What schedule drugs can an NP prescribe in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, nurse practitioners (APNs) can prescribe Schedule II–V controlled dangerous substances. This authority is exercised within prescriptive practice rules (including any required joint protocol with a collaborating physician unless the APN qualifies for independent prescriptive authority) and specific safeguards for higher schedules¹⁸.

Key limits apply to Schedule II and opioids. For Schedule II controlled substances, APNs may prescribe up to a 30-day supply at the lowest effective dose, subject to opioid-specific rules². For an initial opioid prescription to treat acute pain, APNs are limited to a 5-day supply of an immediate-release opioid and must mark the prescription as for acute pain; subsequent supplies require patient reassessment and tailored quantities³⁴. Before issuing an initial Schedule II prescription for pain or any opioid, the APN must counsel the patient (or guardian) on risks, alternatives, and safe use and document the discussion⁵.

Prescription and transmission requirements apply to controlled drugs. CDS prescriptions must include the drug quantity written in words, the APN’s DEA number, and use a separate New Jersey Prescription Blank for each controlled substance⁶⁷. APNs may transmit electronic prescriptions for Schedule II (with the original signed prescription presented before dispensing) and for Schedules III–V as permitted by regulation; all e-prescriptions must meet content and security standards¹. APNs must also complete six hours of continuing education related to controlled substances as part of their prescriptive authority framework⁹.