-acuity, high-risk clinical environments. He currently serves as a full-time Emergency Physician with Vituity at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Greenville, South Carolina, following prior roles within major Louisiana health systems. His background reflects consistent experience in fast-paced emergency departments where rapid diagnostic clarity, patient safety, and decisive leadership are essential. Dr. Brian H. completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Inspira Health Network in New Jersey after earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also holds a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, providing a strong scientific foundation for evidence-based clinical decision-making. In addition to his emergency medicine practice, Dr. Brian H. is actively engaged in telemedicine and remote care models. He has pursued additional training in multi-state practice, compliance, and technology-enabled clinical workflows. With supplemental education in longevity and metabolic health, he offers informed guidance on patient selection, laboratory evaluation, and treatment planning within wellness-focused care models. Areas of Expertise • High-Acuity Emergency Medicine and Resuscitation • Complex and Undifferentiated Case Evaluation • Risk Stratification and Patient Safety • Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making • Clear and Defensible Medical Documentation • Protocol and Workflow Development • Telemedicine and Remote Care Models • Multi-State Compliance and Regulatory Awareness • Longevity and Metabolic Health Support • Laboratory Evaluation and Treatment Planning • Scope Alignment and Clinical Oversight Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Brian H. values a supportive, team-based approach to collaboration with nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers. He prioritizes clear communication, structured case review, and appropriate scope alignment to ensure high standards of care are consistently maintained. Drawing from his emergency medicine background, he brings strength in evaluating complex or unclear cases, helping refine clinical judgment, and ensuring documentation supports sound medical decision-making. He believes collaboration should enhance both patient safety and provider confidence—creating an environment where clinical questions are welcomed and addressed thoughtfully. His goal is to serve as a reliable and approachable physician partner who strengthens patient outcomes, promotes efficient and consistent workflows, and supports NP-led practices with practical, evidence-based guidance. ADD $100 FOR CA NO MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT AND CANNOT BE ADDED AS AN ADD-ON STATE
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Emergency Medicine | Virtual Urgent Care Leader | NP-Centered Collaboration About Dr. Brandi G Dr. Brandi G is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 15+ years of frontline and telehealth experience. She has led virtual urgent care programs and helped build NP-friendly workflows for rapid triage, evidence-based treatment, and smooth handoffs. As a collaborating physician, she’s accessible, practical, and team-first. Dr. G prioritizes clear protocols, quick turnaround on chart reviews, and right-sized oversight that protects NP autonomy while mitigating risk—especially in fast-moving urgent care and telemedicine environments. Areas of Expertise • Urgent Care & ED Triage (adult & adolescent) • Telemedicine & Virtual Urgent Care program design and oversight • Protocols for minor injuries, infections, and cardiac/arrhythmia evaluation • Stabilization & safe disposition (including behavioral health presentations) • Point-of-care diagnostics and risk stratification in resource-variable settings • Collaborative supervision of NPs in high-volume clinics and virtual hubs If you’re seeking a responsive collaborator who understands urgent care realities and telehealth operations, Dr. Brandi G offers a steady partner focused on efficiency, safety, and NP empowerment. ADD $100 FOR CALIFORNIA. NO MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT FOR CA. CA CANNOT BE USED AS AN ADD-ON STATE REQUIRES REVIEW OF NP'S CV AND PROTOCOLS BEFORE DECIDING TO TAKE THE INTRO MEETING.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Jerry C. is a highly experienced, multi-state licensed physician with nearly three decades of clinical expertise in emergency medicine, telemedicine, and integrative care. He is licensed in all 50 states and Washington, DC, and brings extensive regulatory knowledge and operational leadership to every collaboration. After spending almost 25 years in high-volume emergency departments across the country, Dr. Jerry C. transitioned into telemedicine and wellness-focused medicine, where he now serves as a Medical Director for multiple national organizations. His career reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence, compliance, and patient-centered innovation. Dr. Jerry C. currently provides telemedicine services across multiple platforms, focusing on men’s health, hormone optimization, medical cannabis, weight management, alternative therapies, and acute care. He has held leadership roles in both rural and urban settings, including Site Medical Director and long-term nocturnal attending positions at major hospital systems. In addition to his clinical practice, he has an extensive background in medical education, EMS leadership, and protocol development at regional and state levels. With licensure in all U.S. states and multiple DEA registrations, Dr. Jerry C. is well-versed in regulatory standards and interstate medical practice. He is known for his ability to onboard partners efficiently, support operational growth, and ensure ongoing compliance in evolving telehealth and wellness environments. Areas of Expertise • Emergency Medicine (25+ Years of High-Volume Clinical Practice) • Telemedicine and Multistate Medical Operations • Medical Direction and Clinical Governance • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT/TRT) • Peptide and Integrative Medicine • GLP-1 and Medical Weight Management • Men’s Health and Performance Optimization • Medical Cannabis Certification and Management • Acute Care and Urgent Telehealth Services • Long COVID and Vaccine Injury Management • Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management • EMS Medical Oversight and Protocol Development • Physician Education and Clinical Preceptorship Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Jerry C. believes that successful healthcare partnerships are built on transparency, regulatory integrity, and mutual accountability. He values proactive communication, clear operational structures, and adherence to federal and state regulations, including evolving telemedicine standards. His collaborative approach emphasizes protecting patient safety, supporting business scalability, and maintaining long-term compliance. As a seasoned medical director, he works closely with organizations to streamline onboarding, optimize clinical workflows, and foster sustainable growth. Dr. Jerry C. views collaboration as a strategic partnership—one grounded in trust, clinical excellence, and shared responsibility for delivering high-quality, ethical care. ADD $100 FOR CA AND GA. CA AND