Can an NP prescribe Oxycodone in California?

Only in narrow circumstances — California NPs may prescribe oxycodone, a Schedule II opioid, only when California’s Schedule II furnishing requirements are met or the NP qualifies under the state’s 103/104 independent-practice pathway.¹²⁴

Under ordinary standardized procedures, the controlled substance must be specified, and Schedule II or III prescribing must follow a patient-specific protocol approved by the treating or supervising physician.¹² For Schedule II furnishing, the NP also needs an active California NP furnishing number, DEA registration, and Schedule II continuing education.¹³

A qualifying 103/104 NP may prescribe controlled substances without standardized procedures, but DEA registration, furnishing authority, Schedule II education, CURES review for Schedule II-IV prescriptions unless an exemption applies, scope limits, and other controlled-substance rules still apply.¹³⁴⁵

This FAQ does not address separate acute-pain, chronic-pain, telehealth, payer, or facility policy requirements.