Can a Tennessee NP prescribe medication independently?

A Tennessee NP cannot prescribe medications independently; prescribing requires a collaborative arrangement with a supervising physician and written protocols¹. To prescribe legend drugs, the NP must hold a Certificate of Fitness issued by the Board of Nursing².

After obtaining a Certificate of Fitness, the NP must file notice with the Board naming the collaborating physician—who has control and responsibility for the NP’s prescriptive services—and submit the formulary of legend drug categories; this information must be updated when changes occur³.

For controlled substances, an NP with DEA registration may prescribe Schedules II–V only upon the joint adoption of controlled-substance protocols with the collaborating physician⁴⁵. Additional limits apply, including specific authorization or prior consultation for Schedules II–IV and a maximum non‑refillable 30‑day course for Schedule II or III opioids unless approved after consultation⁶.