What schedule drugs can an NP prescribe in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, an NP can prescribe controlled substances in Schedules II–V, if this authority is included in the collaborative practice agreement.¹ To do so, the NP must meet specific requirements tied to DEA registration and physician supervision.¹

Key requirements and limits include:

• Prerequisites: The NP must have a DEA number and include it on each controlled-substance prescription; refills must follow controlled-substance laws; and the supervising physician must possess the same or greater controlled-substance schedules as the NP.¹
• Targeted controlled substances: For targeted controlled substances (as defined in N.C.G.S. §§ 90-90(1) and 90-91(d)), the NP must personally consult the supervising physician before prescribing when the patient is treated in a pain management setting and the therapy will exceed 30 days, and must re-consult at least every 90 days to confirm appropriateness.³⁴² “Consult” means a meaningful communication documented in the patient record.⁵