Can an NP prescribe Phentermine in California?

Yes — California NPs may prescribe phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled substance, if they have an active California NP furnishing number, applicable controlled-substance authority, and practice within education, training, competence, and scope. For NPs practicing under standardized procedures, California authority may include Schedule II–V controlled substances only as specified in the standardized procedure.¹ Because phentermine is Schedule IV, the Schedule II/III patient-specific protocol rule is not the applicable protocol rule for this drug.

The NP must have a DEA registration for controlled-substance orders² and generally must check CURES before first prescribing a Schedule IV drug and periodically if continued.⁴ Qualifying Section 2837.103 or 2837.104 NPs may prescribe controlled substances without standardized procedures when that statutory pathway applies.³

This FAQ does not address separate weight-loss clinic, telehealth, payer, pharmacy, or facility policy requirements.