GA MAY NOT BE USED AS ADD-ON STATES AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Vincent J. is a board-certified internist with extensive clinical, executive, and supervisory experience spanning primary care, public health, managed care, complex patient populations, and functional, integrative anti-aging and rejuvenative medicine. He has practiced internal medicine for over two decades and has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer positions within major health systems, insurance organizations, and community health centers. His background reflects a deep commitment to health policy, population health, and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse clinical environments. In addition to direct patient care, Dr. Vincent J. finds NP and PA supervision to be one of the most professionally rewarding aspects of his medical and healing practice. He brings a broad and integrative scope of experience, blending traditional internal medicine with preventive, public health–driven, and innovative therapeutic approaches. His work spans medically complex populations, HIV/AIDS care, substance use treatment programs, special populations, and underserved communities. As a mentor and collaborator, Dr. Vincent J. is approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in helping advanced practice providers grow with confidence while maintaining strong clinical standards. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine and Primary Care • Population Health and Health Policy • Medical Leadership and Clinical Governance • Managed Care and Utilization Management • HIV/AIDS Medicine and Immunology • Substance Use and Special Populations Care • Preventive, Integrative, and Anti-Aging Medicine • Public Health Systems and Community-Based Care • Quality Improvement and Clinical Oversight • NP and PA Supervision and Clinical Mentorship • Anti-aging and Rejuvinative Medicine Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Vincent J. believes that collaborative practice is foundational to effective, ethical, and sustainable healthcare delivery. He views NP and PA supervision as a partnership rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and shared accountability for patient outcomes. His supervisory style emphasizes accessibility, clinical insight, and practical guidance, drawing on a wide-ranging background in both conventional medicine and advanced therapeutic approaches. By fostering autonomy while offering dependable support, Dr. Vincent J. empowers advanced practice providers to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while continually expanding their clinical skills and professional confidence.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Daniel K. is a board-certified neurologist recognized by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, holding multiple advanced certifications in vascular neurology, neurocritical care, and brain injury medicine. His training and clinical experience bridge neurology and psychiatry, enabling him to provide a comprehensive, mind–body approach to diagnosis and treatment. In addition to his neurological expertise, Dr. Daniel K. has extensive experience in psychiatric care, allowing him to manage a broad spectrum of conditions that lie at the intersection of mental and neurological health. Dr. Daniel K. completed his neurology residency at the University of Arizona and a fellowship in vascular neurology and neurocritical care at Seton Hall University. Over his career, he has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Neuroscience at Ask Health, System Director of Neuroscience and Stroke at CarePoint Health, and Chief Medical Officer of Radius Telemed, where he continues to expand access to neurological and telemedicine services nationwide. In addition to his extensive neurological expertise, Dr. Daniel K. has developed a growing focus on men’s health, aesthetics, and functional medicine. His clinical practice includes advanced treatments such as peptide therapy, hormone optimization, IV infusions, and metabolic and weight-loss management, combining evidence-based medicine with a focus on overall well-being and performance. Areas of Expertise • Vascular Neurology & Neurocritical Care • Brain Injury Medicine • Stroke Management & Neurointervention • Telemedicine & Remote Neurology Services • Men’s Health & Hormone Optimization • Functional & Aesthetic Medicine Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Daniel K. believes in a holistic, team-based approach to patient care—one that integrates physical, neurological, and emotional health. He values collaboration with nurse practitioners and physician assistants, ensuring patients receive consistent, high-quality, and evidence-driven care. His philosophy centers on innovation, education, and empowerment, with the goal of helping both patients and clinical partners achieve optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician & Cardiologist | Experienced NP Collaborator About Dr. William G. Dr. William G. is a board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist with extensive experience in telemedicine, medical weight loss, hormone therapy, lifestyle medicine, urgent care, and medical aesthetics. Based in Colorado, he is deeply committed to supporting Nurse Practitioners as a collaborative physician, helping them expand their clinical expertise while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. With a blended approach of cutting-edge medical advancements and personalized treatment, Dr. William G. prioritizes patient education, preventative care, and innovative treatment solutions. His passion for healthcare extends beyond individual patient interactions—he actively advocates for community health initiatives and wellness education to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Areas of Expertise • Cardiology & Internal Medicine • Medical Weight Loss & Lifestyle Medicine • TRT & Hormone Therapy • Urgent Care & Telemedicine • Medical Aesthetics & Preventative Wellness Collaboration with Nurse Practitioners Dr. William G. is dedicated to mentoring and collaborating with NPs, ensuring they have the clinical support, autonomy, and expertise needed to excel in their practice. His hands-on, supportive approach empowers NPs to grow professionally while optimizing patient care and satisfaction. Whether you are looking to expand your expertise in cardiology, weight loss, hormone therapy, or telemedicine, Dr. William G. is a trusted and knowledgeable partner who can help take your practice to the next level. Passion for Patient Care & Community Health Beyond the clinic, Dr. William G. is an advocate for wellness and preventative healthcare, participating in community outreach programs aimed at educating and empowering patients. A true Colorado native, he enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, and spending time with family, bringing his passion for an active, healthy lifestyle into his medical practice. If you're seeking a collaborative, experienced, and patient-focused physician to help enhance your practice, request Dr. William G. today—let’s make a meaningful impact on patient care together! ADD $50 FOR CA. CA CANNOT BE USED AS AN ADD-ON STATE. NO MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT FOR CA.