Georgia Requirements at a Glance
Practice Authority
Georgia is a Restricted Practice state. NPs (APRNs) must operate under a written Nurse Protocol Agreement (NPA) with a delegating physician, filed with and approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB), before exercising prescriptive authority.
Path to Independence
No. The NPA is a career-long requirement; there is no statutory transition to independent practice.
Hours Required for Independence
N/A. No independence pathway currently exists in Georgia.
Physician-to-APC Provider Ratio Cap
Up to 8 NPs and PAs combined per delegating physician (previously 4 each), with exemptions for certain settings.
Chart Review Requirements
Quarterly medical record review (may be done remotely). Patients receiving controlled substances must also be evaluated by the delegating or a designated physician at least quarterly.
Meeting Requirements
Onsite observation at least once a year. Remote supervision is otherwise allowed, provided the physician (or a designated alternate physician) is available for immediate consultation.
Geographic Requirements
The 50-mile rule: the delegating (and any designated) physician’s principal place of practice must be located in Georgia or within 50 miles of where the NPA is being utilized. This applies to both in-person and telehealth arrangements.
For the purpose of this rule, “where the protocol is being utilized” means that the patient’s physical location at the time services are rendered. Virtual addresses, P.O. boxes, and flex-rental spaces do not qualify as a principal place of practice.
Prescriptive/Delegation Authority Agreement
Your agreement must be filed with the GCMB within 30 days of signing. You can’t prescribe controlled substances until the Board has reviewed it and you have your own DEA registration.
Schedule II Prescribing
Prohibited for NPs as a general matter, with a narrow emergency carve-out. A delegating physician may authorize emergency prescribing of hydrocodone, oxycodone: an initial prescription of up to 5 days for adults the NP has personally evaluated. The authorization must be in your protocol, and you need at least one year of experience, good standing, and biennial CE. Your DEA registration must also include Schedule II.
Physician Collaboration Eligibility Requirements
A collaborating physician in Georgia must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted Georgia medical license
- Practice within the in-state/50-mile rule described above
- Have a specialty comparable to the NP’s specialty or field
- Not be an employee of the NP the delegate to or supervise
DEA Requirements / Application Process
Apply for your DEA registration after the GCMB has reviewed your agreement. Your physician must report your DEA number to the Board within 30 days of issuance.
Boards, Trade Associations & Authoritative Links
Disclaimer: This page for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Georgia requirements are set by state law and board rule and may change; consult your own counsel before relying on this information. CollabDocs facilitates physician-APC introductions and does not practice medicine or guarantee outcomes except as stated in a signed services agreement.
Reviewed by the CollabDocs Compliance Team | Last reviewed October 9, 2026
Georgia Requirements at a Glance
Practice Authority
Georgia is a Restricted Practice state. NPs (APRNs) must operate under a written Nurse Protocol Agreement (NPA) with a delegating physician, filed with and approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB), before exercising prescriptive authority.
Path to Independence
No. The NPA is a career-long requirement; there is no statutory transition to independent practice.
Hours Required for Independence
N/A. No independence pathway currently exists in Georgia.
Physician-to-APC Provider Ratio Cap
Up to 8 NPs and PAs combined per delegating physician (previously 4 each), with exemptions for certain settings.
Chart Review Requirements
Quarterly medical record review (may be done remotely). Patients receiving controlled substances must also be evaluated by the delegating or a designated physician at least quarterly.
Meeting Requirements
Onsite observation at least once a year. Remote supervision is otherwise allowed, provided the physician (or a designated alternate physician) is available for immediate consultation.
Geographic Requirements
The 50-mile rule: the delegating (and any designated) physician’s principal place of practice must be located in Georgia or within 50 miles of where the NPA is being utilized. This applies to both in-person and telehealth arrangements.
For the purpose of this rule, “where the protocol is being utilized” means that the patient’s physical location at the time services are rendered. Virtual addresses, P.O. boxes, and flex-rental spaces do not qualify as a principal place of practice.
Prescriptive/Delegation Authority Agreement
Your agreement must be filed with the GCMB within 30 days of signing. You can’t prescribe controlled substances until the Board has reviewed it and you have your own DEA registration.
Schedule II Prescribing
Prohibited for NPs as a general matter, with a narrow emergency carve-out. A delegating physician may authorize emergency prescribing of hydrocodone, oxycodone: an initial prescription of up to 5 days for adults the NP has personally evaluated. The authorization must be in your protocol, and you need at least one year of experience, good standing, and biennial CE. Your DEA registration must also include Schedule II.
Physician Collaboration Eligibility Requirements
A collaborating physician in Georgia must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted Georgia medical license
- Practice within the in-state/50-mile rule described above
- Have a specialty comparable to the NP’s specialty or field
- Not be an employee of the NP they delegate to or supervise
DEA Requirements / Application Process
Apply for your DEA registration after the GCMB has reviewed your agreement. Your physician must report your DEA number to the Board within 30 days of issuance.
Boards, Trade Associations & Authoritative Links
Disclaimer: This page for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Georgia requirements are set by state law and board rule and may change; consult your own counsel before relying on this information. CollabDocs facilitates physician-APC introductions and does not practice medicine or guarantee outcomes except as stated in a signed services agreement.
Reviewed by the CollabDocs Compliance Team | Last reviewed October 9, 2026
