Does a California NP need a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances?

A California NP needs a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. To furnish controlled substances, the NP must be registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and hold an active California NP furnishing number¹. Controlled substance furnishing is permitted only as outlined in approved standardized procedures, and Schedule II medications require a patient-specific protocol authorized by the treating or supervising physician².

California law permits NPs to furnish Schedules II–V when those drugs are specified in standardized procedures, with added safeguards for Schedule II². For Schedule II drugs, the NP must complete a Schedule II course as part of continuing education and provide a copy of the standardized procedure to the pharmacist upon request².

In practice, this means an NP seeking to prescribe controlled substances must ensure:

• DEA registration and an active California furnishing number are in place¹
• Standardized procedures expressly cover the controlled substances and circumstances of furnishing²
• Schedule II orders follow a patient-specific protocol that addresses the diagnosis and physician authorization, with required education completed²