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dual Board-Certified in Internal Medicine & Obesity Medicine | Experienced Medical Director | Telehealth & Mental Health Expertise About Dr. Emill L. Dr. Emill L. is a dual board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine with over 15 years of experience across hospital medicine, telehealth, and outpatient care. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dr. L. graduated summa cum laude from Iberoamerican University and completed his residency at Lincoln Medical Center in New York, affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. L. has held numerous leadership roles including Chief of Medicine and Director of Hospital Medicine at AdventHealth Heartland Division, where he also served as faculty for both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residency programs. His clinical work includes experience in adult mental health, particularly managing anxiety, depression, and complex chronic disease with behavioral health components. He is certified as a Healthcare Executive Leadership Fellow and formerly board-certified in Health Care Quality and Management with a subspecialty in Physician Advising. Currently licensed in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, Dr. L. offers highly accessible telehealth collaboration. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he brings a multicultural, patient-centered approach to care and collaboration. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease Management • Obesity Medicine & Lifestyle Interventions • Adult Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia) • Hospitalist & Acute Care Experience • Telemedicine & Multi-State Clinical Oversight • NP Supervision & Interdisciplinary Collaboration • Bilingual Care (English & Spanish) • Training & Mentorship for Clinical Teams Dr. L. is known for his collaborative style, clinical thoroughness, and dedication to expanding access to high-quality care—making him a trusted partner for nurse practitioners in diverse practice settings. ADD $100 FOR CALIFORNIA. CA CAN NOT BE AN ADD-ON STATE. IF PRESCRIBING ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCED, ADD $99 TO THE MONTHLY FEE (NOT JUST SCHEDULE II)
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Huma M. is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with additional board certifications in Obesity Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience in outpatient primary care and more than five years in telemedicine. She specializes in delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care across both in-person and virtual settings, with a strong focus on chronic disease management, preventive care, and sustainable health optimization. Throughout her career, Dr. Huma M. has managed a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thyroid disorders, and obesity. She has particular expertise in obesity medicine, including the use of GLP-1 therapies, and integrates lifestyle-based interventions to support long-term patient outcomes. Her clinical approach emphasizes precision in diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and proactive health maintenance. Dr. Huma M. has extensive experience in telehealth, currently providing full-spectrum primary care services through virtual platforms, where she manages both acute and chronic conditions while delivering preventive counseling and coordinated care. Her background also includes value-based care models, risk adjustment evaluations, and care gap identification, supporting improved population health outcomes and healthcare efficiency. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Huma M. is multilingual—fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi—allowing her to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations. She is highly proficient in multiple electronic health record systems and is licensed across more than 30 U.S. states, enabling her to provide scalable, accessible care across a broad geographic footprint. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine & Primary Care • Obesity Medicine & GLP-1 Weight Management • Lifestyle Medicine & Preventive Health • Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Thyroid Disorders) • Telemedicine & Virtual Care Delivery • Urgent Care & Acute Condition Management • Population Health & Risk Adjustment • Multilingual Patient Communication • EHR Systems & Digital Health Integration Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Huma M. believes that high-quality healthcare is built on collaboration, clear communication, and shared accountability. She values working closely with nurse practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that patient care is comprehensive, coordinated, and evidence-based. Her collaborative approach emphasizes accessibility, practical clinical guidance, and respect for provider autonomy. She supports clinicians in managing both routine and complex cases while maintaining compliance and high standards of care. By fostering a supportive and team-oriented environment, Dr. Huma M. helps ensure strong clinical outcomes and a seamless patient experience across care settings.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Ronald R. is a dual-board certified physician in Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, with nearly two decades of clinical practice and leadership in hospital medicine. He currently serves as the Market Medical Director for Full Population Management and Home-Based Medical Home in Arkansas under Optum, and supervises care management across both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Previously, Dr. Ronald R. has held various senior medical leadership roles including overseeing population health, quality improvement and medical operations across multiple markets. His background includes working with hospital systems and leading teams of APPs. He is responsible for supervising more than 20 Advanced Practice Providers (NPs/PAs) and ensuring high standards in full population management, care coordination, and home-based medical care. Dr. Ronald R. is experienced in navigating complex healthcare systems, leveraging Informatics to improve clinical outcomes, and mentoring providers. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine & Hospital Medicine • Population Health Management & Home-Based Care • Clinical Informatics & Quality Improvement • Care Coordination & Supervision of APPs • Operational Leadership in Healthcare Delivery • Physician Coaching & Provider Development Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Ronald R. emphasizes an inclusive, team-oriented approach. He believes in empowering Advanced Practice Providers through mentorship, clear communication, and collaborative problem solving. His goal is to support APPs to excel in delivering patient-centered, high-quality care across diverse practice settings.