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Prescribing & DEA Roadmap

Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive authority

Separate professional authority, state registration and federal DEA steps.

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Showing findings with official source evidence. Check the conditions for each requirement and confirm your circumstances with the board.

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Who may prescribe

  • Except as otherwise provided in R.S. 37:930 and 37:941, medical diagnosis and prescription by an APRN must be in accordance with a collaborative practice agreement.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/Nurse Practitioners.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      Except as otherwise provided in R.S. 37:930 and | | | | | | 13 | | 941, acts of medical diagnosis and prescription by an advanced practice registered | | | | | | 14 | | nurse shall be in accordance with a collaborative practice agreement.
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      Except as otherwise provided in R.S. 37:930, acts of medical diagnosis and prescription by an advanced practice registered nurse shall be in accordance with a collaborative practice agreement

  • LSBN approval is required to use the title and practice as an APRN in Louisiana.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/Nurse Practitioners.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      APRN Licensure – Approval by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) is required to use the title and practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Louisiana.

  • Louisiana pharmacy-board guidance says APRNs, also known as nurse practitioners, have legislative authority to prescribe controlled substances, and that authority is evident in the CDS license and DEA registration.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs with controlled-substance authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      ## Louisiana State Board of Nursing **Advanced practice registered nurses** [APRN], also known as **nurse practitioners**, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in their CDS license and DEA registration.
    3. 3. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License issued to them by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

  • An APRN may prescribe only as authorized by Louisiana law, and medical diagnosis and prescription must be in accordance with a collaborative practice agreement except as otherwise provided in R.S. 37:930.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/Nurse Practitioners.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      Except as otherwise provided in R.S. 37:930, acts of medical diagnosis and prescription by an advanced practice registered nurse shall be in accordance with a collaborative practice agreement
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      ## Louisiana State Board of Nursing **Advanced practice registered nurses** [APRN], also known as **nurse practitioners**, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

  • Louisiana pharmacy-board guidance says APRNs, also known as nurse practitioners, have legislative authority to prescribe controlled substances; the board page describes that authority as reflected in CDS license and DEA registration.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs with controlled-substance credentials.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in their CDS license and DEA registration.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      ## Louisiana State Board of Nursing **Advanced practice registered nurses** [APRN], also known as **nurse practitioners**, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

License and education prerequisites

  • An APRN is a licensed registered nurse certified by a nationally recognized certifying body and meeting board-established APRN criteria.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/Nurse Practitioners.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      (1) "Advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN" means a licensed registered nurse who is certified by a nationally recognized certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as having an advanced nursing specialty as described in this Part and who meets the criteria for an advanced practice registered nurse as established by the board.

  • Louisiana APRN endorsement applicants must hold an unrestricted Louisiana RN license or multistate RN privilege, a graduate degree or post-graduate award in the APRN role and population focus, current national certification, current clinical practice or recent APRN education, and no pending disciplinary action on RN or APRN licenses.

    Applies when: For APRN licensure by endorsement.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      Possess a current, valid, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana or have a current, valid, unrestricted RN license with multistate privileges from a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact; 2.
    2. 2. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      Possess a minimum of a graduate degree or post graduate award with a concentration in the respective APRN role and population focus from an accredited college or university that meets the curriculum guidelines established by the
    3. 3. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      3. Possess current national certification in the specific APRN role and population focus for which you are applying to LSBN for licensure; 4.
    4. 4. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      Possess current clinical practice/competency or completion of the APRN educational program within 2 years; 5.
    5. 5. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      6. Not have grounds for or pending disciplinary action upon your RN or other APRN licenses; 7.

  • An APRN is a licensed registered nurse who is certified by a nationally recognized certifying body and meets board-established APRN criteria.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      (1) "Advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN" means a licensed registered nurse who is certified by a nationally recognized certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as having an advanced nursing specialty as described in this Part and who meets the criteria for an advanced practice registered nurse as established by the board.

