Can a New Jersey NP prescribe controlled substances without supervision?
In New Jersey, a nurse practitioner cannot prescribe controlled substances without supervision; prescriptive authority requires a written joint protocol with a collaborating physician1. In both inpatient and outpatient settings, that collaboration must address controlled dangerous substances, and the physician must be present or readily available via electronic communications2. New Jersey refers to supervision as “collaboration”3.
Effective March 30, 2026, certain qualifying APNs may practice and prescribe without a joint protocol, but those who do not meet the criteria must continue to use a joint protocol4. When prescribing controlled substances, APNs must also follow detailed documentation and opioid-prescribing safeguards set out in regulation5.
Citations
- N.J. Statutes §45:11-49 (b)(1-7)
- N.J. Statutes §45:11-49 (c)(1-8)
- N.J. Administrative Code §13:37-8.1 (a)
- N.J. Statutes §45:11-49
- N.J. Administrative Code §13:37-7.9A (b)-(j)
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