Guide explains Tennessee NP practice authority, CMA requirements, chart review expectations, prescriptive authority, telehealth considerations, and how to evaluate a collaborating physician arrangement.
Yes. In Tennessee, an APRN who diagnoses, develops plans of care, or prescribes must hold a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and maintain a collaborating physician relationship under state law. Tennessee rules also require written protocols that both parties review and sign at least every two years, and the collaborating physician must personally review at least 20% of the charts the APRN writes or monitors every 30 days and visit any remote practice site at least once every 30 days. For pricing, the Tennessee Fair Price median is $649/month.
Find a Collaborating Physician in Tennessee
14 verified physicians ready to collaborate · Fees $499–$1,049/mo
Dr. Gilbert S. is a board-certified psychiatrist in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry with more than 18 years of clinical experience across inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. He has held senior leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer of a national telepsychiatry program, Director of Medical Services for addiction treatment programs, and Medical Director for specialized behavioral health services. Dr. Gilbert S. completed his residency in General Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University. He also holds an MBA in Healthcare Management from Oregon Health & Science University, equipping him with both clinical expertise and operational leadership skills within complex behavioral health systems. Throughout his career, Dr. Gilbert S. has focused on expanding access to psychiatric care through telepsychiatry and innovative care delivery models. His work includes developing and scaling nationwide telepsychiatry programs, directing medication-assisted treatment programs for substance use disorders, and leading multidisciplinary teams across hospital systems and outpatient behavioral health programs. He maintains active medical licenses in multiple states and has extensive experience supporting psychiatric services across diverse clinical environments. Areas of Expertise • Addiction Psychiatry & Substance Use Disorder Treatment • Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid & Alcohol Use Disorders • Telepsychiatry Program Development & Implementation • Psychiatric Program Operations & Strategic Leadership • Multidisciplinary Behavioral Health Team Management • Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Care • Crisis Evaluation & Acute Psychiatric Stabilization • Clinical Protocol Development & Evidence-Based Practice • Healthcare Systems Design & Program Scaling • Telehealth Infrastructure & Virtual Care Delivery • Physician Leadership & Behavioral Health Program Management Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Gilbert S. views physician–nurse practitioner collaboration as a highly effective and necessary model for expanding access to mental health care while maintaining strong clinical oversight and evidence-based practice. Throughout his career directing addiction treatment programs and nationwide telepsychiatry services, he has worked closely with psychiatric nurse practitioners in both supervisory and collaborative roles. His approach emphasizes open communication, shared clinical decision-making, and supportive consultation for complex diagnostic or treatment questions. Dr. Gilbert S. believes that NPs should feel empowered to manage their patient panels independently while having reliable access to physician guidance for challenging cases, medication strategy, or diagnostic clarification. As a physician leader, he has structured workflows and care models that allow NP-led practices to function efficiently while maintaining high clinical standards, strong documentation practices, and appropriate physician oversight. He is particularly enthusiastic about supporting NP-led behavioral health practices, recognizing their critical role in addressing workforce shortages and improving access to psychiatric services. Dr. Gilbert S. believes that combining physician collaboration, multidisciplinary teamwork, and modern telehealth infrastructure creates scalable systems capable of delivering high-quality psychiatric care to underserved communities while maintaining ethical and evidence-based treatment standards. ADD $50 FOR NY and OH. ADD $100 FOR MO ADD $100 FOR TN ADD $150 FOR CA NONE OF THESE STATES CAN BE USED AS ADD-ON STATES AND ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MULTI-NP DISCOUNT.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Pediatrician | Preventive Care Advocate | Pediatric & Family Wellness Dr. Una R. is a board-certified pediatrician with over 15 years of clinical experience across both primary care and urgent care settings. She has treated a wide range of pediatric patients and has also developed focused expertise in medical weight loss, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and mental health care. Known for her patient-centered approach, Dr. R. emphasizes prevention, clear communication, and family engagement to achieve better outcomes. She is currently practicing in Georgia and has a strong track record of collaboration with nurse practitioners across multiple care models. Areas of Expertise • General Pediatrics & Preventive Care • Urgent Care for Pediatric Populations • Medical Weight Loss Counseling • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) • Pediatric & Adolescent Mental Health • Patient & Family Education • Supportive, NP-empowering Clinical Collaboration Why NPs Choose to Work With Dr. R. Dr. R. brings a proactive and supportive style to every collaboration. With her diverse clinical experience and approachable demeanor, she helps nurse practitioners feel confident managing a wide spectrum of conditions. Whether you're delivering pediatric primary care or expanding into wellness and hormone therapies, Dr. R. offers reliable oversight and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. ADD $100 FOR GA AND CA. GA AND CA MAY NOT BE USED AS ADD-ON STATES. NO MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT FOR GA AND CA. ADD $75 FOR TN. ADD $50 FOR TX.