
For example, in Georgia NPs are not allowed to prescribe schedule II medications but may prescribe schedules III-V. State nurse practice acts outline which schedules of medications nurse practitioners are permitted to prescribe. Schedule V medications are those like Lyrica or codeine containing cough syrups that have a much lower abuse potential. Schedule I medications have the highest potential for abuse and are not recognized by the DEA as having an accepted medical use. Controlled medications are categorized into groups called ‘schedules’ based on their potential for abuse. In every state except Alabama and Florida, nurse practitioners are allowed to prescribe at least some controlled substances. Practicing without a DEA number be a hassle as these entities won’t have a systematic way to track things like insurance claims for your patients or prescriptions you write.Īre nurse practitioners allowed to prescribe controlled substances? A DEA number is required only to write prescriptions for controlled substances, not for medications like antibiotics.Īlthough a DEA number may not technically be required to write prescriptions, insurance companies and pharmacies often use the DEA number as a way to identify medical providers. Nurse practitioners must be licensed by their state in order to prescribe but do not need a DEA number. The short answer to this question in “No”. The legal implications surrounding nurse practitioners and prescribing are many, but let’s look at a few of the most common questions and concerns NPs ask about prescribing.ĭo nurse practitioners need a DEA number in order to write prescriptions? Not only must NPs prescribe in accordance with federal law, they must prescribe within state guidelines as well. When it comes to prescribing as a nurse practitioner the list of rules and regulations is a long one. Unfortunately, the guidelines surrounding this privilege can be difficult to sort through and understand. Prescribing is at the core of many nurse practitioner’s practice.



Muscle relaxers for back pain, nausea medications for vomiting, and migraine meds for headaches. It seems that working in the emergency department some days all I do is write prescriptions.