  • For the collaborative-practice exemption, the nurse practitioner must hold unencumbered, unrestricted, valid Louisiana RN and APRN licenses and not be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

    Applies when: Only for the statutory exemption cohort.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      | | SLS 22RS-433 | | | ORIGINAL | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | | | (1) Currently holds unencumbered, unrestricted, and valid registered | | | 2 | | nurse and advanced practice registered nurse licenses in this state and is not | | | | 3 | | subject to disciplinary proceedings for any of the grounds provided in R.S.
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      Each nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse | | | | 27 | | midwife who meets all of the following qualifications shall be exempt from any | | | | | | 28 | | requirement set forth in this Chapter to enter into a collaborative practice | | | | | | 29 | | agreement in order to perform advanced practice registered nursing: | | | | |

Collaboration and supervision

  • APRNs approved for prescriptive authority must obtain written approval for collaborating physicians before clinical practice.

    Applies when: For APRNs with prescriptive authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **SECTION D:** **APRN RESPONSIBILITIES**  *The APRN is responsible* for obtaining written approval from LSBN for collaborating physician(s) **prior** to clinical practice
    2. 2. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **APRN RESPONSIBILITIES**  *The APRN is responsible* for obtaining written approval from LSBN for **all** collaborating physician(s) and/or dentists(s) **prior** to clinical practice.

  • Collaborative practice is the joint management of a patient's health care by an APRN performing advanced practice registered nursing and one or more consulting physicians or dentists.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      (8) "Collaborative practice" means the joint management of the health care of a patient by an advanced practice registered nurse performing advanced practice registered nursing and one or more consulting physicians or dentists.
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      | | | | | | 7 | | | | | \* \* \* | | | 8 | | | | (8) "Collaborative practice" means the joint management of the health care | | | | 9 | | of a patient by an advanced practice registered nurse who is not exempted from the | | | | | | 10 | | requirement to enter into a collaborative practice agreement pursuant to R.S. | | | | | | 11 | | 37:941 and is performing advanced practice registered nursing and one or more | | | | | | 12 | | consulting physicians or dentists.

  • The collaborative practice agreement is a formal written statement mutually agreed upon by the APRN and one or more licensed physicians or dentists; it includes consultation or referral, management methods, and coverage during absences.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs subject to collaborative practice.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      (9) "Collaborative practice agreement" means a formal written statement addressing the parameters of the collaborative practice which are mutually agreed upon by the advanced practice registered nurse and one or more licensed physicians or dentists which shall include but not be limited to the following provisions: (a) Availability of the collaborating physician or dentist for consultation or referral, or both. (b) Methods of management of the collaborative practice which
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      or dentist for consultation or referral, or both. (b) Methods of management of the collaborative practice which shall include clinical practice guidelines. (c) Coverage of the health care needs of a patient during any absence of the advanced practice registered nurse, physician, or dentist

  • Upon application, if the board determines all required qualifications are met, the nurse practitioner is not required to enter into a collaborative practice agreement to perform advanced practice registered nursing.

    Applies when: Only for the statutory exemption cohort.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. legis.la.gov ↗
      | | | | 12 | | | (2) Upon application of a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or | | | 13 | | certified nurse midwife, if the board determines that all qualifications required | | | | 14 | | by Subsection B of this Section have been met, the nurse practitioner, clinical | | | | 15 | | nurse specialist, or certified nurse midwife shall not be required to enter into a | | | | 16 | | collaborative practice agreement in order to perform advanced practice | | | | 17 |
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      to enter into a | | | | 16 | | collaborative practice agreement in order to perform advanced practice | | | | 17 | | registered nursing. | | | | 18 | | | (3)(a) The board shall issue to each nurse practitioner, clinical nurse | | | 19 | | specialist, and certified nurse midwife it deems to be qualified for the exemption | | | | 20 | | provided for in this Section a certificate which bears all of the following: | | | | 21 | | | (i) The name of the applicant. | | | 22 | | |

State controlled-substance authority

  • APRNs, also known as nurse practitioners, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, and their controlled-substance authorization is evident in the CDS license.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      ## Louisiana State Board of Nursing **Advanced practice registered nurses** [APRN], also known as **nurse practitioners**, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License issued to them by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

  • The Louisiana CDS practitioner application is available online through the Online Services Portal, and APRNs must include a professional license copy plus the Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter.