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Arsany A. is a Board-Eligible Family Medicine physician with a strong foundation in comprehensive primary care, preventive medicine, and patient-centered healthcare delivery. With training grounded in evidence-based medicine and whole-person care, Dr. Arsany A. is committed to helping patients achieve long-term health outcomes through compassionate, accessible, and collaborative care. Dr. Arsany A. brings experience working with diverse patient populations and managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions across outpatient and clinical care settings. His clinical approach emphasizes preventive care, chronic disease management, lifestyle optimization, and continuity of care while maintaining high standards of professionalism, efficiency, and patient safety. Known for his approachable communication style and team-oriented mindset, Dr. Arsany A. values strong interdisciplinary collaboration and believes that healthcare works best when providers support one another in delivering coordinated, high-quality care. He is passionate about mentorship, education, and creating positive clinical environments that allow both patients and providers to thrive. Areas of Expertise • Family Medicine • Preventive Care & Wellness • Chronic Disease Management • Primary Care • Acute Care Management • Lifestyle & Preventive Medicine • Patient Education • Care Coordination • Evidence-Based Medicine • Collaborative Clinical Practice Philosophy of Collaboration Dr. Arsany A. believes that successful collaboration is built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared clinical decision-making. He values creating supportive partnerships with Nurse Practitioners and healthcare teams that encourage autonomy while maintaining accessibility for guidance and consultation when needed. His collaborative approach focuses on delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered care while fostering professional growth, clinical confidence, and long-term success for the providers he works with.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
See all 14 collaborating physicians in Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Oleksandr O. is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than four decades of clinical experience, providing compassionate and comprehensive care for diverse patient populations. He is dually trained in medicine and neurology, having completed his medical education in Europe before pursuing psychiatric residency training in the United States. Dr. Oleksandr O. operates a well-established psychiatric practice in Lebanon, Tennessee, and also provides care at Western State Hospital in Kentucky and a clinic in Sunrise, Florida. His practice offers both in-person and telemedicine services, with a focus on accessibility for patients across multiple states. With expertise in treating a wide range of mental health conditions Dr. Oleksandr O. is particularly experienced in the management of depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and other complex psychiatric conditions. He is fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, allowing him to effectively serve patients from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Areas of Expertise: • Adult Psychiatry • Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder) • General & Complex Psychiatric Care • Telemedicine & Multistate Practice • Neurology & Psychiatry Integration • Multilingual Care (English, Russian, Ukrainian) Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Oleksandr O. values open communication, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered care. He is committed to supporting Nurse Practitioners with clinical guidance and mentorship, ensuring providers have the tools and confidence to deliver exceptional psychiatric care. TENNESSEE: DUE TO TENNESSEE'S ELEVATED CHART REVIEW REQUIREMENTS (20% OF ALL CHARTS AND 100% OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARTS), COLLABORATION FEES WILL ADJUST BASED ON CHART VOLUME. THE FIRST 30 CHARTS REQUIRING REVIEW ARE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY FEE. IF THE NUMBER OF CHARTS TO BE REVIEWED EXCEEDS 30, THE MONTHLY FEE WILL INCREASE BY $250 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL BLOCK OF UP TO 30 CHARTS.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Prince E. is a highly accomplished occupational medicine physician and healthcare leader with extensive experience in clinical practice, public health, and medical administration. He currently serves as Medical Director of Occupational Medicine Services at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he oversees departmental operations, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and workforce health programs. His background reflects a strong commitment to preventive medicine, workplace safety, and patient-centered care across diverse clinical environments. Dr. Prince E. completed ACGME-accredited residency training in Occupational Medicine at Meharry Medical College, where he also earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and served as Chief Resident. He additionally completed a preliminary year in Internal Medicine and brings broad clinical experience from urgent care, correctional health, community medicine, and international healthcare settings. As an Urgent Care Physician with Medicare Urgent Care, he provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for acute conditions in high-volume settings, including minor procedures and diagnostic interpretation. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Medical Officer during his National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria, delivering primary and emergency care to large underserved populations while contributing to public health surveillance and disease prevention initiatives. With multi-state licensure and certifications including Medical Review Officer and Certified Independent Medical Examiner, Dr. Prince E. is recognized for his expertise in occupational injury management, regulatory compliance, and evidence-based workforce health practices. His academic background includes teaching appointments in anatomy and physiology, national conference presentations, and ongoing scholarly research in pain management and neuromodulation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong dedication to service, leadership, and community engagement. Areas of Expertise • Occupational and Environmental Medicine • Workplace Injury Prevention and Management • Employee Health and Return-to-Work Programs • Medical Leadership and Department Administration • Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation Standards • Independent Medical Examinations (CIME) • Medical Review Officer Services and Drug Testing Compliance • Musculoskeletal Injury Evaluation and Treatment • Interventional and Non-Interventional Pain Management • Urgent Care and Acute Illness Management • Public Health Program Development • Policy and Protocol Implementation • Correctional Healthcare Services • Clinical Education and Staff Training • Multidisciplinary Care Coordination Philosophy of Collaboration: Dr. Prince E. believes that high-quality healthcare is built on strong, transparent, and respectful collaboration among physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, administrators, employers, and regulatory partners. He approaches clinical leadership with an emphasis on shared accountability, open communication, and continuous learning. In both clinical and administrative roles, he prioritizes alignment between medical teams, organizational goals, and community needs. He values the contributions of every team member and fosters environments where interdisciplinary perspectives inform decision-making and enhance patient and workforce outcomes. By integrating public health principles with frontline clinical practice, Dr. Prince E. supports collaborative models that promote safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. His philosophy centers on partnership, education, and mutual trust—ensuring that providers, staff, and stakeholders work together to deliver consistent, ethical, and high-impact care across occupational, urgent, and community health settings.