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Medical Director | Adolescent & Adult Mental Health Expert | Experienced NP Collaborator About Dr. Lisa D. Dr. Lisa D. is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience delivering compassionate, comprehensive mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. A graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and a magna cum laude alumnus of Yale University, she completed her psychiatric residency at New York University. Dr. Lisa D. has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as Chief of Psychiatry at both New Milford Hospital and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, where she oversaw inpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis programs, and was instrumental in expanding access to care by integrating Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners into the hospital system for the first time. She currently serves as Medical Director for Wellbrook Health, LinqCare, and Catholic Charities, while also providing telepsychiatry services. Her clinical approach emphasizes individualized care, with a deep understanding of each patient’s personal story and goals. Areas of Expertise • Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry • Women’s Mental Health & Postpartum Disorders • Anxiety, Depression, OCD & Mood Disorders • Eating Disorders & Trauma-Informed Care • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Telepsychiatry & Remote Medical Direction Collaboration with Nurse Practitioners Dr. Lisa D. has a long history of mentoring and collaborating with psychiatric nurse practitioners, dating back to her time as Chief of Psychiatry at New Milford Hospital where she first integrated NPs into psychiatric care delivery. She offers supportive, clinically grounded supervision and values NPs as essential members of the mental health care team. She is especially well-suited for NPs in telepsychiatry or outpatient behavioral health settings, offering guidance on diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and compliance. If you’re an NP seeking a deeply experienced, collaborative psychiatrist who is equally committed to clinical excellence and provider growth, Dr. Lisa D. is an ideal partner.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Pediatrician | Medical Director | Expert Consultant | Experienced NP Collaborator About Dr. Craig C. Dr. Craig C. is a board-certified pediatrician with over 23 years of experience spanning general pediatrics, child abuse medicine, medical-legal consulting, and healthcare leadership. He has worked extensively in both inpatient and outpatient pediatric care, treating patients from birth to 25 years old and developing expertise in sports medicine, child advocacy, and pediatric dermatology. Currently, Dr. Craig C. serves as a Medical Director overseeing prior authorizations for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for adults and children, as well as the Center Medical Director and Lab Director for multiple plasma labs and a medical aesthetics practice. Additionally, he is a school physician and team physician for a local high school. Areas of Expertise • General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine • Child Abuse & Neglect Medicine • Medical-Legal Consulting & Expert Witness Testimony • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Utilization Review • Medical Aesthetics & Plasma Lab Management • Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Collaboration with Nurse Practitioners Dr. Craig C. is an experienced and approachable collaborating physician, currently working with two NPs while supporting others in their independent practices. Having trained medical students, PA students, NP students, and Family Practice residents throughout his career, he enjoys mentoring and providing clinical guidance to healthcare providers. His easy-going and supportive approach ensures that NPs and PAs receive the resources and expertise they need while maintaining autonomy in their practice. Research & Publications Dr. Craig C. has contributed to medical literature in pediatric autoimmune disorders and has also published a novel exploring themes of resilience and human strength Medical-Legal Expertise Dr. Craig C. has served as an expert witness in multiple malpractice cases, particularly in pediatric care and child abuse medicine. His extensive experience as an outside expert reviewer makes him a trusted authority in medical case analysis and testimony. With a strong commitment to patient care, provider support, and medical education, Dr. Craig C. is an excellent collaborator for NPs looking for guidance in pediatrics, child advocacy, sports medicine, and medical leadership. Resident of South Carolina
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Kenneth R. is a board-certified Emergency Medicine (specialty physician) with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience spanning emergency medicine, urgent care, telemedicine, and physician supervision. A graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School, Dr. Kenneth R. completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Michigan State University’s Butterworth Hospital/Corewell Health, where he also served as an AeroMed Flight Physician. He is the founder and former owner of PrimeCare Urgent Care, an independent urgent care center he successfully led for fourteen years before its acquisition by Piedmont Urgent Care, one of the largest urgent care networks in the United States. Dr. Kenneth R. continued to serve as Site Medical Director following the acquisition, ensuring continuity of quality and operational excellence. Currently, Dr. Kenneth R. provides telemedicine consultations, APP supervision, and business advisory services across multiple states. He also co-founded UrgentCareByPhone.com, an online urgent care platform launched in 2024, reflecting his ongoing commitment to innovation and accessible, patient-centered healthcare. Dr. Kenneth R. holds 48 active state medical licenses plus D.C., along with an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact certification, enabling him to collaborate and practice nationwide. His professional background includes academic appointments, such as serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, and active involvement in national quality improvement initiatives, including the CRUSADE Registry for cardiac care outcomes. Areas of Expertise • Emergency Medicine & Urgent Care Medicine • Telemedicine & Virtual Healthcare Delivery • Occupational & Primary Care Medicine • APP (NP/PA) Supervision & Clinical Leadership • Medical Business Development & Operations • Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Kenneth R. approaches collaboration with accessibility, mentorship, and mutual respect at the forefront. Having supervised numerous advanced practice providers throughout his career, he values open communication and supports NPs and PAs in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care with confidence. His philosophy emphasizes teamwork and structured oversight that enhances professional autonomy while ensuring patient safety and operational excellence. FOR ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE, ADD $50.