How To Prepare And Review Your State's Process For Obtaining

To Preparereview Your States Process For Obtaining Prescriptive Auth

To prepare: Review your state’s process for obtaining prescriptive authority and associated fees (Georgia). Review the DEA website and review the process for obtaining a DEA number and associated fees. Review and select one of the following case studies and analyze the provider information: Case Study One: Lori, FNP-BC, is a new graduate and has recently passed her certification exam. She has just been hired to work for a Primary Care Clinic as a nurse practitioner in a small town. She will be working with one physician at one site. Case study Two: James, FNP-BC, works with a physician who specializes in pain control. He works in several clinics in the large urban city where he practices as nurse practitioner. Write 1 to 2 pages. Post a brief summary of the case study you selected and an explanation of the appropriate prescriptive authority and DEA registration process needed for the case study you selected. Then, explain the safe prescribing practices that these providers should use for these settings. Reference Buppert, C. (2015). Prescribing. In Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. U.S. Department of Justice (n.d.). Drug Enforcement Administration: Office of Diversion Control. Retrieved from Required Media Fisher, A. S. (2015, June 5). Medical Records: What Must Be Included from a Legal Standpoint? [Video file]. Retrieved from

Paper For Above instruction

The process of obtaining prescriptive authority and DEA registration varies depending on state regulations and the specific practice setting. This paper analyzes the case of Lori, a newly certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), working in a small town primary care clinic. It explores the steps necessary for her to gain prescriptive authority, obtain a DEA number, and implement safe prescribing practices suitable for her practice environment.

Case Study Summary: Lori, FNP-BC

Lori is a recent graduate who has successfully passed her certification exam and joined a small-town primary care clinic. Her role involves managing common acute and chronic conditions, with a scope of practice that includes certain prescriptive privileges. She works closely with one physician at a single site, serving a rural patient population. Her responsibilities include prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and providing comprehensive patient care under the state’s Nurse Practitioner scope of practice regulations.

Prescriptive Authority and DEA Registration Process

In Georgia, nurse practitioners can obtain prescriptive authority following the state's Board of Nursing guidelines, which typically require completing a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician. Since Lori is a new practitioner, her prescriptive authority is likely limited initially, but she may also pursue full prescriptive rights with experience and supervision. The process involves submitting an application to the Georgia Board of Nursing, demonstrating national certification, and possibly providing evidence of collaborative practice agreements.

Regarding controlled substances, Lori must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe these medications. The registration process involves completing a DEA Form 223 online or via mail, paying the requisite fee, and awaiting approval. For nurse practitioners in Georgia, DEA registration is mandatory if they intend to prescribe controlled substances, especially Schedule II-V medications. The DEA assigns a unique number, which Lori will include on prescriptions for controlled drugs.

Safe Prescribing Practices

As a new practitioner, Lori must prioritize patient safety and adhere to legal and ethical standards in prescribing. This includes conducting thorough patient assessments, reviewing medication histories, and considering potential drug interactions. Prescriptions should be clearly written, including patient identifiers, medication name, dosage, and instructions, with concurrent documentation of clinical justifications.

Lori should also employ evidence-based guidelines when prescribing controlled medications, particularly opioids. Utilizing tools like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) helps prevent misuse and diversion. Additionally, patient education on medication adherence, side effects, and safe storage is critical. Regular follow-up and monitoring for adverse effects are essential components of safe prescribing, especially given the risks associated with controlled substances in rural settings.

Conclusion

For Lori, obtaining prescriptive authority involves completing state application procedures and registering with the DEA, both of which are essential for legal prescribing practices. Safe prescribing is vital in ensuring positive patient outcomes and avoiding legal pitfalls. As she gains experience, Lori can expand her scope within the regulatory framework, ensuring her practice remains compliant and safe for her patients.

References

  • Buppert, C. (2015). Prescribing. In Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
  • U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Drug Enforcement Administration: Office of Diversion Control. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
  • Georgia Board of Nursing. (2021). Prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners. Retrieved from https://sos.ga.gov
  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2022). Prescriptive authority & DEA registration. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org
  • Fisher, A. S. (2015). Medical records: What must be included from a legal standpoint? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
  • National Governors Association. (2019). State laws and regulations for nurse practitioners. Retrieved from https://www.nga.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). CDC guidelines for safe prescribing. MMWR, 69(3), 45–50.
  • American Medical Association. (2021). Best practices in prescribing controlled substances. https://www.ama-assn.org
  • State of Georgia. (2020). Nurse practitioner scope of practice law. Retrieved from https://georgia.gov
  • Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. (2018). Rural health disparities and solutions. Retrieved from https://oshpd.ca.gov