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Internal Medicine | Primary Care, Metabolic & Hormone Care | Experienced NP Collaborator About Dr. Timothy D Dr. Timothy D is an internist with 20+ years of comprehensive primary care experience and a strong focus on prevention, metabolic health, and evidence-based hormone therapy. He has practiced at St. Thomas Medical Group since 2004 and has led multiple programs, including Medical Director roles for a hospital-affiliated weight-management service and, currently, Healr Medical Clinic. His background spans MDVIP concierge care, functional medicine, urgent/telehealth settings, and volunteer academic teaching. For the past five years, Dr. D has actively collaborated with nurse practitioners—supporting primary care panels as well as HRT/TRT, weight-loss, and peptide-focused practices. His style is collegial and responsive: high-yield case consults, streamlined chart reviews, clear protocols, and practical risk-mitigation that respects NP autonomy while elevating outcomes. Areas of Expertise • Adult Primary Care & Prevention (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, thyroid) • Medical Weight Loss (HMR background, nutrition/behavioral plans, GLP-1s, safety monitoring) • Hormone Care (HRT/TRT) with labs, contraindication screening, and longitudinal follow-up • Functional & Lifestyle Medicine (sleep, stress, fitness, cardiometabolic risk reduction) • Telehealth & Urgent Concerns (minor acute issues, care coordination) • NP Collaboration (protocol design, documentation & QA, brief case reviews, rapid consults) If you’re seeking a steady, safety-minded collaborator who keeps admin light and support strong, Dr. D offers a reliable partnership tailored to NP-led care.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
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 Tennessee nurse practitioners
Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry | Medical Director | 20+ Years of Experience About Dr. Alfredo S. Dr. Alfredo S. is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of clinical, administrative, and telehealth settings. He is dual board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and has served as a medical director in multiple behavioral health organizations. Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to underserved communities, Dr. S. has worked in both rural and urban systems, providing compassionate care and program development across the full spectrum of psychiatric services. Fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational French, Dr. S. brings a culturally sensitive approach to his practice and has extensive experience supervising nurse practitioners, case managers, peer support specialists, and interdisciplinary care teams. His career includes work in crisis centers, wraparound care programs, subacute units, and outpatient clinics, often leveraging telepsychiatry to increase access to care. He is actively licensed in over 20 states and remains committed to improving care through education, systems design, and quality assurance initiatives. Areas of Expertise • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • Adult Psychiatry and Severe Mental Illness (SMI) • Borderline Personality Disorder and Dual Diagnosis • Autism spectrum disorder • Geropsychiatric • Substance Use and Alcohol Use Disorders • Community Mental Health and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) • Wraparound Programs and Early Psychosis Care Dr. Alfredo S. is deeply passionate about building systems of care that prioritize patient dignity, clinical rigor, and access to treatment. With a hands-on, supportive approach to collaboration, he enjoys working alongside nurse practitioners to solve complex cases and ensure high-quality, person-centered care. ADD $100 FOR MICHIGAN AND $125 FOR MISSOURI. MICHIGAN AND MISSOURI MAY NOT BE USED AS AN ADD-ON STATE AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MULTIPLE NP DISCOUNT.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Etienne R. is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with 14 years of clinical experience providing comprehensive care across urgent care, primary care, and telemedicine. His diverse background has equipped him with the knowledge and flexibility to care for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions while delivering efficient, evidence-based care in both in-person and virtual settings. Dr. Etienne R. began his career practicing in an urgent care setting, where he worked closely with and supervised a Nurse Practitioner, gaining valuable experience in collaborative practice and team-based care. He later transitioned to a primary care clinic, collaborating with multiple Physician Assistants to provide comprehensive preventive care, chronic disease management, and continuity of care for a diverse patient population. For the past 10 years, Dr. Etienne R. has practiced with a nationwide telemedicine organization, providing high-quality virtual urgent care services to patients across the country. His extensive telemedicine experience has led to licensure in multiple states, allowing him to effectively deliver accessible, patient-centered care while adapting to the evolving landscape of virtual healthcare. Areas of Expertise • Family Medicine • Primary Care • Urgent Care • Telemedicine & Virtual Care • Preventive Medicine • Acute Illness Evaluation & Treatment • Chronic Disease Management • Adult & Adolescent Primary Care • Evidence-Based Medicine • Virtual Urgent Care • Clinical Supervision & Collaborative Practice • Multistate Telehealth Care Dr. Etienne R. believes that strong physician–NP collaboration is built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. Having supervised a Nurse Practitioner early in his career and collaborated closely with Physician Assistants in primary care, he understands the value of teamwork in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. His collaborative approach is supportive and accessible, with a focus on providing timely consultation, practical clinical guidance, and respectful communication while encouraging advanced practice providers to work confidently within their scope of practice. He values creating collaborative relationships that promote independent clinical decision-making while ensuring reliable physician support is always available when needed. With extensive experience in both traditional clinical practice and nationwide telemedicine, Dr. Etienne R. appreciates the importance of responsive communication, efficient workflows, and dependable collaboration. His goal is to build long-term partnerships with Nurse Practitioners that foster professional growth, enhance patient outcomes, and support the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care. Dr. Etienne R. is not comfortable collaborating with providers who prescribe scheduled drugs or any treatments pertaining to reproductive health (e.g. Viagra, birth control, emergency contraception) or gender-affirming care.