Can an NP prescribe Schedule 2 in New Jersey?

Yes. In New Jersey, a nurse practitioner (APN) may prescribe Schedule II controlled dangerous substances. APNs have authority to prescribe medications and devices within their scope, but unless they qualify for independent practice authority effective March 30, 2026, a written joint protocol with a collaborating physician is required for prescribing; generally, Schedule II prescriptions are limited to a 30-day supply at the lowest effective dose¹²³⁴.

For opioids specifically, an initial prescription for acute pain may not exceed a 5-day supply, must be for an immediate-release formulation, and may be followed by a subsequent prescription no earlier than day four if certain clinical and documentation conditions are met; the initial opioid prescription must also be clearly indicated as for acute pain on the prescription⁵⁶.

When prescribing any controlled dangerous substance (including Schedule II), APNs must complete a thorough history and physical, review Prescription Monitoring Program data as required, develop a treatment plan, and document these elements in the patient record. Controlled-substance prescriptions must include the quantity written in words and numbers, the APN’s DEA number and frequency instructions, and each controlled-substance prescription must be issued on a separate New Jersey Prescription Blank⁷⁸⁹.