Full Answer Section

• Finding Your State’s Requirements: Go to your state’s Board of Nursing website. Look for sections on “Nurse Practitioners,” “Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs),” or “Scope of Practice.” The information on collaboration/supervision requirements will be there.

2. APRN Certification and Licensure:

• General Information: The process typically involves:
  • Completing a graduate-level NP program accredited by a recognized body (e.g., ACEN, CCNE).
  • Passing a national certification exam in your chosen specialty (e.g., family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner).
  • Applying for licensure with your state’s Board of Nursing.
• Finding Your State’s Requirements: Again, your state’s Board of Nursing website is the definitive source. Look for sections on “APRNs,” “Licensure,” or “Certification.”

3. Certification Application Process:

• General Information: This usually involves submitting transcripts, proof of graduation, exam scores, and application fees to the state Board of Nursing.
• Finding Your State’s Process: Your state’s Board of Nursing website will have detailed instructions and application forms.

4. State Board of Nursing Website:

• How to Find It: Search online for “[Your State Name] Board of Nursing.”

5. Scope of Practice:

• General Information: The scope of practice defines what NPs are legally allowed to do. It varies by state and specialty. It usually includes things like:
  • Conducting comprehensive health assessments.
  • Diagnosing and treating common health problems.
  • Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
  • Prescribing medications (within defined limits).
• Finding Your State’s Definition: The Board of Nursing website will have a section on “Scope of Practice” or “Nurse Practice Act.”

6. Practice Agreement:

• General Information: If your state requires collaboration or supervision, you’ll likely need a written practice agreement with a collaborating/supervising physician. This agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties.
• Finding Your State’s Requirements: The Board of Nursing website will provide information about the requirements for practice agreements.

7. DEA License:

• General Information: If you plan to prescribe controlled substances, you’ll need a DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) license. You apply for this after you are licensed as an NP in your state.
• How to Apply: Go to the DEA website (www.dea.gov) for application instructions.

8. Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP):

• General Information: Most states have PMPs, which are databases that track prescriptions for controlled substances. NPs are often required to check the PMP before prescribing certain medications.
• Finding Your State’s PMP: Search online for “[Your State Name] Prescription Monitoring Program.”

9. Controlled-Substance Prescriptive Authority:

• General Information: State regulations define which schedules of controlled substances NPs are authorized to prescribe. This information is usually found in the Nurse Practice Act or related regulations on the Board of Nursing website. It is crucial to understand these restrictions.
• Finding Your State’s Regulations: Your state’s Board of Nursing website is the authoritative source.

Key Reminder: The information I provided is general. NP regulations are state-specific and can change. Always refer to your state’s Board of Nursing website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Do not rely on information from other sources, as they may be outdated or inaccurate.