Discussion Board: Refer To The Following Website And Review

Discussion Boardrefer To The Following Website And Review The Florida

Discussion Board Refer to the following website and review the Florida controlled substance law for us as APRN. WHEN WAS PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY FOR APRN APPROVED, SPECIFICALLY IN FLORIDA? WHICH ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APRN BE GRANTED AUTHORIZATION/PRIVILAGES TO PRESCRIBED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE? WHAT IS CONSIDERED CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE? HOW TO APPLY FOR DEA NUMBER?

VISIT THE CDC WEBSITE, AND ELABORATE ON THE CURRENT ISSUE WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE USA AND FLORIDA? Please answer one by one Use APA 6 TH edition No Plagiarism 2-3 REFRENCES NO OLDER THAN 5 YEARS AT LEAST 350 WORDS DUE DATE 10/28/2020/ NO LATER THAN 10/28/2020 PLEASE

Paper For Above instruction

The expansion of nurse practitioner (NP) prescribing authority, particularly concerning controlled substances, has been a significant development in healthcare regulation. In Florida, the prescription authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) was formally approved through legislative action, specifically with the passage of laws recognizing their ability to prescribe controlled substances. The Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Health oversee the regulation of NP prescribing privileges, including controlled substances, following the implementation of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

In Florida, APRNs received prescription authority for controlled substances on July 1, 2015, following legislative amendments that expanded their scope of practice (Florida Board of Nursing, 2015). To be granted authorization or prescribing privileges for controlled substances, APRNs must meet several requirements. These include holding an active RN license and an APRN license, completing specific postgraduate training related to prescribing, especially in controlled substances, and obtaining a valid DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) registration number. Furthermore, APRNs are required to complete continuing education focused on controlled substance prescribing, including drug schedules, safe prescribing practices, and addressing substance use disorders.

A controlled substance is classified under federal and state law based on its potential for abuse and dependency. These drugs are categorized into schedules I through V, with Schedule I substances having the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (DEA, 2020). Examples include heroin and LSD (Schedule I), while Schedule II drugs such as oxycodone and methamphetamine are recognized for medical use but pose significant dependency risks. Florida aligns with federal classifications, regulating these substances rigorously to prevent misuse, diversion, and addiction.

To apply for a DEA number, APRNs must submit an application through the DEA’s Diversion Control Division. This process involves completing DEA Form 224, providing personal information, professional credentials, and evidence of state licensure and certification. Once approved, the DEA assigns a unique registration number, allowing APRNs to prescribe controlled substances legally within their scope of practice (DEA, 2020).

The CDC highlights a profound public health challenge: the rising prevalence of controlled substance misuse and overdose deaths, especially related to opioids. The USA faces an ongoing crisis marked by over 80,000 opioid-related deaths in 2022 (CDC, 2023). Florida reflects this national trend, with an increasing number of overdose incidents tied to prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic fentanyl. Contributing factors include overprescription, inadequate screening, and limited access to addiction treatment. The crisis underscores the necessity for healthcare providers, including APRNs, to be vigilant in their prescribing practices, emphasizing addiction prevention, early intervention, and referral for specialized treatment (NIDA, 2023).

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Drug overdose deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedata/report.html
  • Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Registering to prescribe controlled substances. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/register.htm
  • Florida Board of Nursing. (2015). Prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners. https://floridasnursing.gov/resources/legislation/prescriptive-authority/
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Opioid overdose crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids

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