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

Yes—A Pennsylvania NP (CRNP) needs DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. In Pennsylvania, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner must register with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration before issuing any controlled substance prescriptions¹. CRNPs may prescribe up to a 30-day supply of Schedule II and up to a 90-day supply of Schedule III or IV medications, as identified in their prescriptive authority collaborative agreement².

When prescribing controlled substances, CRNPs must include their National Provider Identifier (NPI) on the prescription³, and they are prohibited from prescribing Schedule I drugs⁴. These limits and requirements apply within the scope of the CRNP’s specialty and collaborative agreement.

CRNPs must also meet minimum standards for controlled substance prescribing, including an initial evaluation and physical exam, counseling, and thorough documentation of the drug name, strength, quantity, and date in the medical record⁵. In emergencies for known patients, a short-term Schedule II oral prescription is permitted but must be followed by a written prescription within 72 hours⁶.