Where should a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) be kept?

A collaborative practice agreement (CPA) should be kept at the pharmacy by the pharmacy manager to ensure that it is readily accessible and can be reviewed as needed. This is essential for compliance with regulatory requirements and for facilitating effective communication among the pharmacy staff. Having the CPA on-site allows pharmacists and other relevant staff to reference the agreement during their daily operations, ensuring that all parties involved understand their roles, responsibilities, and the scope of practice defined within the agreement.

Maintaining the CPA at the pharmacy also supports transparency and accountability, as it can be easily reviewed during inspections or audits by state regulatory agencies. Storing the agreement elsewhere, such as at a central office, with the board of pharmacy, or in an employee's personal office, could hinder adherence to the terms of the CPA and may lead to issues regarding compliance and oversight. Thus, keeping it in the pharmacy ensures that the document is actively used and properly integrated into the clinical workflow.