Can a North Carolina NP prescribe controlled substances?

Yes. A North Carolina NP can prescribe controlled substances. Controlled substances in Schedules II–V may be prescribed, procured, or ordered by an NP as established in the collaborative practice agreement and subject to additional requirements¹. The agreement must list the drugs and devices the NP may prescribe at each practice site².

Key conditions for prescribing controlled substances include:

• Holding a DEA number and placing that DEA number on each controlled-substance prescription¹.
• Issuing refills only as permitted under controlled substances laws and regulations¹.
• Ensuring the supervising physician possesses the same or greater controlled substance schedules as the NP¹.

For targeted controlled substances, the NP must personally consult the supervising physician before prescribing when the patient is treated by a pain-management facility and therapy will exceed 30 days, and must re-consult at least every 90 days if therapy continues³. “Consult” requires meaningful communication documented in the medical record⁴. NPs may not prescribe controlled substances to themselves, their supervising physician, immediate family, household members, or anyone with whom they have an intimate relationship⁵. If prescribing controlled substances, an NP must complete at least one hour of controlled-substance prescribing CE annually⁶.