Can a Florida NP prescribe medication independently?

In Florida, an APRN (including nurse practitioners) may prescribe medication independently only after obtaining Board-approved autonomous practice; otherwise, prescribing occurs within the framework of a physician supervisory protocol¹². APRNs’ scope of practice includes prescribing drugs and other functions authorized by law³.

Within a supervisory protocol, an APRN may prescribe or dispense any drug⁴. Prescribing or dispensing controlled substances requires completion of specified graduate education, and Schedule II prescriptions by APRNs are limited to a 7-day supply, except for psychiatric medications⁵⁶. Only psychiatric nurses may prescribe psychiatric mental health controlled substances to patients under 18, and a psychiatric nurse may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances only under a protocol with a psychiatrist⁷⁸.

When treating acute pain with controlled substances, APRNs must follow defined standards for evaluation, treatment planning, informed consent, periodic review, consultation, and detailed medical recordkeeping⁹. These standards apply whether the APRN practices autonomously or under a supervisory protocol.