How to Write a Perfect Pharmacy Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA)

Includes a sample CPA to get you started!

By James Lott, PharmD

LAST UPDATED 02/09/2024

CPAs made as easy as 123.

  • Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) empower pharmacists to expand services like immunizations and chronic disease management, enhancing patient care.


  • Benefits of CPAs include improved efficiency, greater patient and provider satisfaction, and increased revenue through expanded service offerings.


  • Sample CPAs and CPA templates are available through state pharmacy associations, national organizations like NASPA and APhA, and government agencies such as the CDC.


  • Crafting an effective CPA involves identifying goals, choosing collaborators, defining protocols, addressing legal requirements, and regular review and updates.

 

 

*Disclaimer: this page is purely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or business advice.

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#   BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AGREEMENTS FOR PHARMACIES

#   FINDING SAMPLE CPAs FROM GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

#   GENERATE A CPA TEMPLATE FOR YOUR PHARMACY PRACTICE

#   CRAFTING YOUR OWN CPA

#   WRAP-UP AND FINAL PRO-TIPS

Pharmacists, are you ready to elevate your patient care through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs)? These powerful tools formalize partnerships with prescribers, unlocking your expertise for expanded services such as vaccines and immunizations, more advanced acute (such as test and treat or point of care testing), and chronic disease management services that improve health outcomes. Whether you’re seeking ready-made examples or crafting your own, this guide is your roadmap to unlocking the power of CPAs.

Benefits of CPAs

Enhanced patient care
Offer medication management, chronic disease monitoring, immunizations, and more.


Improved efficiency
Free prescriber time for complex cases while ensuring medication adherence.


Greater satisfaction
Delivering personalized care leads to happier patients and providers.


Increased revenue
Expand your service offerings and attract new patients.

Finding Sample CPAs

State Pharmacy Associations
Many associations offer CPA templates specific to your state’s regulations.

National Organizations
Look for resources from groups like the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Government Agencies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your state health department provide CPA guidance and tools.

Get a sample collaborative practice agreement from our experts.

CPA templates vary by state, medical plan, and more. Drop us a line and we’ll generate a custom CPA template for your pharmacy.

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Crafting Your CPA

  1. Identify Goals and Scope: Be clear about the services you want to offer and the patient population you’ll serve.

  2. Choose Collaborators: Select prescribers who share your vision and understand the benefits of collaboration.

  3. Define Protocols and Standards: Outline specific procedures for medication management, communication, and patient education.

  4. Address Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Ensure your CPA complies with state and federal laws governing collaborative practice.

  5. Include Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Establish a process for addressing any possible disagreements.

  6. Review and Update Regularly: Schedule regular reviews to ensure your CPA remains current and effective.

WRAPPING UP:

Tailor your CPA to your practice and goals.

By leveraging CPAs, you can transform your practice, empower your patients, and contribute to a more collaborative healthcare system. Remember, the key is to choose the right resources, follow best practices, and optimize your content for maximum reach. 

Final pro-tips:

  • Tailor your CPA to your specific practice and goals.
  • Involve legal counsel during development and review.
  • Communicate openly and transparently with your collaborators.
  • Document all interactions and agreements in writing.
  • Promote your CPA to patients and other healthcare providers.
 
 
*Disclaimer: this page is purely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or business advice.

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