FAQs
Does a Colorado NP need a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances?
Colorado
Nurse Practitioner Collaboration

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

Chris Turitzin
•
Updated
December 9, 2025

Yes. A Colorado NP does need a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. Colorado rules require APRNs to hold a valid DEA registration to prescribe Schedule II–V controlled substances and to comply with all DEA requirements1.

In addition, NPs must have Colorado Board of Nursing prescriptive authority. The Board may authorize APRNs who are on the Advanced Practice Registry and in good standing to prescribe drugs2, and applicants must document specific education in controlled substances, national certification, liability insurance, and other criteria to obtain prescriptive authority3.

Citations

  1. Colorado Board of Nursing, Rule 1.14 (I)(1), 3 CCR 716-1
  2. Colorado Revised Statutes §12-255-112(1) Prescriptive authority - advanced practice registered nurses - limits on opioid prescriptions - rules - financial benefit for prescribing prohibited - repeal
  3. Colorado Revised Statutes §12-255-112(4)(a)-(b) Prescriptive authority - advanced practice registered nurses - limits on opioid prescriptions - rules - financial benefit for prescribing prohibited - repeal
Chris Turitzin
Chris, founded Single Aim Health in 2024 to provide clinicians, especially NPs and PAs, with essential services for launching and growing their practices. A Stanford graduate in Product Design, Chris co-founded Momentus Media, which was acquired by Facebook, and worked as a Product Manager there. He later gained expertise in digital health through leadership roles at Bicycle Health, Virta Health, and founding Wink Health. Now, he is using his experience to help clinicians through Single Aim Health.
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Disclaimer: The regulatory research, summaries, and tools provided by Single Aim, LLC are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, healthcare laws vary by state and may change over time. You should always consult a licensed attorney familiar with healthcare regulations in your specific state before making decisions related to you clinical and operational needs for compliance. Single Aim is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of our materials does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Need legal guidance? We recommend contacting a licensed healthcare attorney in your state or using professional associations such as the American Health Law Association (AHLA) or your state’s medical or nursing board for referrals.