FAQs
Can an NP prescribe Ativan in Florida?
Florida
Nurse Practitioner Collaboration

Can an NP prescribe Ativan in Florida?

Chris Turitzin
•
Updated
July 16, 2026

Yes — Florida nurse practitioners can prescribe Ativan (lorazepam), a Schedule IV controlled substance, when controlled-substance prescribing is consistent with their education, training, experience, and protocol or qualifying autonomous primary-care authority.12

The NP must also have qualifying graduate education for controlled-substance prescribing and DEA registration. Florida generally requires PDMP review before prescribing a controlled substance such as Ativan, unless a statutory exception applies.4

For patients younger than 18, only psychiatric nurses may prescribe psychiatric mental health controlled substances, which can limit pediatric psychiatric Ativan prescribing.3 Autonomous registration does not authorize general independent psychiatric-specialty practice.

Citations

  1. Fla. Stat. §464.012(3)(a); Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B9-4.016(1)
  2. Fla. Stat. §893.03(4)(b)
  3. Fla. Stat. §464.012(6)(a); Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B9-4.016(3)
  4. Fla. Stat. §893.055(8)
Chris Turitzin
Chris, founded Single Aim Health in 2024 to provide clinicians, especially NPs and PAs, with essential services for launching and growing their practices. A Stanford graduate in Product Design, Chris co-founded Momentus Media, which was acquired by Facebook, and worked as a Product Manager there. He later gained expertise in digital health through leadership roles at Bicycle Health, Virta Health, and founding Wink Health. Now, he is using his experience to help clinicians through Single Aim Health.
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Disclaimer: The regulatory research, summaries, and tools provided by Single Aim, LLC are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, healthcare laws vary by state and may change over time. You should always consult a licensed attorney familiar with healthcare regulations in your specific state before making decisions related to you clinical and operational needs for compliance. Single Aim is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of our materials does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Need legal guidance? We recommend contacting a licensed healthcare attorney in your state or using professional associations such as the American Health Law Association (AHLA) or your state’s medical or nursing board for referrals.