Kentucky

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

Chris Turitzin
Updated
December 9, 2025

Yes. A Kentucky NP needs a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. Before an APRN may prescribe controlled substances, they must obtain a DEA Controlled Substance Registration certificate, provide a copy to the Board, and register with KASPER within 30 days of obtaining the DEA registration12.

This DEA requirement is in addition to Kentucky’s collaborative agreement rules: to prescribe Schedules II–V, an APRN must have a written CAPA-CS with a Kentucky-licensed physician using the Board’s standardized form3.

Citations

  1. Kentucky Revised Statutes §314.042 (15)(h)
  2. Kentucky Administrative Regulations 201 KAR 20:057 §6 (4)(a-b)
  3. Kentucky Revised Statutes §314.042 (15)(a)
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