    Applies when: For APRN CDS applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners - Social security card - Legible copy of the professional license issued by the Louisiana primary licensing board. - APRNs and ODs must include a legible copy of their Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.

  • The pharmacy-board page says CDS and DEA credentials in most cases include authority for Schedules III, III-N, IV, and V, and in some cases also Schedules II and/or II-N.

    Applies when: Board-page general statement for APRNs.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      In most cases, the CDS and DEA credentials include the authority to prescribe drugs in Schedules III, III-N, IV, and V.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      In some cases, their credentials may also include the authority to prescribe drugs in Schedules II and/or II-N

  • The Louisiana CDS application for practitioners is available online through the Online Services Portal, and APRNs must include a professional license copy plus the Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter.

    Applies when: For APRN CDS applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners - Social security card - Legible copy of the professional license issued by the Louisiana primary licensing board. - APRNs and ODs must include a legible copy of their Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.

  • The APRN CDS license application fee is $45.00.

    Applies when: For APRN applicants submitting the online CDS application.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners **Fee:** To be paid with the submission of the online application. - APRN, DDS, DPM, INT, MD, MDT, MP, OD, PA, RNT - $45.00 - DVM - $20.00 **Application:** Application for New Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License for Practitioners.

  • The board page says CDS and DEA credentials in most cases include authority for Schedules III, III-N, IV, and V, and in some cases also Schedules II and/or II-N.

    Applies when: Board-page general statement, not an individual scope determination.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      In most cases, the CDS and DEA credentials include the authority to prescribe drugs in Schedules III, III-N, IV, and V.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      In some cases, their credentials may also include the authority to prescribe drugs in Schedules II and/or II-N

Federal DEA requirements

  • With a Louisiana CDS license, the practitioner may then apply to the U.S. DEA.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRN controlled-substance applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      With a Louisiana CDS license, the practitioner may then apply to the U.S

  • Adding controlled substances to APRN prescriptive authority requires applying to two state agencies and one federal agency.

    Applies when: For APRNs seeking controlled-substance privileges.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      Adding CS to an APRN’s PA privileges is a **multi-step process** which requires the APRN to apply to two state agencies and one federal agency.

  • After DEA approval, the APRN sends copies of both the CDS license and DEA registration to LSBN within 30 days.

    Applies when: For APRNs adding controlled substances to prescriptive authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **STEP 5**: APRN sends copies of both CDS license and DEA registration to LSBN **within 30 days** of receiving the approval letter from LSBN.

  • The board page says that with a Louisiana CDS license, the practitioner may then apply to the U.S. DEA.

    Applies when: For Louisiana practitioners covered by that board page.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      With a Louisiana CDS license, the practitioner may then apply to the U.S

  • Louisiana pharmacy-board guidance says the controlled-substance authorization is evident in CDS license and DEA registration.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs with controlled-substance authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License issued to them by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in their CDS license and DEA registration.

Training and monitoring

  • APRN requests to add controlled substances to prescriptive authority must include proof of completion of a board-approved 3-hour continuing education course, and the page says this is a one-time requirement under current law.

    Applies when: For APRNs adding controlled-substance authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **SECTION C: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (CS) AUTHORITY** APRN’s requesting the addition of CS to their prescriptive authority must provide proof of completion of a board approved 3-hour continuing education course.
    2. 2. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      This is a one-time requirement under current law.

  • APRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain 6 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics each year.

