Can a Colorado NP prescribe controlled substances?

Yes. A Colorado NP can prescribe controlled substances in Colorado with a valid DEA registration, including Schedule II through V, and upon being authorized by the Board for prescriptive authority¹². Opioid prescribing is further subject to state limits³.

To obtain prescriptive authority, an NP must meet Board requirements, including specific education in the use of controlled substances and prescription drugs, national certification, professional liability insurance, inclusion on the advanced practice registry, and a signed attestation of at least three years of clinical experience⁴. Initial prescriptive authority is provisional and requires completion of a 750-hour prescribing mentorship before Full Prescriptive Authority is granted⁵⁶.

Prescribing must align with patients appropriate to the NP’s scope of practice and population focus⁷. NPs may not accept any direct or indirect financial benefit from pharmaceutical manufacturers or representatives for prescribing specific medications⁸.