Can an NP prescribe Codeine in California?

Limited — California NPs may prescribe codeine only when the specific formulation is within the NP’s controlled-substance authority and the NP meets the requirements for that schedule. Codeine’s DEA schedule varies by formulation, so the California analysis depends on the exact codeine product.

Under California’s standardized-procedure pathway, NP furnishing authority may include Schedule II-V controlled substances, but the drug must be specified in the standardized procedure.¹ If the codeine formulation is Schedule II or III, it must also be furnished or ordered under a patient-specific protocol approved by the treating or supervising physician.²

The NP must have an active California NP furnishing number for controlled-substance furnishing. The NP must also have DEA registration for controlled substances,³ and CURES review generally applies for Schedule II-IV controlled substances unless an exemption applies.⁵ Qualifying California 103/104 NPs may prescribe controlled substances without standardized procedures when that statutory pathway applies.⁴

This FAQ does not address separate opioid-specific, pediatric, cough-product, telehealth, payer, or facility policy limits.