Collaborative practice is an advanced healthcare approach that shifts from a single-provider care model to a team-based care model. Collaborative partnerships between pharmacists and physicians empower team-based care, which has been proven to result in better quality care and better health outcomes for patients.

The goal of collaborative practice is to optimize patient outcomes, improve medication adherence, reduce delays in receiving therapy, and reduce health care costs. When used to their full potential, collaborative practice agreements have the ability to increase access to care, expand available services to patients and increase the efficiency and coordination of care.

What Is a Collaborative Practice Agreement?

A collaborative practice agreement (CPA) creates a formal practice relationship between a pharmacist and a physician. It defines certain patient care functions—like initiating or modifying drug therapy—delegated to the pharmacist and the circumstances when the pharmacist can provide them. Pharmacists and providers can, and should, collaborate even without a collaborative practice agreement, but the agreement delegates patient care functions to a pharmacist beyond the pharmacist’s typical scope of practice.

Opportunities for Texas Pharmacists

In Texas, legislation passed in 2019 amended the Occupations Code and clarified that a physician may delegate to any properly qualified and trained pharmacist the implementation and modification of a patient’s drug therapy under protocol.

This means that pharmacists, particularly those practicing in a community or long-term care setting, can now be part of team-based care through collaborative practice. All pharmacists may now enter into collaborative practice agreements with physicians for their patients and establish protocols to make changes to a patient’s drug therapy regimen.

Collaborative Practice Resources

TPA's Collaborative Practice Package

TPA has developed a collaborative practice package that contains all you need to get started with developing a collaborative practice with your physician! In this package, you will find:

• Sample Collaborative Practice Agreement for Individuals (recommended to maintain specific contracts between individuals)
• Sample Collaborative Practice Agreement for Teams (option for teams of physicians and pharmacists agreeing to the same authorities)
• Sample Patient Consent Form
• Collaborative Practice Regulations in Texas
• Collaborative Practice Marketing Guide

These have undergone legal review for compliance with Texas statutes and regulations. While TPA strives to provide accurate and useful information, laws and regulations may change, and the information presented may not reflect the most current legal or professional standards applicable in Texas or other jurisdictions. Therefore, members are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction to draft or review any collaborative practice agreements to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

TPA members may access the collaborative practice package at no cost. Non-members may purchase access to this package for $195. 

After you complete your order, you will receive an email containing the Collaborative Practice Package documents. 

CDC Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a resource and implementation guide for adding pharmacists to the care team.

• Download the CDC's Advancing Team-Based Care Through Collaborative Practice Agreements (PDF)
• Download Sample CDC Collaborative Practice Agreement (members only)

Medical Billing

Want to take your services a step further and be able to bill for the consultations and drug therapy management you provide under your patient’s medical benefit? Check out our Medical Billing Guidebook 2025 Edition to learn how to document, code and bill for the clinical services you offer!