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Felicie W. is a highly experienced, triply board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Hospice & Palliative Medicine, with extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience across military, VA, hospital, and community-based healthcare systems. She has dedicated her career to caring for medically complex, aging, and seriously ill patients, with a strong emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered, and goal-concordant care. Dr. Felicie W. completed advanced fellowship training in both Geriatrics and Hospice and Palliative Medicine following her Internal Medicine residency. She served with distinction in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for eight years, including leadership roles in clinical operations, education, and program development. Throughout her career, she has held key positions as a hospitalist, palliative care attending, medical director of long-term care and home-based primary care programs, and clinical educator for physicians, physician assistants, and residents. Her work within the VA healthcare system and civilian hospitals reflects deep expertise in managing chronic illness, end-of-life care, functional decline, dementia, and complex medical decision-making. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Felicie W. has contributed to academic medicine through research publications, national presentations, and committee leadership. Areas of Expertise • Internal Medicine and Complex Adult Care • Geriatric Medicine and Aging-Related Conditions • Hospice and Palliative Medicine • End-of-Life and Advance Care Planning • Symptom Management in Serious Illness • Dementia and Cognitive Disorders • Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Medicine • Home-Based Primary Care • Wound Care Management • Hospice Medical Directorship • VA and Veteran Health Systems • Hospitalist and Acute Care Medicine • ICU and Medically Complex Patient Management • Interdisciplinary Team Leadership • Medical Education and Clinical Training • Regulatory and Quality Oversight in Post-Acute Care Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Felicie W. views collaboration as a mission-driven partnership focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality, and ethically grounded patient care. Her approach is rooted in mentorship, clinical excellence, and shared accountability. Drawing on decades of experience in teaching hospitals, military medicine, and VA systems, she prioritizes education, structured clinical reasoning, and clear communication. She is deeply committed to supporting nurse practitioners and interdisciplinary clinicians through hands-on guidance, thoughtful case discussion, and practical coaching. Dr. Felicie W. believes that strong collaboration empowers clinicians to grow in confidence, improves continuity of care, and ensures that treatment plans align with patients’ medical needs, values, and life goals. Her ultimate goal is to cultivate skilled, compassionate providers who deliver coordinated, patient-centered care—especially for vulnerable, aging, and seriously ill populations—while fostering professional growth and clinical integrity within every collaborative relationship.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Stotland Board is certified in the subspecialty of Occupational Medicine under the American Board of Preventive Medicine and licensed in all 50 states and Washington D.C. with a Master's in Public Health. He prioritizes holistic health and focuses on evidence-based medical guidelines approaches to minimize and reduce hospitalizations, complications of disease and improve overall life expectancy, mortality and quality of live. He has developed a niche in services of holistic and alternative health including nutrition therapy, chronic care management, non invasive pain reduction and wellness therapies. He is an expert in the field of collaboration and telemedicine with many years of executive leadership on a national level for medical directorship, mid level oversight and chief medical officer.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
I am a well established physician practicing medicine post residency since 2009. I run a private practice with multiple locations, am a physician entrepreneur, expert witness, published author, clinical teaching faculty for NPs, PAs, medical students, and doctors from around the world come to train with me. I have diverse training in primary care, hospital medicine, hospice medicine, correctional medicine, long term care, acute care, medical review officer, physician reviewer, physician consultant, hormones, GLP1, wound care, complex care of chronic conditions, aesthetics, lasers, ultrasound, pellets, and much more. I embrace technology, efficiency, building a better mousetrap, and using AI to create a seamless workflow environment so we can spend more time practicing medicine and using resources to save time, money, and improve your bottom line. Given my vast experience, I can help you build and grow your practice. I am easily accessible and approachable and can serve as an invaluable resource to your growing practice and love to teach.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
I am a board-certified Family and Addiction Medicine physician with over 15 years of experience spanning primary care, occupational health, aerospace medicine, and behavioral health. Licensed in all 50 states, I currently serve as Chief Medical Officer at Better U and CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD, where I design patient-centered care models and manage multidisciplinary provider networks across both telehealth and in-person settings. My background includes extensive collaboration with nurse practitioners and physician assistants in hospital, ambulatory, and virtual environments, emphasizing mentorship, quality oversight, and supportive team dynamics. As a Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, I bring operational medicine expertise and a commitment to service, while my Harvard healthcare leadership training and active involvement in professional societies reflect my dedication to advancing both patient care and provider collaboration. I am passionate about building high-functioning clinical teams and fostering an environment where advanced practice providers can thrive. ADD $100 TO OVERALL FEES FOR TN AND GA
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Aneel U is an experienced psychiatrist and entrepreneur on a mission to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes amidst a mental health crisis. He is at the forefront of innovation and cutting edge technology with a focus on improving access to care, and delivering high quality measurement based care at scale. He has 46 state licenses and loves working with Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants eager to start their practices and make a positive difference in their communities. Dr. U earned his dual bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley in Cell Biology and Psychology before he completed medical school at St. George’s University and psychiatry residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is currently working on his executive MBA at UC Berkeley. He has served as a clinical advisor to several different mental health start ups, as well as engaged in physician leadership roles at numerous companies including Cerebral, Lifestance, Amwell, Klinic, and Revive Telehealth. He has developed clinical quality programs through cross-collaborative efforts with engineering, product, and data scientists, and has led hundreds of providers in delivering high quality evidence based care. He has a particular focus on treatment resistant and high risk patient populations.