Can an NP prescribe Xanax in California?

Yes — California NPs may prescribe Xanax (alprazolam), a Schedule IV benzodiazepine, when their controlled-substance furnishing authority covers the drug and, for NPs practicing under standardized procedures, Xanax is specified in the procedure.¹

The NP must have an active California NP furnishing number. The NP must have DEA registration to furnish or issue drug orders for controlled substances.² The NP must also practice within education, training, competence, and scope. California’s CURES review requirement generally applies before first prescribing Schedule II-IV controlled substances and periodically thereafter if continued.⁴

Qualifying California NPs practicing under Business and Professions Code sections 2837.103 or 2837.104 may prescribe controlled substances without standardized procedures when that statutory pathway applies.³

This answer does not address separate psychiatric-specialty, telehealth, payer, or facility policy requirements.