Can a Pennsylvania NP prescribe controlled substances without supervision?
A Pennsylvania CRNP cannot prescribe controlled substances without supervision. CRNPs may prescribe controlled substances only when acting in collaboration with a physician under a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement—not independently12. The agreement must also specify physician involvement, including how often the physician will personally see patients3.
When permitted, controlled-substance prescribing is limited to a 30‑day supply for Schedule II and a 90‑day supply for Schedules III–IV, as identified in the agreement4. CRNPs must first obtain DEA registration5, include their NPI on controlled-substance prescriptions6, and may not prescribe Schedule I drugs7; they must also meet minimum evaluation, counseling, and documentation standards for controlled substances8.
Citations
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.283(a)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.251
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.285(a)(4)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.284(d)(1)-(2)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.284b(a)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.284a(b)(2)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.284(c)(5)
- 49 Pa. Code § 21.284b(b)(1)-(4)
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