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 30 years of experience, with a clinical focus on treating adolescents and adults who present with complex psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions. My work centers on helping individuals with mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, cognitive and behavioral challenges, especially when neurological or developmental factors complicate these. I prioritize evidence-based care that’s also deeply personal, culturally aware, and grounded in empathy. I regularly manage challenging cases that require careful diagnostic work and close collaboration across various disciplines. I utilize tools such as quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), neuroimaging, and structured assessments to gain a better understanding of brain-behavior relationships and to guide treatment decisions. My practice encompasses medication management, psychotherapy, family support, and consultation in both clinical and forensic settings. I am known for providing thoughtful, individualized care that balances evidence-based treatment with deep empathy and cultural sensitivity. Frequently, I address complex cases that necessitate coordination among multiple specialties, including those related to traumatic brain injury, treatment-resistant depression, and functional impairments. I integrate tools like qEEG, neuroimaging, and structured psychiatric assessments to inform my clinical decision-making. Additionally, I offer ongoing psychotherapy, medication management, family guidance, and consultation in both clinical and legal contexts.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Nathaniel S. is a board-certified psychiatrist with broad clinical experience across inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and medical education. He is committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care through comprehensive diagnostic assessment, safe medication management, and individualized treatment planning. Throughout his career, Dr. Nathaniel S. has cared for patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions in both hospital and outpatient settings. His clinical approach emphasizes diagnostic accuracy, careful psychopharmacology, appropriate risk assessment, and clear clinical documentation to ensure the highest standards of patient care. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Nathaniel S. has experience in medical education and enjoys supporting the professional development of healthcare providers through practical guidance, clinical discussion, and evidence-based decision-making. Areas of Expertise • General Adult Psychiatry • Inpatient Psychiatry • Outpatient Psychiatry • Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) • Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation • Psychopharmacology & Medication Management • Mood Disorders • Anxiety Disorders • Psychotic Disorders • Psychiatric Risk Assessment • Diagnostic Formulation • Evidence-Based Treatment Planning • Clinical Documentation & Quality Assurance • Medical Education & Clinical Mentorship Philosophy of Collaboration Dr. Nathaniel S. believes that physician–NP collaboration should be grounded in clinical excellence, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to delivering safe, evidence-based psychiatric care. His collaborative style is clinically rigorous, practical, and supportive, helping Nurse Practitioners strengthen their clinical reasoning while maintaining confidence and professional autonomy. He emphasizes thoughtful diagnostic formulation, safe prescribing practices, careful chart review, thorough documentation, and appropriate risk assessment as the foundation of high-quality psychiatric care. Through open communication and constructive clinical discussion, he works alongside Nurse Practitioners to support sound decision-making and continuous professional growth. Dr. Nathaniel S. particularly enjoys collaborating with psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who value careful documentation, evidence-based treatment planning, and high clinical standards. At this time, his collaborative practice is focused on clinicians whose practice does not include the prescribing or management of controlled substances, allowing him to maintain a collaboration model centered on safe, compliant, and high-quality psychiatric care.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Dr. Elizabeth N. is a physician with active clinical experience across multiple specialties, including Neurology, Psychiatry, Urgent Care, and Pediatrics. Her broad and multidisciplinary medical background allows her to provide well-rounded clinical support across a diverse range of patient populations and healthcare settings. Dr. Elizabeth N. routinely practices in both acute and longitudinal care environments and is experienced in evaluating and managing neurological, psychiatric, pediatric, and urgent medical conditions. Her versatility across specialties enables her to approach patient care with strong clinical adaptability, evidence-based decision-making, and a patient-centered focus. She is comfortable collaborating with Nurse Practitioners across a variety of practice models and values professional partnerships built on communication, accessibility, and mutual respect. Her approach emphasizes practical guidance, timely support, and fostering confidence in clinical decision-making while maintaining high standards of patient care and safety. Areas of Expertise • Neurology • Psychiatry & Behavioral Health • Pediatrics • Urgent Care Medicine • Acute & Chronic Disease Management • Patient-Centered Clinical Care • Collaborative Practice with Nurse Practitioners • Clinical Consultation & Support • Multidisciplinary Care Coordination Philosophy of Collaboration Dr. Elizabeth N. believes that effective collaboration is rooted in trust, communication, and shared commitment to high-quality patient care. She values creating supportive partnerships with Nurse Practitioners that encourage professional growth, independent clinical thinking, and accessible physician support when needed. Her collaborative style is approachable, responsive, and clinically grounded. She understands the importance of balancing autonomy with guidance and strives to provide practical clinical insight without unnecessary barriers or micromanagement. Whether discussing complex cases, reviewing treatment plans, or providing consultation, Dr. Elizabeth N. aims to foster an environment where providers feel respected, supported, and confident in their practice. Her goal as a collaborating physician is to help Nurse Practitioners deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care while building strong, sustainable clinical partnerships across diverse healthcare settings.
