Question 1

Do I need a collaborating physician if I’m already licensed as an independent NP?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your state and the services you provide. Even in states where NPs can practice independently, some treatments—especially aesthetics, weight loss, hormone therapy, IV therapy, and procedures involving prescription protocols—still require physician involvement. Many state boards also expect clear documentation of medical oversight, even when formal “collaboration” isn’t mandated. GuardianMD helps you determine what your clinic needs so you stay aligned with your state board’s expectations and avoid hidden compliance risks.

Question 2

When do RNs need a medical director?

Accepted Answer

RNs typically need a medical director when offering any service considered medical in nature, especially those requiring standing orders, prescription medications, or delegated procedures. Treatments like injectables, IV therapy, hormone therapy, and weight-loss programs almost always require physician oversight. A medical director ensures protocols, delegation, and chart review processes are compliant with state regulations and protect both the RN and the clinic.

Question 3

What specialties do GuardianMD’s supervising physicians cover?

Accepted Answer

Our nationwide network includes supervising physicians from aesthetics, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, integrative and functional medicine, weight-loss medicine, telehealth, regenerative medicine, IV therapy, and more. We take care to match you with a physician whose clinical experience aligns with your services and the procedures performed in your clinic.

Question 4

Can I keep my collaborating physician long-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most clinics choose to maintain long-term oversight relationships to ensure stability, consistency, and clinical continuity. As long as your physician remains licensed, compliant, and aligned with your specialty, the relationship can continue indefinitely. If your clinic grows or your needs change, GuardianMD can reassess and adjust your oversight structure at any time.

Question 5

Can GuardianMD help nurses in all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GuardianMD provides medical oversight, collaborating physician matching, and compliance support in all 50 states. Because each state has its own supervision rules and CPOM requirements, we tailor your oversight structure to your specific location and services, ensuring you remain legally compliant wherever you operate.

Question 6

What happens if my state’s laws change?

Accepted Answer

Our compliance team actively monitors regulatory updates nationwide. If your state modifies its scope-of-practice laws, delegation rules, or physician oversight requirements, we notify you and update your agreements, workflows, and documentation. You don’t have to track every policy shift—we do it for you, keeping your clinic protected.

Question 7

Can you assist with both telehealth and in-person practices?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. GuardianMD provides oversight structures for clinics offering in-person care, virtual care, or a hybrid approach. Our telemedicine solution, GuardianMD Connect, supports Good Faith Exams, protocol compliance, and chart review workflows that integrate seamlessly with your oversight structure, regardless of how you deliver services.

Question 8

Can you help set up my MSO or legal structure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GuardianMD can help structure a compliant MSO/PC model, draft necessary agreements, and ensure your clinic adheres to CPOM requirements. We specialize in helping nurse-led clinics form compliant operational structures that allow NPs and RNs to own their business while maintaining legally mandated physician oversight.

Question 9

Do you assist with maintaining compliance during audits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your clinic faces a board inquiry, complaint, or audit, GuardianMD provides documentation, agreements, chart review records, and other required oversight materials. We support both you and your physician through the process, helping you respond clearly and confidently to regulatory boards.

Question 10

How does GuardianMD help new nurses starting their first clinic?

Accepted Answer

We guide new clinic owners through every step—determining required oversight, matching them with a physician, setting up documentation workflows, establishing compliance protocols, and helping structure MSO or legal frameworks when needed. Our goal is to remove the guesswork so first-time owners can launch safely and confidently.

Question 11

How quickly can I get started?

Accepted Answer

Most clinics begin the process immediately and are matched with a licensed physician within about seven days. Once your agreement is finalized and onboarding is complete, you can begin seeing patients under a compliant oversight structure right away.

Question 12

What kind of ongoing support can I expect?

Accepted Answer

You receive ongoing compliance monitoring, yearly agreement updates, chart review workflows, regulatory alerts, and access to our support team for oversight or documentation questions. GuardianMD ensures you and your supervising physician remain aligned with state requirements as your clinic evolves.

Question 13

What’s the difference between a collaborating physician and a medical director?

Accepted Answer

A collaborating physician provides required supervision or chart review for NPs, ensuring clinical oversight aligns with state statutes. A medical director provides higher-level medical governance, protocol oversight, quality assurance, and clinical leadership, typically for RN- or multi-provider clinics. Some clinics need one; many need both. GuardianMD helps you determine the appropriate structure

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