    Applies when: For APRNs with prescriptive authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      In addition,**each year**APRNs with prescriptive authority must obtain six contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics in their advanced nursing role and population foci (required in 4513 of LSBN’s rules).
    2. 2. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      These CEs must be provided by a board-approved national certifying organization or provider approved by the board.

  • If selected for audit, APRNs with prescriptive authority must provide 12 contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics CE because the rule requires 6 annually.

    Applies when: For APRNs selected for CE audit.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **Note that since renewal occurs every two years, APRNs with prescriptive authority who are selected for the audit must provide 12 contact hours of CE in pharmacotherapeutics since the rule requires six annually.

Fees and renewals

  • $45.00

    Applies when: For the APRN Louisiana CDS license application.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners **Fee:** To be paid with the submission of the online application. - APRN, DDS, DPM, INT, MD, MDT, MP, OD, PA, RNT - $45.00 - DVM - $20.00 **Application:** Application for New Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License for Practitioners.

  • The APRN CDS license application fee is $45.00.

    Applies when: For APRN applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners **Fee:** To be paid with the submission of the online application. - APRN, DDS, DPM, INT, MD, MDT, MP, OD, PA, RNT - $45.00 - DVM - $20.00 **Application:** Application for New Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License for Practitioners.

Applications and documents

  • The CDS practitioner application is available online through the Online Services Portal.

    Applies when: For APRN CDS applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.

  • APRN applicants must include the Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.

    Applies when: For APRN CDS applications.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners - Social security card - Legible copy of the professional license issued by the Louisiana primary licensing board. - APRNs and ODs must include a legible copy of their Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.

  • To add controlled substances to APRN prescriptive authority, the applicant should review CDS-license and DEA-registration requirements before submitting the controlled-substance application.

    Applies when: For APRNs seeking controlled-substance authority.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **The APRN should review the application requirements and fees associated with applying** **for a Louisiana CDS license (LBP)** and **federal DEA registration (DEA) BEFORE submitting an application for CS**

  • The CDS application is available online through the Online Services Portal, and APRNs must include a professional license copy and the Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter.

    Applies when: For APRN CDS applicants.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Application Process Transparency - CDS License - Practitioners - Social security card - Legible copy of the professional license issued by the Louisiana primary licensing board. - APRNs and ODs must include a legible copy of their Limited Prescriptive and Distributive Authority for Controlled Substance letter from their professional licensing agency.

Authorities and sources

  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRN licensure and collaborative-practice matters.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      APRN Licensure – Approval by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) is required to use the title and practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Louisiana.
    2. 2. legis.la.gov ↗
      As used in this Part, "board" means the Louisiana State Board of | | | | 25 | | Nursing.

  • Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

    Applies when: For Louisiana CDS license administration and practitioner controlled-substance pages.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License issued to them by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
    3. 3. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      # Prescribers with Authority for Controlled Substances ## Louisina State Board of Medical Examiners **Physicians** (whether allopathic [MD] or osteopathic [DO]), **surgeons**, and **podiatrists** [DPM] are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

  • U.S. DEA.

    Applies when: For federal controlled-substance registration.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      With a Louisiana CDS license, the practitioner may then apply to the U.S
    2. 2. lsbn.state.la.us ↗
      **STEP 4**: APRN submits application *and fee* to DEA to obtain federal registration for same controlled substance schedule(s) approved by LSBN.

  • Louisiana APRNs, also known as nurse practitioners, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRNs/NPs.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      ## Louisiana State Board of Nursing **Advanced practice registered nurses** [APRN], also known as **nurse practitioners**, are licensed and regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

  • The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy page identifies APRN controlled-substance authority and the CDS application process for practitioners.

    Applies when: For Louisiana APRN controlled-substance authority and CDS licensing.

    Source evidence
    1. 1. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      They have been authorized by the legislature to prescribe controlled substances; that authorization is evident in the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) License issued to them by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
    2. 2. pharmacy.la.gov ↗
      This application is available online through the Online Services Portal.
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