Can a Florida NP prescribe controlled substances?

A Florida NP can prescribe controlled substances, but only under specific training and protocol requirements. Within the framework of an established supervisory protocol, an APRN may prescribe or dispense controlled substances only if the APRN has completed a qualifying master’s or doctoral program with specialized practitioner training¹². Prescribing is recognized within the APRN scope of practice under Florida law³.

Key limits apply to controlled substance prescribing:

• Schedule II prescriptions are limited to a seven-day supply, except for psychiatric medications⁴.
• Only psychiatric nurses may prescribe psychiatric mental health controlled substances to patients younger than 18⁵.
• A psychiatric nurse may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances only when practicing under a protocol with a psychiatrist⁶.

APRNs who prescribe controlled substances must follow standards for treating acute pain, including patient evaluation, a written treatment plan, informed consent, periodic review, consultation when indicated, and comprehensive recordkeeping (including any justification for exceeding the three-day limit for Schedule II opioids for acute pain)⁷. “Acute pain” is defined by rule and excludes cancer, terminal conditions, palliative care, and certain severe traumatic injuries⁸.