Independent Prescribing and APRNs
Independent prescribing (also called "prescriptive authority") is the ability of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe, without limitation, legend (prescription) and controlled drugs, devices, adjunct health/medical services, durable medical goods, and other equipment and supplies. Independent prescribing does not require collaboration with a physician and is a key element of scope of practice for APRNs, as well as being part of the APRN Consensus Model, which seeks to achieve uniformity of state regulation of APRN practice.
Many states have made, and many are considering making, changes to existing laws that regulate scope of practice for APRNs, including independent prescribing privileges. Despite the existence of the consensus model, there are extensive disparities among the states with respect to prescriptive authority. In some states, prescriptive authority is granted at the time of APRN licensure; in others, the APRN must apply separately for these privileges. Differences exist in how much and what type of advanced pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics education is required, and whether and how much supervision of prescribing practice must take place before independent prescriptive authority is granted. Variation in prescribing laws also include whether all, or only some, APRN roles can be granted prescriptive authority; restrictions on prescribing controlled substances or the schedules of controlled drugs included; and the requirements for collaboration with a physician.
