Do NP or PA orders need to be countersigned by a Physician ?
The answer is “No”, as long as the NP or PA is working within accepted “Standardized Procedures” approved by a Collaborating Physician and the facility. The Attending is responsible, however, to sign off on the overall plan of care during regulatory required visits. We (HCFA) believe that, to the extent feasible, the regulation should be written in a manner that allows the effective utilization of NPs in the nursing home setting.
