Can an NP prescribe Ativan in California?

Yes — California nurse practitioners may prescribe Ativan (lorazepam), a Schedule IV benzodiazepine, when they have an active California NP furnishing number and their furnishing authority covers controlled substances¹ and they have DEA registration.² For an NP practicing under standardized procedures, Ativan must be specified in the standardized procedure.¹

Qualifying Section 2837.103 or 2837.104 NPs may prescribe controlled substances without standardized procedures when that statutory pathway applies.³ Because Ativan is Schedule IV, CURES review generally applies before first prescribing and periodically thereafter unless an exemption applies.⁴ The NP must also practice within education, training, competence, and scope. This answer does not address separate psychiatric-specialty, telehealth, payer, or facility policy requirements.