Licensed to collaborate with Tennessee nurse practitioners
Introduction to Nurse Practitioner Role
Tennessee nurse practitioners can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret tests, and manage treatment within their education and certification. The key legal difference is that Tennessee does not grant full practice authority: NPs must maintain an ongoing Collaborative Management Agreement with a collaborating physician rather than practicing independently under state law.
That means the clinical role is advanced and broad, but the practice structure remains regulated through collaboration requirements, documentation expectations, and prescriptive-authority rules.
Educational Pathways
Becoming practice-ready as a Tennessee NP involves more than finishing school. A practical sequence is:
Earn RN licensure.
Complete an accredited graduate NP program.
Obtain national certification in your population focus.
Secure Tennessee APRN recognition and keep all licenses in good standing.
If you will prescribe, complete the Tennessee steps required for prescriptive authority, including a Certificate of Fitness where applicable.
Obtain DEA registration if your prescribing activities require it.
Before practicing, sign a Collaborative Management Agreement (CMA) with a Tennessee-licensed collaborating physician.
Because forms, implementation details, and Board guidance can change, verify the current sequence directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners before relying on a checklist.
Specialty Options
Nurse practitioners in Tennessee have the flexibility to specialize in a variety of fields, allowing them to tailor their careers to their interests and the needs of their communities. Popular specialty options include acute care, primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) focus on managing complex and urgent health conditions, often working in hospital or critical care settings. Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (PCNPs) emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and ongoing management of chronic illnesses, serving as a cornerstone of community-based healthcare.
For those interested in mental health, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty prepares NPs to provide comprehensive mental health services to individuals and families across the lifespan. National certification exams, such as the FNP-BC and PMHNP-BC offered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), validate expertise in these areas and open doors to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Specialty affects collaboration fit and pricing. Fair collaboration pricing starts at $499/mo (25th percentile), with a national median of $549/mo. Practice-type medians can vary based on workflow complexity, chart review demands, and clinical risk profile. These figures refer to Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance.
National collaboration pricing benchmarks by NP practice type. Source:
NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
Practice type | National median monthly fee |
|---|---|
Mental Health | $549 |
Primary Care | $499 |
Medical Weight Loss | $499 |
IV Infusion | $499 |
Medical Aesthetics | $549 |
Hormone Optimization | $534 |
Men's Health/TRT | $500 |
Women's Health | $499 |
Urgent Care | $499 |
Tele | $549 |
Tennessee at a Glance
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Do NPs Have Full Practice Authority in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee is a restricted-practice state. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123, an APRN must obtain a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Nursing to perform medical diagnosis, develop plans of care, and prescribe, and the APRN files a notice identifying the collaborating physician and a drug formulary. In practical terms, Tennessee NPs do not practice independently under full practice authority; they practice within an ongoing collaborating physician relationship governed by state law and Board rules.
What Are Tennessee's CMA Requirements?
What written protocols govern Tennessee NP collaboration?
Tennessee Board of Nursing rules govern the collaborating-physician relationship through written protocols. Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-04-.04 (Board of Nursing APRN rules), those written protocols must be reviewed and signed by both parties at least every two years.
That two-year cycle applies to the written protocol review, not to the existence of the collaborating relationship itself. The collaborating physician relationship is ongoing. In practice, Tennessee NPs should make sure the written protocols match the services the practice actually provides, the consultation workflow, and the drug formulary on file with the state.
Core CMA Requirements:
Mandatory CMA: All NPs must maintain a signed Collaborative Management Agreement with at least one physician (MD or DO) licensed in Tennessee. The CMA must define the scope of services, practice setting, and standard of care for collaborative management.
Monthly Physician Site Visits: The collaborating physician must visit each remote practice site at least once every 30 days. This is a non-negotiable regulatory requirement.
20% Monthly Chart Review: The collaborating physician must review a minimum of 20% of the NP's patient charts each month. Documentation of these reviews must be maintained on-site.
Certificate of Fitness: NPs must obtain a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners before they may exercise any prescriptive authority. You cannot prescribe medications — including controlled substances — without this certificate.
Core CMA compliance areas to verify under current Tennessee rules include:
An active CMA with a Tennessee-licensed collaborating physician before practicing
Required chart review processes and retention of related documentation
Remote-site or telehealth workflow requirements where applicable
Prescriptive-authority prerequisites, including a Certificate of Fitness where applicable
Any Tennessee-specific prescription-format, documentation, or on-site recordkeeping rules in effect at the time of practice
Renewal or review timing for CMA-related documents under current Tennessee requirements
Because implementation details can change, confirm current Tennessee Board requirements before signing, renewing, or revising a CMA.
All prescriptions must be written on preprinted pads displaying both the NP's name and the collaborating physician's name. This applies to all prescriptions, not just controlled substances.
Biennial CMA Renewal: The CMA must be renewed every two years. Allowing a CMA to lapse places your practice authority at risk.