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Dr. Daniel O. is an accomplished physician with more than 10 years of post-residency clinical experience, specializing in Addiction Medicine and Pediatrics while providing comprehensive care across a broad range of medical and wellness services. Throughout his career, he has combined clinical expertise with strong physician leadership, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in both traditional medical practices and innovative healthcare settings. In addition to his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Daniel O. has developed expertise in aesthetic medicine, IV hydration therapy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), ketamine infusion therapy, medical weight loss, primary care, and addiction medicine. With more than five years of procedural experience, he has performed a wide variety of minimally invasive aesthetic and wellness procedures while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety, evidence-based care, and exceptional clinical outcomes. Dr. Daniel O. has also served as Medical Director for more than 10 practices across the United States, providing clinical oversight, regulatory guidance, and quality assurance to multidisciplinary healthcare teams. His extensive experience collaborating with Nurse Practitioners has allowed him to build effective, supportive partnerships that promote clinical excellence, professional growth, and outstanding patient care. Areas of Expertise • Addiction Medicine • Pediatrics • Primary Care • Medical Weight Loss • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) • Ketamine Infusion Therapy • Aesthetic Medicine • IV Hydration Therapy • Comprehensive Patient Evaluations • Preventive Medicine • Medication Management • Wellness & Lifestyle Medicine • Clinical Procedures • Medical Directorship & Practice Leadership • Nurse Practitioner Collaboration & Supervision Philosophy of Collaboration Dr. Daniel O. believes that successful physician–NP collaboration is built on mutual trust, accessibility, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Having collaborated with Nurse Practitioners across multiple practices throughout the United States, he values creating supportive professional relationships that encourage open communication, clinical excellence, and continuous learning. His collaborative approach is practical, responsive, and mentorship-focused. As an experienced Medical Director, he provides timely guidance, thoughtful clinical oversight, and evidence-based recommendations while respecting the autonomy and expertise of the Nurse Practitioners he collaborates with. He believes that empowering clinicians through education and teamwork leads to better decision-making and improved patient outcomes. Drawing on his broad experience in addiction medicine, pediatrics, wellness medicine, aesthetics, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Daniel O. is committed to fostering collaborative partnerships that prioritize patient safety, professional development, and high-quality, compassionate care. He strives to be an accessible physician partner who helps Nurse Practitioners build confidence while delivering outstanding care across a variety of clinical settings.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Experienced NP Collaborator Dr. Seth Di is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in emergency and urgent care settings. He has a deep understanding of acute medical conditions, making him well-suited to assess and manage true emergencies in any private practice, regardless of its specialty. Currently providing emergency care at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Dr. Di has worked in multiple hospitals throughout his career. He has also been actively involved in medical research, with published work recognized by the medical community, including the prestigious Govindrao Wable Research Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Areas of Expertise -Emergency Medicine & Urgent Care -Acute & Critical Care Management -Supervision & Mentorship of NPs & PAs -Medical Research & Published Studies Dr. Di has been supervising and mentoring mid-level providers for over two decades. He understands the balance between autonomy and support, allowing NPs to determine the level of involvement they need. Whether highly engaged or minimally involved, he remains available 24/7 to provide guidance and oversight when needed. More About Dr. Di Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Di is an active member of his community, supporting charitable organizations such as Your Grandmother’s Cupboard and participating in fundraising efforts for Southern Ocean Medical Center. He is also a member of the Point Pleasant Elks and enjoys traveling and outdoor sports. Dr. Di welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with NPs, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to deliver high-quality, evidence-based patient care.
Licensed to collaborate with Arkansas nurse practitioners
WHAT ARKANSAS REQUIRES AT A GLANCE
Requirement | Arkansas Rule |
|---|---|
Practice Authority | Reduced Practice (CPA required until full independence granted) |
Collaborative Practice Agreement | ✅ Required for all prescribing APRNs |
Board Approval Before Prescribing | ✅ Yes — ASBN must approve the CPA first |
Physician Scope Match | ✅ Required — training comparable to NP's specialty |
Quality Assurance Plan | ✅ Required, written, with peer review component |
Physician Ratio Cap | ❌ No statutory numerical limit |
Geographic Proximity | ✅ None — remote collaboration permitted |
Path to Independence | ✅ Yes — 6,240 hours, then FIPCC approval |
THE COST OF GETTING THIS WRONG
Before we get into the requirements, let's be direct about what's at stake.
In Arkansas, the single most common — and most damaging — mistake is prescribing before the ASBN has approved your CPA. Signing the agreement is not enough. Until you receive the approval letter through the Arkansas Nurse Portal, you have no prescriptive authority. Writing scripts before that point means operating outside the legal framework from the very first prescription.
The most common compliance failures Arkansas NPs face:
Prescribing before board approval — the CPA is signed, but the ASBN hasn't approved it yet
Letting the CPA lapse — no current agreement on file means prescriptive authority is automatically inactivated
Weak scope match — a physician whose training has no clinical overlap with your specialty
Ambiguous Schedule II language — assuming silence means exclusion (it doesn't)
Missing or unperformed QA plan — a quality assurance plan on paper that was never actually conducted
Missed termination notice — failing to notify the ASBN in writing within 7 days of termination
Any one of these can trigger a board investigation. Because two boards (ASBN and the Arkansas State Medical Board) share oversight, a compliance failure can create exposure for both you and your physician.
THE COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENT: WHAT IT MUST INCLUDE
In Arkansas, the CPA is a written plan identifying a licensed physician who agrees to collaborate in the joint management of your patients' care with the advanced practice registered nurse. It must be submitted to the ASBN through the Arkansas Nurse Portal and approved before you practice under it.
