What can a pharmacist do under a collaborative practice agreement?

A pharmacist operating under a collaborative practice agreement can indeed provide patient care services for general health and wellness. This type of agreement allows pharmacists to work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers, enabling them to manage patient care in specific areas, such as chronic disease management, medication therapy management, and health promotion.

In the context of collaborative practice agreements, pharmacists often have the authority to perform specific patient care functions, including assessing medication needs, monitoring patient progress, and providing education about health and wellness. This collaborative approach is designed to enhance patient outcomes and ensure comprehensive care, leveraging the pharmacist's expertise in medication management and health promotion.

While pharmacists do have important roles in patient care, the boundaries defined in a collaborative practice agreement typically involve working in partnership with healthcare providers, which means they do not prescribe medications autonomously, decide treatment plans without physician approval, or dispense controlled substances without adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Their scope of practice is defined by the terms of the collaborative agreement, which emphasizes a team-based approach to patient care rather than unilateral decision-making.