Negotiating The Professional Contract
Despite years of clinical and professional education, NPs and PAs are often unprepared for the subsequent job search. This article discusses how to successfully navigate the process of practice evaluation and contract negotiation.
Familiarize yourself with the statutes and regulations that govern the scope of practice in your state—this is especially important if there are specific supervision or collaboration rules. Be prepared to present applicable statutes, rules, and regulations to the physician and/or office manager. Know whether any reimbursement restrictions exist. Be sure to review IRS guidelines for employee status versus independent contractor status.
The diversity of NP and PA practices means one size does not fit all, so it is best to identify the practice that complements your own personality. So, before you open negotiations, it is important that you research the practice. (For suggestions on what to inquire about, see Table 2). It is also a good idea to check the Docinfo website (https://docinfo.org/#/search/query), sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards, to research disciplinary records of the physician(s). Additional information can be acquired at each state regulatory board site.
