Can a New Jersey NP prescribe controlled substances?

In New Jersey, a nurse practitioner (APN) can prescribe controlled substances. This prescribing occurs under a written joint protocol with a collaborating physician unless the APN qualifies for independent prescribing authority; requirements vary by inpatient and other settings¹²³.

In both inpatient and other practice settings, the joint protocol must address whether prior consultation is required before initiating a controlled dangerous substance; the collaborating physician must be present or readily available, and patient charts must be reviewed. APNs must also complete six contact hours of continuing education in pharmacology related to controlled substances²³.

When prescribing controlled substances, New Jersey requires specific prescription elements: include the drug quantity in words as well as numbers and the APN’s DEA number, and write each controlled prescription on a separate New Jersey Prescription Blank⁴⁵. APNs must take a thorough history and exam, review the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) as required, and document key details; Schedule II prescriptions are generally limited to a 30-day supply at the lowest effective dose, and initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain are limited to a 5-day supply with additional conditions for any subsequent supply⁶⁷⁸.