On-Site Documentation: The signed CMA must be kept on file at the practice site and available for review upon request by the Board.
No Independence Pathway: Tennessee has NO pathway to independent practice regardless of experience level. A CMA is required for the entirety of an NP's career. This is one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in the country.
What the CMA Must Include:
What a Tennessee CMA should clearly spell out:
Legal names and credentials of the NP and collaborating physician
Practice setting, locations, and patient populations served
Scope of services and consultation expectations
Chart review process, timing, and retention of documentation
Coverage plan when the collaborating physician is unavailable
Referral and escalation protocols for higher-acuity cases
Telehealth workflows, if remote care is part of the practice model
Contract term, renewal process, and exit/transition provisions
This checklist is practical rather than exhaustive; final contract language should be reviewed against current Tennessee requirements and legal counsel guidance.
Can Tennessee NPs prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, within limits. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123 + federal DEA registration, Schedule II-V authority flows from the APRN's Certificate of Fitness formulary and must stay within the NP's scope and the collaborative arrangement. For controlled substances, the APRN must hold a personal DEA registration, hold a Tennessee Controlled Substance Registration, and use the APRN's own DEA number on controlled-substance prescriptions.
Federal DEA rules add a separate layer. Under 21 C.F.R. Part 1306, a controlled-substance prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice. Tennessee collaboration rules and federal DEA rules both apply, so the prescription, the registration, and the NP's scope all need to line up.
Prescriptive Requirements:
Certificate of Fitness: You must first obtain a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. Without this certificate, you have no prescriptive authority.
Active CMA with a collaborating physician
DEA registration as NP (Form 224 or 224a)
Tennessee nursing license with NP credentials
Current national certification
Preprinted Prescription Pads: All prescriptions must be written on preprinted pads that display both your name and your collaborating physician's name.
Schedule II Prescribing:
You may prescribe Schedule II controlled substances within the scope defined in your CMA and Certificate of Fitness. Electronic prescribing is permitted where applicable.
Schedule III–V Prescribing:
Authority for Schedules III through V is included under your Certificate of Fitness, including refill rights and multiple prescriptions per visit.
Prescribing Guidelines:
Follow federal DEA guidelines for appropriate dosing and frequency. Maintain clinical documentation supporting prescriptive decisions. Use Tennessee's Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMDB) when appropriate.
Documentation Standards:
Maintain detailed clinical notes supporting prescriptive decisions, particularly for Schedule II substances, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Good documentation protects against scrutiny and demonstrates professional judgment. Your collaborating physician's monthly chart reviews will include review of prescribing patterns.
How Do You Find a Collaborating Physician in Tennessee?
Since a Collaborative Management Agreement is legally required in Tennessee, finding the right collaborating physician is one of the most important steps in establishing or maintaining your NP practice.
What should a collaborating physician arrangement cost? Fair collaboration pricing starts at $499/mo (25th percentile), with a national median of $549/mo. These figures reflect Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance, based on 2,000+ actual contracts. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
Use that benchmark when comparing options in Tennessee. If this page also displays current NP Collaborator listings, treat those as real-time marketplace inventory facts rather than national benchmark statistics.
What to Look for in a Collaborating Physician:
Use a four-part decision framework when comparing collaborating physician options in Tennessee:
Clinical fit: specialty alignment, patient-population relevance, and comfort with your workflow.
Compliance fit: familiarity with Tennessee CMA expectations, chart review processes, and prescriptive-authority requirements.
Operational fit: response times, backup coverage, documentation workflow, and availability for required collaboration tasks.
Contract fit: renewal terms, transition provisions, malpractice structure, and monthly cost.
When evaluating cost, use the benchmark that fair collaboration pricing starts at $499/mo (25th percentile), with a national median of $549/mo. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
Regulatory Knowledge: Do they understand Tennessee Board requirements, CMA obligations, and NP scope?
Long-Term Stability: Are they established in Tennessee long-term? A CMA requires biennial renewal — stability matters.
Specialty Alignment: Does their expertise complement your patient population?
Liability Perspective: Do they understand their role in collaborative liability and maintain appropriate malpractice coverage?
Collaboration Costs in Tennessee:
Benchmark | Monthly fee |
|---|---|
Tennessee Fair Price Band | $555-$649 |
Tennessee Fair Price median | $649 |
National Fair Price floor | $499 |
National Fair Price median | $549 |
Tennessee benchmark pricing shown above is based on 20+ real contracts in Tennessee. National benchmark pricing is based on 2,000+ actual contracts. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026. These figures refer to Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance.
Important pricing note: editorial benchmarks on this page use the NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026. If a live listings module appears elsewhere on NP Collaborator, those figures are current listing data and should be read separately from the national Fair Price benchmark. Benchmark statements in this guide refer to Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance.
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee NP collaboration
Do NPs have full practice authority in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee is a restricted-practice state. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123, an APRN must hold a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and practice within a collaborating physician relationship to diagnose, develop plans of care, and prescribe.
How often does a collaborating physician review charts in Tennessee?
Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-06-.02 (Board of Medical Examiners), the collaborating physician must personally review at least 20% of the charts the APRN writes or monitors every 30 days.
How often do written protocols need to be updated?
Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-04-.04 (Board of Nursing APRN rules), written protocols must be reviewed and signed by both parties at least every two years. The collaborating physician relationship itself is ongoing.
Can a Tennessee NP prescribe Schedule II-V medications?
Yes, if the authority appears within the APRN's Certificate of Fitness formulary and stays within the NP's scope and the collaborative arrangement. The APRN must also hold a personal DEA registration and a Tennessee Controlled Substance Registration and use the APRN's own DEA number on controlled-substance prescriptions. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123 + federal DEA registration.
Does telehealth remove Tennessee's collaboration requirements?
No. Telehealth changes the care-delivery method, not the underlying Tennessee collaboration requirement. If the APRN practices from a remote site, the collaborating physician must visit that site at least once every 30 days under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-06-.02 (Board of Medical Examiners).
What does a collaborating physician cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee Fair Price benchmark (2026)
From 20+ signed contractsSource: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026. Figures reflect real signed collaboration agreements, not survey estimates or vendor list prices.
See the full Tennessee collaborating physician cost breakdown →The Tennessee Fair Price median is $649/month, and the Tennessee Fair Price Band is $555-$649/month, based on 20+ real contracts in Tennessee. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
How to make $200,000 as a nurse practitioner?
Common paths include choosing strong-demand specialties, improving throughput, adding telehealth where allowed, optimizing payer mix or cash-pay services, and controlling fixed overhead. One major overhead category is the collaboration arrangement itself, so it helps to benchmark it against fair-market data: fair collaboration pricing starts at $499/mo (25th percentile), with a national median of $549/mo. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
Can you make $500,000 as a nurse practitioner?
Yes, but usually not from a single salaried NP job alone. Reaching $500,000 typically depends on owning or scaling a business, adding multiple clinicians, expanding services, or operating in higher-revenue niches. For Tennessee NPs in restricted practice states, the economics of a collaborating physician arrangement matter because they affect overhead and margin.
Can Tennessee NPs Practice via Telehealth?
Telehealth and remote collaboration in Tennessee
Telehealth does not remove Tennessee's collaborating physician requirement. If a Tennessee APRN is diagnosing, developing plans of care, or prescribing, the APRN still practices within the same collaborating physician framework described in Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123 and the same written-protocol and chart-review rules still apply.
Remote practice also has a specific operational rule: under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-06-.02 (Board of Medical Examiners), the collaborating physician must visit any remote practice site at least once every 30 days. As general telehealth guidance, patient location matters for licensure analysis; the American Medical Association notes that a visit is typically treated as practice in the patient's state. Source: American Medical Association, Telehealth Quick Guide.
Tennessee Telehealth and 2026 Law FAQ
Does telehealth remove Tennessee's collaboration requirements?
No. Telehealth changes the delivery model, but it does not automatically remove Tennessee's requirement for a Collaborative Management Agreement with a collaborating physician. NPs should make sure telehealth workflows, consultation access, chart review processes, and prescribing practices remain aligned with current Tennessee requirements.
Sources & References
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123 — Tennessee practice authority and Certificate of Fitness requirements for APRNs, including notice identifying the collaborating physician and drug formulary.
Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-04-.04 (Board of Nursing APRN rules) — Tennessee Board of Nursing APRN rules governing the collaborating-physician relationship and written protocols reviewed and signed at least every two years.
Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-06-.02 (Board of Medical Examiners) — Tennessee chart review, consultation availability, and remote-site visit requirements.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-7-123 + federal DEA registration — Controlled-substance authority in Tennessee and DEA registration requirements.
Tennessee Board of Nursing — Official Tennessee Board of Nursing homepage.
Further guidance
21 C.F.R. Part 1306 — Federal DEA prescription requirements for controlled substances.
American Medical Association, Telehealth Quick Guide — General telehealth implementation and patient-location guidance.
Disclaimer: This page summarizes NP Collaborator's interpretation of Tennessee statutes, Board of Nursing rules, and DEA regulations governing nurse practitioner collaborative practice as of the date shown above. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or clinical advice. Laws and rules change — always verify current requirements directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing or a qualified healthcare attorney before making practice decisions.
What is the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act 2026?
Readers searching for the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act 2026 are usually looking for whether Tennessee changed NP practice authority in 2026. The practical answer for this page is simple: Tennessee should still be evaluated as a restricted-practice state unless and until current Tennessee statutes and Board rules say otherwise. Before making practice decisions, verify any claimed 2026 law changes directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing, Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, and current state legislative sources.
Does telehealth remove Tennessee's collaboration requirements?
No. Telehealth changes the care-delivery modality, but it does not automatically remove Tennessee's Collaborative Management Agreement requirement or other compliance obligations tied to NP practice. NPs should confirm that telehealth workflows, chart review processes, and any site-related duties remain aligned with current Tennessee rules.
Interstate telehealth: what matters most?
In most telehealth scenarios, the patient's location drives licensure and state-law analysis. If a Tennessee NP treats patients located outside Tennessee, that should be reviewed state by state with current licensure and legal guidance.