Under ASBN rules, a valid Arkansas CPA must address all of the following:
Consultation and referral availability, including the collaborating physician's availability and the method and conditions of that availability
Methods of management of the collaborative practice, which must include specific prescriptive protocols (generic "prescribe within scope" language is insufficient)
Emergency absence coverage — a continuity-of-care plan for the unplanned absence of either party
Quality assurance provisions, including the written QA plan with peer review
Prescriptive protocols for legend and controlled substances, identifying indications and classifications the NP is authorized to prescribe
Signatures of both parties — the APRN and the collaborating physician (or podiatrist)
One critical distinction: The CPA is not effective upon signing, and prescriptive authority is not automatically included with an APRN license. You must receive an approval letter from the ASBN before exercising prescriptive authority. If the Board has no current CPA on file, your prescriptive authority is inactivated automatically.
Prescribing protocols must be reviewed and updated at least annually, though they don't need to be resubmitted unless the Board requests them.
PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN ARKANSAS
Prescriptive authority is not automatically issued with an Arkansas APRN license in Arkansas. It requires a separate application, a separate fee, and a current board-approved CPA before it can be exercised, and no application prior to license issuance is accepted. After licensure, you can apply online for this separate approval. APRN's prescriptive authority also depends on the scope and limits spelled out in the agreement, including authority to prescribe medicine.
Schedule Authorization
Schedules III–V: Authorized by default with a valid certificate of prescriptive authority and an approved CPA
Hydrocodone combination products (reclassified to Schedule II): Authorized only if expressly approved in the CPA
Other Schedule II opioids: Authorized only in the specific, limited clinical circumstances identified in statute
Silence on Schedule II authority does not mean exclusion — the agreement must be explicit about what is and isn't authorized.
DEA and PDMP Requirements
Your collaborating physician must hold an unrestricted DEA registration if you'll prescribe controlled substances
An advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority must obtain a DEA registration number for controlled substance prescribing in Schedules II–V
You must enroll with the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before issuing any controlled substance prescription, and query it as required before prescribing opioids
APRNs who already hold a certificate of prescriptive authority may contact the New Orleans DEA office to receive an application for a DEA registration number.
Prescribing Education
APRNs issued prescriptive authority after December 31, 2015 must complete at least 3 hours of prescribing education within two years — two of which must cover professional boundaries and Arkansas prescribing rules. This continues at each renewal cycle.
THE QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Arkansas is unusual in requiring a formal, written Quality Assurance (QA) plan for every prescribing APRN as part of advanced practice regulation. This is a documented process, not a statement of intent.
ASBN Rules require your QA plan to include:
A reflective practice component — self-assessment by the APRN
Peer feedback from a peer with a similar role and specialty
Structured, documented feedback identifying three things you do well and three areas to improve
The plan must be maintained at the practice site and available for board inspection. This documented review process exists to support consistent patient care standards. A QA plan that exists on paper but was never actually conducted creates more exposure than a smaller, consistent process that's genuinely followed.
PHYSICIAN QUALIFICATIONS AND FLEXIBILITY
Scope Comparability
Your collaborating physician must be a licensed physician in Arkansas, engaged in the active practice of medicine, and maintain an active clinical practice with meaningful overlap in scope, specialty, or expertise with your practice. Arkansas doesn't require an exact specialty match, but the physician's work must connect directly to what you actually do. If complaints arise under the Arkansas Medical Practices Act, the physician's role in the agreement may be subject to review by the Arkansas State Medical Board, which is one reason alignment matters in Arkansas medical practices.
No Ratio Cap
Arkansas imposes no statutory limit on how many APRNs a physician can collaborate with. The number should reflect the physician's ability to genuinely meet each agreement's consultation, review, and QA obligations.
Geographic Location Requirement
Under Regulation 30, the collaborating physician must be licensed to practice in Arkansas and maintain an active clinical practice located either in Arkansas or in a contiguous border county of a neighboring state. This corrects the common misconception that collaboration can be based anywhere, because the rule ties compliance to where the physician actually practices. That restriction can make compliant matches harder for APRNs to find, especially in rural or highly specialized settings. A noncompliant location can jeopardize an APRN's prescriptive authority and license integrity.
THE 6,240-HOUR PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENCE
Act 412 of 2021 created a defined route to full independent practice for certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. After accumulating 6,240 hours of documented practice under a CPA, an NP can apply to the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee (FIPCC).
Key points:
The application requires a notarized Practice Hours Affidavit signed by the collaborating physician(s) who supervised the qualifying hours
The FIPCC reviews applications at least quarterly
Until approval is received, you must maintain a current CPA
Your physician should keep thorough records of the collaboration (start dates, scope, oversight) so they can accurately complete your affidavit when the time comes
This is why choosing an engaged, well-documented physician relationship matters beyond day-to-day compliance — your future independence application depends partly on their records.
ONGOING COMPLIANCE: DOCUMENTATION AND RENEWAL
Consultation Documentation
To prescribe a legend drug not covered by your written protocols, you must obtain a specific written or verbal order from your physician first — and document that consultation in the patient's medical record.
Annual Protocol Review
Prescriptive protocols must be reviewed and updated at least annually to reflect how your practice has evolved and continue to support patient health care.
Continuous Availability
Your collaborating physician must be accessible for consultation and referral as described in your agreement so you can address patient health care needs. Not physically present, but in contact by radio, telephone, electronic, or other telecommunication device — a patient safety requirement, not just a paperwork one.
