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

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

Chris Turitzin
•
Updated
December 9, 2025

Yes. An Illinois NP needs a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. To do so, an APRN must obtain both an Illinois mid-level practitioner controlled substance license and a federal DEA registration number12.

If prescribing authority for controlled substances is delegated under a collaborative agreement, the collaborating physician must also hold an Illinois controlled substances license and a federal DEA registration, and must file notice of delegation with the Department and the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)34.

APRNs with full practice authority may prescribe Schedules II–V; however, benzodiazepines or Schedule II narcotic drugs require monthly physician consultation documented in the PMP56.

Citations

  1. 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 65/65-40 (b)
  2. 720 ICLS 570
  3. Ill. Admin. Code tit. 68, § 1300.430 (a)
  4. 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 65/65-40 (c)
  5. 225 Ill. Comp. Stat. 65/65-43 (a-e)
  6. Ill. Admin. Code tit. 68, § 1300.445
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.
Looking to be a collaborating physician?

Receive NP/PA matches in 5 minutes.

Sign up to see connected nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are ready to collaborate in your state.
Get Started
Single Aim's network of vetted collaborating physicians are ready to take on your job.

Find a Collaborating Physician Today

Find Your Collaborator Now
For Providers
Get Matched NowPartners
For Physicians
Find JobsCollaborating Physician Pay
Resources
Knowledge CenterNP Entrepreneurship ReportNP Collaborative Practice Agreement Templates
© Single Aim, LLC. All Rights Reserved 2024.
584 Castro Street #3062
San Francisco, CA 94114
team@singleaimhealth.com

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.