Telehealth Authority:
Can practice via telehealth as primary practice modality
Patient must be in Tennessee
Establish patient identity through secure verification
Use HIPAA-compliant platforms
Your CMA must cover telehealth services, and your collaborating physician must still complete monthly site visits to each remote practice site
Controlled Substance Prescribing via Telehealth:
Authority to prescribe controlled substances remotely follows the same requirements as in-person prescribing — Certificate of Fitness, active CMA, and preprinted prescription pads all apply.
Initial Consultation via Telehealth:
Can conduct initial consultations via telehealth. No requirement for in-person baseline visits.
Asynchronous Telehealth:
Store-and-forward technology, message-based consultation, and asynchronous communication are all acceptable.
Interstate Considerations:
Cannot treat out-of-state patients via telehealth (Tennessee licensure covers Tennessee only). If treating patients in other states, must hold licenses in those states.
What Are Tennessee's NP Compliance and Documentation Requirements?
Tennessee's regulatory framework requires strict compliance with CMA obligations in addition to professional standards of care. The Tennessee Board of Nursing establishes expectations for professional conduct and competent practice.
CMA Compliance Obligations:
Maintain a current, signed CMA at all times — never practice with a lapsed agreement
Ensure your collaborating physician completes monthly site visits (every 30 days minimum)
Facilitate and document the 20% monthly chart review requirement
Keep your Certificate of Fitness current with the Board of Medical Examiners
Renew your CMA every two years (biennial renewal)
Use preprinted prescription pads with both your name and your collaborating physician's name
Keep the signed CMA on file at your practice site, available for inspection
Documentation Standards:
Include NP credentials and title on all clinical documentation
Document clinical assessment, reasoning, and decision-making
Note all consultations with your collaborating physician
Reference clinical guidelines supporting treatment decisions
Include patient education provided
Maintain appropriate documentation for controlled substance prescribing
Maintain records of monthly chart reviews completed by your collaborating physician
Continuing Education:
Maintain records of professional development. The Board expects NPs to remain current in their specialty areas.
Licensing and Certification:
Keep all licenses and certifications current. Any gaps in certification or licensure create practice questions.
Professional Liability:
Maintain malpractice insurance. Most carriers require it; it's also prudent professional practice.
Complaint Response:
The Board of Nursing can investigate complaints about NP practice. Strong documentation, CMA compliance, and professional conduct are your defenses.
Scope Adherence:
Stay within the bounds of your education, certification, expertise, and the scope defined in your CMA. Practicing beyond your competence or outside your CMA invites regulatory action and malpractice risk.
What Do You Need to Set Up an NP Practice in Tennessee?
Establishing an NP practice in Tennessee requires a collaborating physician and active CMA before you can see patients.
Legal Requirements:
Signed Collaborative Management Agreement (CMA) with a licensed physician
Certificate of Fitness from the Board of Medical Examiners (for prescriptive authority)
Tennessee nursing license with NP credentials
Current national certification
DEA registration (if prescribing)
Malpractice insurance
Practice Setup:
Office lease or clinic space
Electronic health record system
Controlled substance security measures
DEA compliance protocols
CSMDB access
Patient communication systems
Preprinted prescription pads with both NP and collaborating physician names
Designated space/process for monthly physician site visits and chart reviews
Operational Considerations:
Liability insurance (essential)
Business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
Billing and coding infrastructure
Staffing needs
Backup coverage for vacations/illness
CMA renewal calendar (every two years)
Professional Network:
While collaboration is mandated, developing professional relationships beyond your CMA — with other NPs, physician assistants, and specialists — is valuable for consultation and referrals. Tennessee nurse practitioners should also connect with colleagues and mentors, and consider becoming a member of professional groups or associations to enhance their practice and support network.
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Earn in Tennessee?
In May 2023, Tennessee ranked No. 5 in the country for the highest employment levels of nurse practitioners. The annual average salary for nurse practitioners in Tennessee is approximately $103,720, and the job outlook from 2022 to 2032 projects an expected rise in employment of 45%. Factors that influence how much nurse practitioners earn include their experience, education, subspecialty, and location. New nurse practitioners can expect to earn a salary below the median wage for the region, but their pay will increase as they gain experience. Regional differences in Tennessee can also impact salary levels and employment opportunities for nurse practitioners.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee's regulatory framework for nurse practitioners reflects the state's emphasis on structured physician collaboration and patient safety. While Tennessee's Restricted Practice classification means NPs must maintain a Collaborative Management Agreement throughout their careers, this framework provides clear guidelines and accountability for advanced practice nursing.
Understanding your CMA obligations — including monthly physician site visits, 20% chart reviews, Certificate of Fitness requirements, and biennial renewal — is essential for maintaining compliance and protecting your license. Investing in a strong collaborative relationship with a qualified physician supports both your professional development and your patients' wellbeing.
If you're establishing your NP practice in Tennessee or looking for a collaborating physician who meets all regulatory requirements, understanding these obligations upfront will set you up for a compliant and successful practice.
Becoming a member of professional organizations can provide ongoing support, advocacy, and access to valuable resources. The TNNPA encourages nurse practitioners to register for their annual conference to enhance networking opportunities and professional growth. Additionally, the AANP offers a State Award for Outstanding Contributions to recognize individuals who support the NP role in clinical practice, education, policy, or research.
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