Termination Notice
If your CPA is terminated for any reason, you must notify the ASBN in writing within 7 days. Once the Board has no current CPA on file, your prescriptive authority is automatically inactivated until a new agreement is approved. The collaborating physician must also report any material changes in the collaborative agreement or practice to the Arkansas State Medical Board.
WHAT DOES A COLLABORATING PHYSICIAN COST IN ARKANSAS?
This is the question every Arkansas NP asks — and the answer varies more than most people expect.
Because Arkansas requires a genuine, board-approved collaborative relationship with real QA and oversight obligations, physician engagement carries a meaningful price. The general market range in Arkansas falls between $500 and $1,200 per month. Several factors drive that variation:
Specialty complexity — Mental health and aesthetics command higher rates due to controlled substance oversight and liability
Controlled substance authority — Agreements including Schedule II authority increase costs
Physician experience and availability — Experienced physicians with open capacity are in higher demand
How you find them — Personal networking and cold outreach almost always cost more than a matching platform, but not every platform’s physician network will satisfy ASMB location requirements. In Arkansas, the right match should also support the CPA form expected by board staff and help avoid preventable revision cycles.
Arkansas Market Average | NPCollaborator |
|---|---|
$850/mo | $449/mo |
via cold outreach or personal network | malpractice coverage & legal documents included |
💰 Save up to $4,800/year
2026 Market Rate Comparison
Specialty | Market Rate (Arkansas Average) | NPCollaborator Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
Primary Care | $500 – $800/mo | From $449/mo |
Mental Health / Psychiatry | $700 – $1,200/mo | From $449/mo |
Medical Aesthetics | $550 – $950/mo | From $449/mo |
Medical Weight Loss | $550 – $900/mo | From $449/mo |
Telemedicine | $500 – $850/mo | From $449/mo |
Urgent Care | $500 – $800/mo | From $449/mo |
Women's Health | $500 – $850/mo | From $449/mo |
Hormone Optimization | $550 – $950/mo | From $449/mo |
NPCollaborator rates reflect current marketplace listings. Rates vary based on physician availability, specialty, and state-specific requirements.
The difference between finding a physician through cold outreach versus a matching platform isn't just convenience. It's often $150 to $400 per month, every month, indefinitely. Over a year, that's $1,800 to $4,800 in unnecessary overhead.
HOW TO FIND A COLLABORATING PHYSICIAN IN ARKANSAS
There are three routes — and they're not equal.
Employer-assigned: Simple, but you have no control over physician fit, engagement, or what happens if they leave. Doesn't apply if you're building your own practice.
Personal networking and cold outreach: Can work, but slow, unpredictable, and typically above-market pricing. Weeks of searching with no guarantee of scope match.
Matching platform: Pre-vetted physicians, transparent pricing, faster matching, and compliance infrastructure built in. For most independent NPs, this is the fastest and most reliable path.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COLLABORATING PHYSICIAN (BEYOND THE CREDENTIAL CHECK)
Finding a physician who is licensed and available is the floor, not the ceiling.
The right collaborating physician understands your specialty, communicates reliably, and treats the relationship as a genuine clinical partnership — not a monthly transaction. In Arkansas, they'll also be the person signing your Practice Hours Affidavit down the road, so this relationship has long-term stakes. If you've had a bad experience with a collaborating physician before, you already know the difference.
Before signing any agreement, ask:
Do they have training that genuinely matches your specialty? Arkansas requires scope comparability for board approval — this isn't optional.
What's their availability for consultation and referral? Your CPA must describe it, so make sure they can actually deliver it.
Will they engage with your QA plan and peer review process? Arkansas requires a real, documented QA process.
Are they willing and organized enough to sign your independence affidavit later? The 6,240-hour pathway depends on their records.
What's their communication style? You need someone you can work with over the long term, not just a signature.
NPCollaborator's matching process is built around these questions — not just credential verification, but clinical and operational fit. Every physician in the marketplace has been vetted for specialty alignment, availability, and collaborative track record.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does a collaborating physician cost in Arkansas?
Market rates typically range from $500 to $1,200 per month depending on specialty and prescribing needs. NPCollaborator's marketplace starts at $449/month with malpractice coverage and legal documents included — competitive with or below the Arkansas market average.
Do I need a collaborating physician to practice in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas is a reduced-practice state. Every prescribing advanced practice registered nurse must maintain a current, board-approved CPA until they qualify for and receive full independent practice authority.
Does the CPA have to be approved before I can prescribe?
Yes. The CPA is not effective when signed. You must submit it to the ASBN through the Arkansas Nurse Portal and receive an approval letter before exercising any prescriptive authority.
Can I ever practice independently in Arkansas?
Yes. Under Act 412, after 6,240 hours of documented practice under a CPA, you can apply to the FIPCC for full independent practice authority. Until that's granted, you must maintain a CPA.
What controlled substances can I prescribe?
Schedules III–V by default with an approved CPA. Schedule II authority (including reclassified hydrocodone combinations) must be expressly approved in the agreement and is limited to specific circumstances.
Does my physician need to be in the same city?
No. The physician does not have to be in the same city, but must be licensed in Arkansas and maintain an active clinical practice in Arkansas or in a contiguous border county of a neighboring state.
Can one physician collaborate with multiple NPs?
Yes. Arkansas has no statutory ratio cap, though the physician must be able to meet each agreement's consultation, review, and QA obligations.
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