Can a Michigan NP prescribe medication independently?

A Michigan NP can prescribe medication independently for nonscheduled (non-controlled) prescription drugs¹. However, prescribing controlled substances in Schedules II–V is not independent and requires a physician’s delegation via a written authorization².

When an NP prescribes a controlled substance under delegation, both the NP’s and the physician’s names and DEA registration numbers must be indicated on the prescription³. The written authorization must include the parties’ names, license numbers, signatures, any limitations, and the effective date⁴, and the delegating physician must review and update it annually⁵. A delegating physician may also authorize multiple prescriptions totaling up to a 90‑day supply of a Schedule II controlled substance⁶.

NPs may order, receive, and dispense complimentary starter dose drugs: for non‑controlled drugs, they may do so independently and only the NP’s name is recorded⁷; for controlled substances, they may do so only with physician delegation and both names and DEA numbers must be indicated⁸. The delegating physician must keep the written authorization at the primary place of practice and provide a signed copy to the NP⁹.